What Causes Temporary Pain And Stiffness In Muscles?

Posted on Fri, 22 May 2015

Question: I am a 50 year old female in good health and about 10 pounds overweight. Sometimes when I am brushing my teeth or squeezing something, my fingers freeze up and I can't move them. It is painful, but if I shake my hand they do loosen up and the pain goes away fairly quickly. I have not been able to intentionally cause this to happen, it just happens randomly. I wonder if it is anything I should be concerned about. It doesn't really seem to fit the symptoms of RA or other arthritis, so I am not sure what to do, if anything.

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
2 possible causes

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your query.
I think I would be able to help you.

The symptoms of the query are quite suggestive of a neurological condition. I am assuming that the symptoms have been started recently. This was not the way it was before.

Most of the times, am electrolyte imbalance can result in the symptoms. I think I would suggest that you test the electrolytes.

The other possibility is that you are developing a muscle related condition. In this situation , I think it would be good to test with an EMG.

I have tried to make it as simple as possible. I hope that the information helps you. Please feel free to contact us for more information. Best of luck. Dr Mittal.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T