It’s normal to have shaky hands after doing something strenuous with your hands and arms (such as an intense arm workout). Even deep cleaning your bathroom can cause your hands to become a little shakier than usual afterward.
But what if your hands start to shake for no obvious reason? When are shaky hands normal and when are they an indication that something may be wrong? In this guide, I seek to answer that question so you can put your mind at ease or take your shaky hands more seriously if necessary.
Common Causes of Shaky Hands
There are many potential causes of shaky hands. Some are pretty harmless while others are an indication of a serious problem. Here are some of the more benign reasons your hands might be shaky:
Drinking too much caffeine
Chronic lack of sleep
Alcohol withdrawal
Excess stress
Smoking (the nicotine in cigarettes can cause you to shake)
If your hands are shaking as a result of any of the above reasons, lifestyle changes may solve the problem. You can cut back on your caffeine and alcohol consumption, stop smoking, reduce your stress levels and get more sleep at night.
Shaky hands could also be an indication of a thyroid disorder or anxiety. If you have a history of either of those conditions, there’s a good chance they’re what’s causing your shaky hands.
Serious Causes of Shaky Hands
But, some causes of shaky hands are more serious and require medical intervention. They include:
Liver disorders
Pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor on the adrenal gland)
Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis
Low blood sugar
If you’re concerned that your shaky hands may be due to one of the above conditions, it’s essential to seek the opinion of a qualified medical professional as soon as possible. There are also certain medications and brain disorders that can cause shakiness. It’s always best to rule out the possibility of a serious disease if you’re not sure why your hands have started to get shaky.
If your shaky hands are only temporary, it’s probably nothing to worry about. But if your hands shake constantly or if they stop shaking for a while but begin shaking again soon afterward, I would live by the mantra that it’s better to be safe than sorry. Many serious diseases that cause shaky hands can be treated quite effectively if they’re caught early. So go ahead and make that appointment with your doctor if you don’t know why you’re hands are so shaky.
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