Hand tremors can be mild or they can be severe and limit the ability of a person to remain independent. Hand tremors have several causes, some controllable and others not. The first step is to have the cause of the tremor diagnosed.
Identification
The brain sends signals to the muscles in the body that are responsible for making a movement. For example, when sipping a cup of coffee, the brain must signal the biceps muscle in the front of the arm to contract and the triceps muscle in the back of the arm to relax so that the elbow can bend. Additional muscles must be recruited to help stabilize the movement so the cup can get to the mouth in a controlled fashion. When the cup is placed back down, the muscles can go back to a resting state. Diseases that affect the brain or nervous system, or conditions that heighten nervous system activity, such as drinking too much coffee, can cause abnormal movements, including hand tremors. Tremors can happen anywhere on the body, but the hands are the most common site.
Types
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, diagnosing hand tremors includes distinguishing what type of tremor is occurring. Resting tremors occur when the hand is not being used. Action tremors occur with all movements of the hand. A postural tremor occurs when a position is maintained, such as holding the arms and hands out straight. Kinetic or task specific tremors only occur with certain motions, such as writing or when trying to hold an object. During the diagnostic process, a physician will perform a physical exam to test what type of tremor is occurring and then run any necessary lab tests to help determine the cause. Once a proper diagnosis is made, then a treatment plan can be formed. If a disease such as Parkinson's disease or thyroid disease is causing the hand tremor, the disease will need to be addressed first.
Treatment
All hand tremors, whether they are caused by disease or are occurring as part of aging, have triggers that can make them worse, according to the National Institutes of Health. This includes ingesting too much alcohol or caffeine, stress, fatigue, low blood sugar or they can be a side effect of a medication. Making lifestyle changes can help to reduce the frequency and severity of hand tremors. Cutting back on alcohol and caffeine, getting adequate rest and learning relaxation techniques can all play a role in the treatment plan. A physician might be able to make changes to medications that seem to be exacerbating the hand tremors. Because each case is different, it might be necessary to experiment with a few techniques to see which ones work. In cases where conservative methods fail, a variety of drugs can be used to control hand tremors.
Considerations
The most common type of hand tremor is called essential tremor. For reasons not well understood, in some patients it remains mild while in others it gets progressively worse with age. To help manage hand tremors, the International Essential Tremor Foundation recommends developing coping skills. Learning to do tasks with the nontrembling hand or always using both hands. Use cups with lids and straws to make drinking easier. Fill out paperwork for appointments or banking at home or use online forms. Don't be afraid to ask for modifications at restaurants such as requesting finger foods, having the kitchen staff cut the food before serving it or bringing drinks with the glass half full.
Solution
If a hand tremor is making normal tasks difficult, adaptive devises might help. Special plates and cups that stick to the table so they will not move might prove helpful. Plates and bowls can also come with bumpers on the sides so that food can not be pushed off the plate while trying to pick it up. Larger-size utensils or utensils that are partly covered that do not allow food to spill can also be tried. Pens that are easier to grip, book holders and voice activated computer programs to cut back on the need to type or use a mouse are also available. A physical or occupational therapist can suggest tools that can help maintain independence.
