Hello to our ROHSI community members. We know that when our hands start to shake, it can be frustrating and a little scary. Whether it’s a slight flutter when we’re holding a cup of tea or a more noticeable shake when we’re resting, our body is trying to tell us something.
Types of Tremors:
Rest Tremor! Occurs when muscles are relaxed, often associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Action Tremor! Occurs during movement (e.g., reaching, writing). This includes essential tremor, which is the most common form.
Postural Tremor! Occurs when holding a position against gravity, such as holding an arm out.
While many tremors are harmless, persistent shaking is a signal that deserves our attention. Here is a breakdown of what might be happening and how we can take control of our health.
Common Reasons Our Hands Might Shake
Not all tremors are created equal. Understanding the “why” is the first step toward finding relief.
• Lifestyle Triggers! High stress, anxiety, or too much caffeine can overstimulate our nervous system. Even a lack of sleep or low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) can lead to the jitters.
• Essential Tremor! This is one of the most common neurological conditions. It usually happens when using our hands (like tying shoelaces) rather than when they are resting. It often runs in families.
• Medication Side Effects! Certain asthma meds, antidepressants, or even some seizure medications can cause shakiness as a side effect.
• Neurological Conditions! In some cases, tremors can be an early sign of Parkinson’s disease (usually a “resting tremor”) or multiple sclerosis (MS).
• Thyroid Issues! An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) speeds up our body’s metabolism, which can manifest as a fine tremble in the hands.
Why Does Tracking Matter?
The most important thing we can do for our doctor is to provide a “map” of our symptoms. Because tremors can come and go, our observations are more valuable than a single 15-minute checkup.
What to track in a simple notebook:
· When does it happen, e.g., while eating, while resting, or when I’m nervous?
· What does it feel like, e.g., a rhythmic shake or a tiny twitch?
· What did I eat/drink, e.g., did I just have my third cup of coffee?
· Are there other symptoms, e.g., dizziness, sweating, or muscle weakness?
When to see a doctor:
While at ROHSI, we aim to provide support and education; we are a community and not a clinic. Please advise that you reach out to a healthcare professional if
• The tremor starts suddenly or gets worse quickly.
• It interferes with our daily life – eating, writing, or working.
• We notice changes in our gait – how we walk or balance.
A Note of Hope from us at ROHSI! Most hand tremors are manageable. Once the cause is identified, treatments ranging from simple lifestyle changes to physical therapy or medication can significantly improve our quality of life.
So have a sit or dialogue with your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any of the symptoms we talked about. Here at Rays of Hope Support Initiative, our mission is to support one another through every tremor and triumph. By understanding our bodies, sharing our stories, and seeking help without shame, we find our strength.
ROHSI management team.
UNDERSTANDING HAND TREMORS: MORE THAN JUST A “SHAKY HAND”