Cramps can occur because of a wide variety of reasons, and it can occur in everyone irrespective of their age, or gender. They can occur in our hands, legs, thighs, stomach, etc. Though they are not that serious, they can considerably affect our ability to perform simple tasks. Hence, the patients might often wonder can hand cramps be a sign of something serious. Finding out the root cause behind the hand cramps is indeed very important. This is simply because of the fact that if we are able to find out the cause of this condition, then by managing it we will be able to get rid of the cramps quite easily. In most cases, the underlying issues are quite simple, as well as easily manageable. On the other hand, sometimes the cramps can occur because of serious underlying issues that must be given due attention. So, if you feel that your cramps are becoming difficult to manage, then you must take your healthcare practitioner’s appointment, and pay him a visit as soon as possible. He or she will evaluate the symptoms thoroughly, and will determine the necessary treatment that you must undergo.
Can Hand Cramps Be A Sign Of Something Serious In The Kidney?
- Diseases related to the kidney can also lead to cramps in various parts of the body. This might occur when our kidneys become unable to remove waste from the body properly. It might also occur, when the kidneys fail to maintain the fluid and electrolyte balance of our body.
- People suffering from such diseases experience cramps in hands, and other parts of the body quite frequently. The cramps tend to occur because of the inadequate fluid-electrolyte balances, nerve damage, as well as issues related to the blood flow.
- Another notable feature of this condition is that people suffering from kidney related problems mainly experience leg cramps. Though leg cramps are very common in kidney related issues, some people might also experience cramps in other parts of the body.
- Apart from hand and leg cramps, people suffering from kidney related issues might also experience loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, swelling of ankles and feet, fatigue and weakness, brain fog, persistent itching, sleep problems, etc.
- So, if you are facing any of the above mentioned symptoms along with cramps in hands and legs, then the chances are high that you might be suffering from kidney diseases. In such situations, you must get in touch with your doctor immediately.
Hand Cramps Can Be A Sign Of Stiff Hand Syndrome
In case you are wondering can hand cramps be a sign of something serious that is going on, then you must know that stiff hand syndrome can also cause hand cramps.
- This condition is also known as diabetic cheiroarthropathy, or diabetic stiff hand syndrome. It can be regarded as a health complication of diabetes.
- In the stiff hand syndrome, thickening, as well as waxiness of the hands occur. As a result of this, the patient will find it difficult to use the fingers properly. In other words, there will be limited mobility in the fingers.
- Another thing that must be noted is that hand cramps are observed in the case of both type 1, as well as type 2 diabetes. In both these types of diabetes, stiff hand syndrome is observed.
- Several studies show that the stiff hand syndrome is caused because of an increase of glycosylation. As a result of increased glycosylation, the sugar molecules tend to attach themselves to the protein molecules. Because of this, the collagen production also increases.
- The other symptoms of stiff hand syndrome are inability to bring all the fingers together, inability to strengthen joints, thick, waxy skin on the backside of the hand, stiffness in the little finger which extends to the thumb, etc.
- If you observe any of the above mentioned symptoms along with cramps in hand, then you must take it seriously. Such issues might indicate that you are suffering from stiff hand syndrome that is associated with diabetes. Hence, you must get yourself checked thoroughly.
Can Hand Cramps Be A Sign Of Something Serious Like Arthritis?
- Rheumatoid arthritis can be considered as a very common type of arthritis in which issues such as hand cramps are observed. Along with that, the patient might also experience cramps in other parts of the body, such as legs.
- As we all know, this is an autoimmune disease, and in this case, our immune system starts attacking our joints. This in turn results in inflammation, and associated thickening of the joint tissues. Gradually, the patients will lose their mobility, and will find it difficult to carry out different tasks.
- A person suffering from rheumatoid arthritis will also feel cramps in their knees, wrists, feet, ankles, elbows, etc. Thus, if you have cramps in any of these areas, along with hand cramps, then the chances are high that you might be suffering from this autoimmune disease.
- In most cases of rheumatoid arthritis, it has been observed that if one hand or leg is affected, then the other one usually doesn’t show any issues. In some cases, both the hands, and legs might get affected. But such instances are usually very rare.
Conclusion
We have discussed can hand cramps be a sign of something serious that is going on. The hand cramps can be the result of a number of underlying health issues such as kidney problems, stiff hand syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. The hand cramps can be managed quite easily at home using activities such as stretching, strength building exercises, swimming, etc. It can also be managed to a great extent by enhancing the fluid intake. You can also try taking some vitamin D supplements for relieving the hand cramps. These remedies will provide you temporary relief from the hand cramps. But, if you are looking for a permanent solution, then you must find out the root cause of these cramps. Thereafter, you must undergo the necessary treatments to eradicate the underlying issue. This will provide you permanent relief from the persistent hand cramps.