How to Stop Hand Tremors Naturally - Causes and Treatments

Understanding Hand Tremors and Treatment Options

Hand tremors refer to unintentional and uncontrollable shaking or trembling of the hands. Tremors can occur in one or both hands and vary in severity. While not life-threatening, tremors can negatively impact daily activities and quality of life. If you experience consistent hand tremors, it is important to understand the potential causes and explore safe, effective treatment options.

What Causes Hand Tremors?

There are various possible causes of hand tremors, including:

• Essential tremor - The most common movement disorder, often runs in families.
• Parkinson's disease - Shaking is a primary symptom, caused by dopamine deficiency.
• Multiple sclerosis - Damage to nerve fibers can trigger tremors.
• Stroke - Tremors may develop if stroke affects certain brain regions.
• Traumatic brain injury
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Neuropathy - Nerve damage often related to chronic diseases like diabetes.
• Fatigue, stress, anxiety
• Too much caffeine or other stimulants
• Normal aging

Discuss your symptoms and medical history with your doctor to determine what may be causing your hand tremors. Diagnostic tests like bloodwork, brain scans, and neurological exams can help identify the underlying condition.

Lifestyle Changes and Home Remedies to Reduce Hand Tremors

While medical treatment may be necessary depending on the cause, there are also many lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help minimize bothersome hand tremors. Natural approaches to consider include:

Stress Management Techniques

Chronic stress can worsen tremors for some people. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or Tai Chi to calm the body and mind.

Improve Sleep Habits

Not getting enough good quality sleep can exacerbate hand tremors. Aim for 7-9 hours per night and adopt healthy sleep hygiene habits.

Limit Caffeine and Other Stimulants

Consuming too much caffeine or stimulant medications can increase shaking. Cut back to see if it provides relief.

Stay Well Hydrated

Dehydration negatively impacts neurological functioning. Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids.

Use Warm and Cold Therapy

Applying gentle warm or cold compresses to trembling hands can have a calming effect for some patients.

Exercise Regularly

Regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, may reduce overall tremor severity for some individuals.

Limit Alcohol Intake

Drinking alcohol can worsen tremors temporarily. Reduce consumption or avoid alcohol if it exacerbates your symptoms.

Practice Stress Reduction Techniques

Try yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation to manage stress and anxiety that may worsen tremors.

Use Weighted Utensils

Special weighted utensils and grips can make eating and writing easier by dampening tremors.

Occupy Your Mind

Activities requiring focus like puzzles, reading, crafts, or games can distract from tremors.

Track Your Symptoms

Keep a tremor journal noting factors that improve or worsen your shaking, and share with your doctor.

Consider Occupational Therapy

An OT can recommend assistive devices and strategies to safely perform daily activities with tremors.

Medical Treatment Options for Hand Tremors

If lifestyle remedies do not adequately control your hand tremors, talk to your doctor about medical treatment options. The best therapies depend on the underlying cause, and may include:

Prescription Medications

Drugs that may be prescribed for hand tremors include:

• Beta blockers like propranolol to block adrenaline
• Anti-seizure drugs such as primidone or topiramate
• Botox injections to paralyze muscles temporarily
• Dopamine agonists for Parkinson's disease

Deep Brain Stimulation

DBS requires surgically implanting electrodes in the thalamus region of the brain, which are connected to a neurostimulator. Electrical signals disrupt abnormal nerve cell activity leading to tremors.

Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy

This noninvasive procedure uses MRI-guided focused ultrasound waves to ablate a tiny section of the thalamus associated with tremors.

Physical and Occupational Therapy

PT and OT can help you strengthen muscles and develop strategies to live and function safely with hand tremors through exercises and assistive devices.

Talk to your neurologist about which medical options are most appropriate for your individual situation. Be sure to discuss potential side effects and risks before starting any treatment.

Herbal and Nutritional Supplements for Hand Tremors

Some supplements may help provide relief from hand tremors with minimal risk of side effects when used appropriately. Options to discuss with your doctor include:

CBD Oil

Early research indicates the cannabis compound CBD may reduce tremor severity. Look for broad spectrum formulations tested for quality and safety.

GABA

GABA supplements may boost levels of the brain’s major inhibitory neurotransmitter to calm overstimulated nerve cells and reduce shaking.

