Spasm in fingers

[PixelAteMyFace]

I sometimes get strange spasms in my fingers, not always the same fingers, and more often the left hand than the right. I`m right-handed.

The affected finger suddenly goes stiff and sticks out sideways. Its painful and I cant move it. The spasm passes when I massage it for a couple of minutes.

Sometimes it happens a couple of times a week, then it can be weeks before it happens again. The first time was four years ago when I was having physio for back problems. I mentioned it to the physiotherapist and she said she didn`t know what it could be.

Does anyone else get this? Any ideas what it could be? It doesn`t fit the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Thanks for the reply, Footle. I just googled du Puytrens and it isnt like my fingers - they go sideways, not towards the palm of my hand. I can hold my hand completely flat on a table too.

I get this too Pixel it is scary isnt it ? I get leg cramps also .
I will go to the doctor but for now have found that taking magnesium and calcium tablets helps a lot and a banana for potassium twice a day.
make sure you are not dehydrated and drink plenty water .
This has reduced the spasms a lot for me .
Do you use your hands a lot at work ?

Thanks for the advice, basset. I just started taking magnesium four days ago. I also get a lot of leg cramps, but they are most likely due to the herniated disc problem I`ve had for four years.

What you said about dehydration is interesting - I probably dont drink as much as I should, especially as Im menopausal and constantly getting hot (and very sweaty) flushes.

I use my hands quite a bit as my hobby is crochet, but have never suffered spasms while crocheting

Hope it helps Pixel ........I love crochet too . Do think that it is caused by vitamin / electrolyte deficiency and dehydration mostly .
Hope it helps and yup ....if not we both must see our doctors .

My fingers sometimes get stuck in a bent position and I have to use the other hand to physically unfold them again.

It's not painful,just odd,and I have wondered why. But mine seems a little different to your situation.

I use my hands a lot at work and I'm assuming this is a forerunner to arthritis in my old age for me.

I had carpal tunnel when pregnant,and it's very different.

Verysmallsqueak - if its always the same fingers that stick, then its probably trigger finger. DH has had it in a couple of fingers - one went away after a steroid injection, the other needed a teeny operation under local to release the tendon sheath (and when I say teeny, it took 7 minutes, and the incision was 1cm long)

Thank you CMOT!

I wonder if I should mention it to the gp?

If it is only a case of this happening every so often I can live with it but obviously if it's likely to get progressively worse or cause future problems then I suppose I would need to take action.

It does seem to be the same fingers - probably two or three,but I have to be honest and say that I haven't paid too much attention.

I'd mention it - early on it might settle with the injection rather than leaving it to get worse. No need for it to become an issue.

Is it not just cramp? I get it in my fingers and toes very frequently, and have been getting it in my legs a lot too. In my case the cause is doing a lot of exercise, and it is better when I make sure I rehydrate properly and take electrolyte supplements.