Thumb Spasms

Thumb spasm is the uncontrolled continuous contraction of muscles in the thumb. It is different from a thumb twitch, which is often neglected as it subsides in a short time. When the nerves connected to the muscles in the thumb get irritated, it causes a spasm.

There are various causes that result in the condition. It may be due to minor muscle strain, too much intake of caffeine, drug side effect or dehydration. Many a time, it goes on its own in a short time. However, chronic thumb spasms may be a symptom of a serious problem and would need to be examined by a doctor. The following segment will brief you on the causes of this unrestrained contraction of the thumb.

• Thumb spasms are mainly caused due to muscle constrictions. The contractions maybe caused to due to an injury to the nerve.

• Spasms are caused due to any nutritional deficiency in the body. Conditions like hypomagnesemia (deficiency of magnesium), hypocalcemia (deficiency of calcium) and hyperphosphatemia (excess of phosphorous), cause imbalance in the electrolyte levels in the body, resulting in spasms in the thumb.

• Dehydration can also be a possible cause of thumb spasms. Muscles require water to function and deficiencies cause muscles to get irritated, resulting in thumb spasms.
• Spasms may be a drug side effect. Some of the drugs that cause this are diuretics, estrogen and corticosteroids.

• Excessive exercise or overuse of the thumb over an extended time period in any activity results in muscle cramps that can lead to spasms. This could be experienced while playing a sport, typing or any other work in which the thumb has to be used continuously.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome is a possible cause of thumb spasms. It is a condition in which the median nerve in the wrist becomes numb. This is due to swelling of tissues that are around the nerve. The result is spasms in the thumb. It is common in people who constantly use their hand, such as painters and sportsmen.

• Thumb spasms may also occur due to nervousness. Hyperventilation, i.e., quick breathing, happens when one is scared or anxious, which may result in spasms.

• Spasms may be a symptom of a peripheral arterial disease. It is a condition in which arteries are blocked, as a result of which the blood supply reduces. Poor blood supply can lead to spasms in the thumb.
• It can also be a symptom of diabetes, anemia, thyroid disorders and other kidney diseases.

• Consumption of too much of caffeine or withdrawal from it may cause thumb spasms.
• Parkinson's disease, which is a disorder of the nervous system may cause this problem. It begins around the ribs or shoulder and moves to other parts of the body such as the thumb.

• In complex regional pain syndrome, an acute burning sensation is felt in the area of the injury. Spasms are also a symptom of this disorder.

• Spasms may be due to multiple sclerosis. It is a disease that affects the functioning of the brain and spinal cord and interferes with all activities regulated by the nervous system. Thumb spasm is one of its most common symptoms.

• Thumb spasm is connected to neurological diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and myopathy. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease in which the upper and lower motor neurons disintegrate. Spasm is one of its symptoms, that can be seen in the initial days. Myopathy is a muscular disease in which muscles become frail resulting in spasms.

There are no specific home treatments for thumb spasms. If it happens once in a while and goes on its own, it may not be a cause of concern, it may just be a thumb twitch. However, if it is persistent over a long time, then it may well be a symptom of one of the diseases mentioned above. It is important that you consult a doctor who will conduct the necessary tests.

Tests may involve a MRI scan, blood test to check for electrolyte levels, electromyography to determine any deformity of muscles and nerves that control it, and nerve conduction studies. Hence, if you experience thumb spasms due to any one of the above said causes, it's best to pay a visit to the doctor who would be able to diagnose your problem and give you the appropriate treatment. Take care!