What Causes Stiffness And Muscle Cramping In Fingers And Toes?

Brief Answer:
Self care,Investigations, medication would help.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for the query under HCM platform. I have gone through your query carefully & understand your concern.
You have cramps in your fingers & toes since one month, making them stiff & bent in odd positions.If the symptoms are recurring / causing muscle weakness/ muscle twitching, it should be taken care of soon.
* Obviously it is a condition related to muscles / nerve supply of the part. Causes vary .
- Nerves- Injury /compression of nerve or weakening of nerve conduction ( peripheral neuropathy) in certain conditions like Diabetes.( here it is associated with numbness/ tingling )
- muscles - Muscular trauma/ strain ( over use) causing muscle fatigue. prolonged heavy exercise cause finger /toe cramps.
-Dehydration( loose motions, vomiting, sweating /low calcium or magnesium levels in blood can lead to such cramps.
_ Drugs like Diuretics ( high blood pressure/ heart problem)/ Cholesterol controlling drugs / B2 antagonist drugs used as inhalers for asthma can lead to such cramps.( If you are taking any of these regularly, you need to discuss it with your doctor & change in dosage or medication.
- Certain thyroid / kidney problems too can result in muscle cramps.
* I have given the list of causes in detail ,along with accompanying symptoms .. so as to short list the cause so as to make you aware as well as avoid unnecessary tension to you.
* In this context, I would advise you your family physician, He will examine you, get investigations which may include, -
- Serum calcium/magnesium, Thyroid function test, glucose tolerance test, Urine test, stool examination Xray spine .. as per the need.
* He will pin point the cause & offer you specific treatment. / refer you to concerned specialist as per need. Treatment usually consists of
- Calcium /magnesium supplement,
- Vitamin B12/ physiotherapy,
- treatment of diabetes, thyroid problem, kidney problem, gastrointestinal symptoms if found to be the cause.

* self help
Along with the advised treatment,
- Drink plenty of water./ avoid excessive exercise, physical or psychological stress.
- Have a balanced diet,with fresh vegetables, salads, fruits, a glass of milk daily.
- take 8 hours sound sleep daily.
With proper changes in life style & self help/ proper medication to relieve the current problem along with optimum care/intake of minerals to avoid future recurrence would take you out of the problem totally.
I hope the answer has provided you sufficient information & help. any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.

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