Dibilitating Hand Cramps

[SuziC]

For years I have had claw-like hand cramps in my right hand and wrist. I take calcium, b-complex and potassium, and have odne so for years. I have been tested for carpal tunnel and the doctors have said the cramps are unrelated. I saw a neurologist, who shrugged his shoulders. For the last year I've just lived with the pain and avoided activities that depend on my holding any weight in my right hand. However, today I had an hour-long cramping episode that brought me to tears. I had to place my hand on a flat surface and hold it down to ease the pain. Where do I turn? The doctors have told me they don't "really know what causes hand cramps." They've all suggested the above vitimins and I have followed the advice faithfully. Yes, Advil works, but, it also makes me very tired.

[caregiver222]

You are not taking vitamin D3, which is necessary to utilize the calcium.  Quinine sulfate capsules will relieve the cramps, but can no longer be obtained over-the-counter because people were taking too many leading to cardiac arythmias.

[pghudson]

I have this in my left hand. I also have additional symptoms (numbness) that was traced to ulnar nerve damage in the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome). I've already had surgery, but neither symptom has abated yet (still early). There are tests they can do (a neurologist) to check for nerve damage, so you might want to try that. I'll update this if the hand-cramping subsides as a result of the surgery.