Hand Tremors: Causes and When to Seek Help

Hand tremors?

Hello, doctor; I have a few questions for you.
Below are some of my symptoms:
1.
When I raise my right arm about 15 degrees, I experience pain on the inner side of my upper arm and shoulder.
The higher I raise it, the more intense the pain becomes.
This condition has persisted for over a year.

2.
In the past few months, I have noticed that when I use chopsticks to pick up food or a spoon to scoop soup, my hand trembles.

I would like to ask:
1.
Are these two symptoms related?
2.
Especially regarding the second symptom, which specialty should I consult?
I look forward to your response.
Thank you.

Yu Ba, 60~69 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/06/14

Dr. Wang Zhengzhong reply Family Medicine

From the first question - When I raise my right arm about 15 degrees, I experience pain on the inner side of my shoulder.
The higher I raise it, the more severe the pain becomes.
This condition has persisted for over a year.
It is important to consider three aspects: whether there has been any trauma, my work history, and given that I am 66 years old, the increasing pain with higher elevation is most likely related to arthritis, which may need further examination in relation to the second question.
From the second question - In recent months, I have noticed that my hand trembles when I use chopsticks to pick up food or a spoon to scoop soup.
I recommend that you first consult a neurologist, who can then provide further recommendations and treatment based on the examination results.

Reply Date: 2007/06/14

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your symptoms. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing two distinct issues: pain in your right shoulder and arm when lifting it, and hand tremors when using utensils. Let’s break down these symptoms and explore potential causes, as well as when you should consider seeking medical help.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Shoulder and Arm Pain: The pain you experience in your shoulder and upper arm when lifting your arm could be related to several conditions. Common causes include:
- Rotator Cuff Injury: This involves damage to the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Pain often worsens with lifting or overhead activities.

- Shoulder Impingement: This occurs when the shoulder blade puts pressure on the underlying soft tissues when the arm is lifted.

- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the shoulder tendons can cause pain, especially during movement.

- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction) can lead to pain and discomfort.

2. Hand Tremors: The tremors you describe when using utensils could be indicative of several conditions, including:
- Essential Tremor: A common movement disorder that causes rhythmic shaking, often noticeable when performing tasks.

- Parkinson’s Disease: This neurological disorder can cause tremors, stiffness, and balance issues, although it typically presents with additional symptoms.

- Anxiety or Stress: Sometimes, emotional factors can lead to temporary tremors, especially during fine motor tasks.

- Medication Side Effects: Certain medications can cause tremors as a side effect.

Are the Two Symptoms Related?
While both symptoms involve the upper extremities, they may not necessarily be directly related. However, if your shoulder pain limits your ability to stabilize your arm, it could indirectly contribute to tremors when you attempt to use utensils. For example, if you are compensating for pain by using different muscles or movements, this could lead to instability and shaking.

When to Seek Help
Given that your shoulder pain has persisted for over a year and you have recently developed hand tremors, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Here are some guidelines on when to see a doctor:
- Persistent Pain: If the shoulder pain continues to interfere with your daily activities or worsens over time.

- New Symptoms: The onset of hand tremors, especially if they are affecting your ability to perform tasks, warrants evaluation.

- Impact on Quality of Life: If these symptoms are affecting your quality of life, such as difficulty eating or performing other daily tasks, it’s important to seek help.

Which Specialist to See
For your symptoms, you may want to start with a primary care physician who can perform an initial assessment. They may refer you to specialists such as:
- Orthopedic Surgeon: For shoulder pain, especially if it’s related to musculoskeletal issues.

- Neurologist: For the hand tremors, particularly if there is concern about neurological conditions like essential tremor or Parkinson’s disease.

Conclusion
In summary, your symptoms of shoulder pain and hand tremors could stem from different underlying causes. It is essential to seek medical evaluation to determine the exact nature of your conditions and receive appropriate treatment. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!

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