Why do my hands shake (and what can I do about it)?

As we age many things change in our bodies, some signs are more obvious than others.  If you have noticed hand shakiness in your own hands or of those you love there could be a variety of causes.  Answering the question "why do my hands shake?" can be complicated as there are many reasons as to why this may occur, some of which are more serious than others.

Why do my hands shake?

There are no simple or straight answers to why your hands may be shaking but here are some examples of what may cause hands to shake.  We will start with the two major conditions that may cause hand shaking, but there are many reasons why this may be occurring.

Parkinson's Disease - This brain disorder can effect many areas of movement and coordination.  The reasons your hands may shake with Parkinson's is due the the nerve cells that control movement deteriorating. As deterioration of the nerve cells happen, your muscles will receive less signals, causing shaking in the muscles including the hands.

Essential Tremor - More manageable than Parkinson's Essential Tremor is more likely to only occur while you are trying to achieve voluntary movement.  This could be while writing or drinking a cup of tea.  Essential Tremor hand shakes may stop when you are at rest and pick back up when you start movement of the hands again.  You are likely to find essential tremor is a stand alone problem and should not have any other health issues that develop alongside the hands shaking.

Hand shaking or involuntary hand tremors may also happen due to:

• physical abuse
• alcohol abuse
• depression
• bi-polar disorder
• withdrawing from drug or alcohol
• other nerve related issues
• bad circulation
• too much caffeine
• low blood sugar
• stress or emotional outbursts

So what can you do about your hands shaking?

The first thing you will want to do is see your Doctor.  Your physician can give you a diagnosis or reason for your hands shaking so you can then work on finding the best treatment for your condition.

Here are a few additional things you may want to try. Start by adding in or changing one thing at a time so you will know what has negative or positive effects on your hands shaking.

• Eliminate or lower the amount of caffeine you are drinking or eat a full meal when you consume caffeinated drinks.
• Cut alcoholic beverages down, 3 or more alcoholic beverages a day can almost double your chances of developing Essential Tremor.
• If your hand shaking does not happen all day long but you notice the shaking more when you are hungry, it could be due to low blood sugar. Eating regular balanced meals throughout the day may help keep your blood sugar levels balanced.
• If you are feeling stressed or emotional, do something that calms you. Whether it is taking a walk, having a nap, or drinking some herbal tea. Reducing stress can reduce hand shaking.
• Consider taking a magnesium and Vitamin B1 supplement.  These vitamins and minerals can help with many things including insomnia, cramping, and shaking hands.
• Try some of these foods and herbs as they are known to help with the nervous system that is effected with Parkinson's Disease: Berries, Curry Spice, Green Tea, Salmon, Nuts

Remember when trying to find an answer to the question, "why do my hands shake?" it is best to talk to your Doctor or Medical Practitioner first to rule out any major concerns.

(Elderstore note: we have a number of weighted utensils available in the store to make eating easier if you have shaky hands)