Learn How to Stop Hand Tremors Naturally With 3 Easy, Doctor-Backed Tips
Plus find out what might trigger shaking hands—and when to see an expert
Finding part of your body shaking involuntarily can be distressing, especially when there’s no clear cause. Hand tremors, for instance, can make it difficult to complete everyday activities like writing or eating. While some causes are related to lifestyle and can be easily fixed, others might signal a more serious underlying health condition. Here, doctors explain what might be triggering the issue and how to stop hand tremors naturally.
What causes hand tremors?
The first step to reducing hand tremors is figuring out what’s making your hands shake in the first place. Some of the most common culprits include:
A neurological condition
An “essential tremor” is a common neurological condition that often runs in families and typically worsens with movement and use of the hands, explains Randall Turner, DO, Dual Board-Certified Physician and Medical Director at Able To Change Recovery. One distinct feature of this type of tremor is that the shaking is often described as “rhythmic.” In addition to hands, it can affect your head, voice and other parts of the body.
Woman's World Answers
Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that usually results in tremors at rest, along with muscle stiffness and slowed movements, says Dr. Turner.
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, a tremor is often the first motor symptom of PD, and it subsides during sleep and when the affected body part is actively in use. While this tremor can also present in the lower lip, jaw or leg, it’s most common in the hands.
The sensation is often described as “pill-rolling,” where you feel as though you’re holding a pill between your thumb and forefinger and continuously rolling it around. Additionally, the affected palm may rotate facing up and down.
Lifestyle habits
Sure, we all feel tense from time to time. But increased stress and anxiety can lead to tremors, as elevated adrenaline levels during periods of heightened emotions can temporarily cause shaking hands, says Dr. Turner.
Excessive caffeine intake or the use of stimulants, such as certain asthma medications, may also contribute to hand tremors.
Underlying medical conditions
An overactive thyroid, which accelerates your metabolism, or low blood sugar levels caused by fasting or diabetes can cause shaking hands. Certain medications, including some antidepressants or stimulants, may cause tremors as a potential side effect.
How to stop hand tremors naturally
There are several practical approaches to manage or even help stop hand tremors naturally, Dr. Turner says. Here are a few strategies he recommends:
Practice relaxation techniques
“Mindfulness or meditation can significantly help with stress and anxiety, as these practices calm the nervous system and reduce the adrenaline surge that often exacerbates tremors,” offers Dr. Turner. Breathing exercises can also help quiet stress when it strikes. Check out the video below for a beginner-friendly how-to:
What else may stop hand tremors naturally? Moving your body. “Gentle activities like yoga and tai chi are particularly beneficial because they combine movement with relaxation, promoting steadier hands,” Dr. Turner adds.
Adjust your diet
-
- Limit caffeine and nicotine: Scaling back or eliminating stimulants like these can be extremely beneficial for preventing tremors from worsening, Dr. Turner notes.
- Get more magnesium. Adding magnesium-rich foods such as leafy greens, almonds, bananas and avocados may support nerve and muscle function.
- Keep your blood sugar steady: “Ensuring stable blood sugar levels by eating small, balanced meals throughout the day can also help prevent hypoglycemia-induced tremors,” Dr. Turner explains.
- Drink up: “Staying hydrated is also crucial, as dehydration can worsen shaking,” he adds.
- Boost your potassium levels: Incorporating potassium-rich foods like oranges or sweet potatoes can further aid electrolyte balance, Dr. Turner says.
Try hand exercises
To gradually improve muscle control and coordination, Dr. Turner suggests squeezing a stress ball or stretching your fingers. Even if your hand tremors aren’t a symptom of PD, exercises like the ones in the video below can help calm shaking naturally.
When to see a doctor to help stop hand tremors
“While natural remedies can provide relief for many individuals, there are times when seeing a doctor is essential,” says Dr. Turners. “Persistent or worsening tremors, especially those that interfere with daily activities like eating or writing, should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider.”
Tremors that occur or worsen at rest rather than during movement may indicate a more serious condition such as Parkinson’s, he notes.
If other symptoms, such as muscle weakness, difficulty speaking or balance issues occur with hand tremors, you should seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause, Dr. Turner advises.
Your doctor may also be able to prescribe medications to help stop hand tremors. One common Rx: beta blockers—typically used to lower high blood pressure—which are especially helpful for treating essential tremors.
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
