Are you experiencing hand contractions or curling with MS? This is actually a well-known MS symptom, and you're definitely not alone. As one MyMSTeam member shared, "My hands will spasm into claws so badly that I refrain from driving any farther than the store."
Hand contractions in MS can show up in a couple of ways:
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Are you experiencing hand contractions or curling with MS? This is actually a well-known MS symptom, and you're definitely not alone. As one MyMSTeam member shared, "My hands will spasm into claws so badly that I refrain from driving any farther than the store."
Hand contractions in MS can show up in a couple of ways:
- Spasticity — muscles become stiff and tight, making it hard to straighten or bend fingers
- Muscle spasms — involuntary contractions that can cause fingers to curl suddenly
- Joint contractures — joints become "frozen" in a bent position, sometimes called "claw hand"
It's important to address these symptoms early, because untreated spasticity can cause muscles and ligaments to harden over time, potentially leading to permanent curling. There are several treatment options worth discussing with your neurologist:
- Splints or braces to help keep fingers straight
- Medications like baclofen or tizanidine to relax muscles
- Physical or occupational therapy to improve strength and flexibility
- Botox injections as a temporary muscle relaxant
- Surgery in some cases to repair nerve or tendon damage
Hand dexterity exercises can also help, such as playing with putty, stringing beads, or even making beaded bracelets — as one MyMSTeam member found both helpful and soothing!
Always check in with your medical team to find the best approach for your specific situation.
July 16
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