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A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Duarte, CA

Recently, my right hand has been feeling kind weird and heavy. Sometimes, it gets achy and it feels stiff, almost like I'm developing arthritis in it. (Or at least that's what I imagine it would feel like). I've gotten this feeling in my legs in the past. Would love any feedback.

September 26, 2025
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MyMSTeam

Hand spasticity and pain are common symptoms in MS. Many MyMSTeam members report experiencing hand spasms that can make daily activities challenging. Some describe their hands cramping into "claws" or feeling stiff and achy. These symptoms can affect writing, eating, driving and other everyday tasks. Spasticity occurs when Show Full Answer

Hand spasticity and pain are common symptoms in MS. Many MyMSTeam members report experiencing hand spasms that can make daily activities challenging. Some describe their hands cramping into "claws" or feeling stiff and achy. These symptoms can affect writing, eating, driving and other everyday tasks. Spasticity occurs when MS damages nerves in the brain or spinal cord, disrupting normal muscle movement. This can cause muscles to contract and resist being stretched. The symptoms you're describing - heaviness, achiness, and stiffness - are typical manifestations of MS spasticity that can affect any muscle in the body.

Here are some ways to manage hand spasticity:
- Talk to your neurologist about medication options like muscle relaxants
- Work with an occupational therapist for customized hand exercises
- Regular stretching of hand muscles
- Avoid trigger factors like extreme temperatures or stress

September 26, 2025
A MyMSTeam Member

pain in my hands used to be pretty bad, it started on my left pinky and ring finger, then moved to palm and wrist. my right hand started getting it too. i was needing to wear wrist splints almost 24/7 for a bit and sometimes i just put my hands in ice water to kill the pain. it took 6 months or so to not be so painful. this was several years ago when i was diagnosed and now my hands just have a general stiffness and ache from time to time. working out with dumbbells seemed to strengthen my hands and helped quite a bit.

September 29, 2025 (edited)
A MyMSTeam Member

Agreed

September 26, 2025
A MyMSTeam Member

It’s not quite the same but when I over exert myself, I start to experience tremors in my left hand. My hand will also feel stiff. Maybe what you’re feeling is in response to over exertion. As was mentioned, rest helps my hand symptoms.

September 26, 2025
A MyMSTeam Member

My left hand-yes, right hand-not even there yet.

September 27, 2025

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