Why is my hand shaking? What causes hand tremors and when to seek help

Have you ever noticed your hand shaking while you pour your morning coffee or stand in line at the grocery store? Shaky hands, or “hand tremors” as they are medically known, are more common than you might think. Some people may ignore them if they happen inconsistently or don’t affect day-to-day activities.

But shaky hands can affect your quality of life when they start to interfere with everyday life, especially if they become more severe. You may start to see that it becomes harder to do the following simple tasks:

• Holding a cup or glass without spilling
• Eating without shaking
• Shaving or putting on makeup
• Writing legibly

Hand tremors can also be socially embarrassing and thus limit your social interactions and visits. Here’s what you should know about hand tremors, their causes and the latest treatments.

What are hand tremors?

Hand tremors are involuntary, rhythmic muscle movements that cause shaking in the hands and fingers. There are a few different types of hand tremors:

1. Rest tremors occur when hands are relaxed and supported

2. Action tremors happen when making voluntary movements, such as drinking from a cup, holding a plate or silverware, writing, etc.

3. Postural tremors appear when holding hands against gravity, like holding out your arms

Causes of shaky hands

There can be several causes of hand tremors. Minor, occasional tremors may be nothing to worry about—but some can be more worrisome.

Among the most common causes are:

• Essential Tremor (which runs in families)
• Parkinson’s disease
• Side effects from medication
• Stress
• Caffeine
• Toxins
• Liver, kidney or thyroid issues
• Brain lesions

Identifying your hand tremors

The characteristics of your tremor will give your doctor a clue as to what the cause might be. For example, hand tremors in Parkinson’s disease mostly start on one side of the body and appear worse when your hand is resting on an object or by your side.

A tremor in Essential Tremor can affect one or both sides of the body, often with one side worse than the other. You will probably notice this type of tremor more often when you hold your hand in a specific pose, or when your hand is moving and in action.

Everyday stress and anxiety can also cause tremors or worsen existing tremors. Various relaxing techniques can help in such cases and so can getting care from a psychologist or taking anti-anxiety medications. Speak with your doctor about the best way to manage your anxiety.

What’s the difference between Essential Tremor and Parkinson’s disease?

Although hand tremors are often associated with Parkinson’s disease, some tremors may happen due to Essential Tremor. Here is how the two are different:

Parkinson’s disease

• Tremors from Parkinson's disease are most noticeable when your hands are at the sides of the body or resting in the lap
• Parkinson's disease may be associated with stooped posture, slow movement and dragging your feet when walking and many other symptoms in the body
• Parkinson's disease tremors usually start in your hands, and can affect the legs, chin and other parts of your body; they also, usually start on one side of the body

Essential Tremor

• Tremors from Essential Tremor usually occur when using your hands
• Essential Tremor doesn't cause other health problems, although people sometimes develop other neurological signs and symptoms, such as an unsteady walk
• Essential Tremor mainly involves your hands, head and voice

When to seek help for shaky hands

In general, if you notice the tremor happens all the time, not just when you are anxious, stressed or have had too much caffeine, it might mean it is time to get your hands looked at by a specialist.

Speak with your doctor if your tremors:

• Interfere with your daily activities
• Worsen over time
• Are accompanied by other neurological symptoms
• Begin suddenly
• Occur with new medications

Treatments for hand tremors

There are various medications that can be used for treating hand tremors, depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, like Essential Tremor or Parkinson’s disease, there are new techniques that use botulinum toxin injections, gamma knife radiation therapy, ultrasound or electrical stimulation to help alleviate the tremors.

In some instances, physical therapy or lifestyle changes—such as reducing caffeine or managing stress—might help reduce the tremors.

In most cases, you should notice a significant improvement with the right treatment.

Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing hand tremors, or find a movement disorder specialist near you today.