Tap to Read ➤

Finger Twitching

Kanika Khara
Most of us at some point of time must have experienced finger twitching or spasms. Read some information on the various factors that may result in finger muscle twitching.
Finger twitching is not a disease in itself and can be a symptom of some other diseases. Considering that the main reason for twitching can be stress, incorrect sleeping posture, or calcium deficiency, one usually tends to ignore it.
However, there can be various other severe factors that may contribute to twitching or spasm, which if not diagnosed and treated in time can be life-threatening.

Some Causes

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve traveling through the carpal tunnel (a passageway in the wrist via which nerves and the flexor muscles of hands pass). There can be various intrinsic as well extrinsic factors like lipomas, ganglion, vascular malformation, muscle overuse, etc., that may result to this condition.
Numbness, twitching, burning sensations, muscle cramps, lost gripping strength, and in extreme cases, pain in the hands or wrist are some of the common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Parkinson's Disease

Another severe cause for finger spasms and twitching is Parkinson's disease. It is a life-threatening degenerating disorder of the central nervous system that usually deteriorates the affected person's motor skills, speech, and other bodily functions.
It is basically a movement disorder which is characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement (bradykinesia), and eventually a loss of physical movement (akinesia).
Though its actual cause is still unknown, some of the probable causes include genetic, toxins, head trauma, cerebral anoxia, and drug-induced Parkinson's disease. Finger twitching, numbness, muscle spasms, etc., are some of the common symptoms of Parkinson's disease during the initial stages.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a type of motor neuron disease. It is a progressive, severe, neurodegenerative disease, which occurs due to the degeneration of motor neurons, the nerve cells in the central nervous system responsible for voluntary muscle movement.
The onset of ALS may be so insidious that its symptoms are often overlooked. However, twitching, cramping, stiffness of the affected muscles, and muscle weakness affecting an arm or a leg, etc., are some of the mild ALS symptoms which can be noticed during the initial stages.
Though in most of the cases, the causes of finger twitching are not this severe and so the symptom usually gets cured on its own, either by doing some finger and arm exercises or by making some healthy dietary changes.
However, if the condition prevails for a longer period of time, do not delay to consult the doctor. This is because the best way to overcome twitching and spasm in the fingers is its early diagnosis and corresponding treatment.
Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.