Vitamin B Complex

Thiamine and other B vitamins support neurological health. A deficiency can cause tremors or make them worse.

Magnesium

This mineral also acts as a natural nerve stabilizer. Magnesium glycinate is a highly absorbable form.

Zinc

Zinc is needed for neurological function, and low levels have been associated with worse tremors in some people.

Selenium

Some research indicates selenium supplements may improve tremors, likely due to its antioxidant effects.

Vitamin E

This fat soluble nutrient also has antioxidant properties that may help control free radical damage involved in neurological disease.

Always consult your physician before taking any supplements, especially if you take prescription medications or have a medical condition.

The Role of Diet in Managing Hand Tremors

Nutrition can impact neurological health and function. Dietary strategies may help reduce tremors for some people. Key points include:

Avoid Food Triggers

Caffeine, alcohol, sugar and refined carbs may worsen tremors. Eliminate any problematic foods.

Eat Tremor-Soothing Foods

Boost magnesium, B vitamins, zinc and antioxidants with vegetables, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, beans, avocados, whole grains and dark chocolate.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration exacerbates tremors. Sip water regularly throughout the day.

Watch Caffeine Intake

Lower or avoid caffeine if it worsens your tremors. Limit coffee, tea, soda and energy drinks.

Consider the Ketogenic Diet

Ketogenic, very low carb diets may reduce tremors for some patients by promoting stable blood sugar and neurotransmitter levels.

Try Elimination Diets

Eliminate common allergenic foods like gluten, dairy and soy to see if it helps tremors.

Track your dietary intake and symptoms to identify any food triggers that you may want to avoid.

Physical Techniques to Manage Hand Tremors

Certain exercises and physical techniques may help provide temporary relief from hand tremors:

Posture Training

Practicing correct posture when sitting, standing and walking may lessen tremors.

Wrist Weights

Light wrist weights can act as an external stabilizing force to control shaking movements.

Massage

Getting a massage can relax tight, trembling muscles. Self-massage your hands when shaking occurs.

Acupuncture

This ancient therapy may calm the nervous system and quell tremors in some patients.

Biofeedback

With biofeedback, you can learn to control involuntary shaking by increasing awareness of body processes.

Finger Exercises

Simple finger stretching, bending and manipulation exercises can temporarily reduce tremor intensity.

Hand Grips

Special tremor reducing grips can allow you to hold objects and utensils more steady.

Frozen Water

Grasping an ice cube until it melts or running hands under cold water redirects focus away from the tremor.

Consider trying complementary therapies like acupuncture, massage and biofeedback under the supervision of trained professionals.

Assistive Devices for Hand Tremors

Specialized products designed for people with hand tremors can make daily tasks easier and safer. Helpful tools include:

Weighted Utensils

Utensils with weighted handles reduce shaking while eating.

Adaptive Writing Aids

Items like weighted pens and pencils, wide pen grips, and stabilizing paper holders facilitate writing.

Plate Guards

Guards that attach to dishes keep food from spilling off due to tremors.

Universal Cuff

A cuff with velcro straps allows you to securely grip items and do activities one-handed.

Rock Steady Boxing

This boxing workout program is tailored to managing Parkinson's symptoms like tremors.

Liftware Utensils

High-tech utensils use sensors and counterweights to cancel out 70% of shaking.

Smartphone Apps

Apps can assist with tracking tremors and performing everyday tasks.

An occupational therapist can recommend appropriate assistive devices based on your needs and abilities.

When to See a Doctor

Consult your physician or neurologist if:

• Tremors are affecting your daily functioning and quality of life
• Tremors occur with other neurological symptoms
• Hand shaking has no known cause
• Tremors worsen over time
• Home remedies and lifestyle changes do not help

Seeking medical guidance can help identify any underlying condition causing tremors and guide appropriate treatment to improve your symptoms.

Living with Hand Tremors

While hand tremors can be frustrating to manage, various treatment approaches and adaptive techniques can help minimize their impact on your independence and activities. With time, you can learn to confidently do the things you enjoy with shaky hands. Stay patient through the process, note what helps your symptoms, and work closely with your healthcare providers to optimize your quality of life.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.