Writer's cramp is a condition that occurs due to sustained cramps in some muscles of hands or fingers. The cramps are a result of involuntary muscle contractions and are task specific. When muscles of only one part of the body are affected, it is termed as focal dystonia and writer's cramp is one such type. It comes under the umbrella of repetitive strain injury
It could be simply due to overuse; as in case of writers or because of poor postures, where the muscles get overstrained. It is called simple writer's cramp and complaints generally occur only when writing. The common symptoms observed include, holding pen with different grip and holding it very tight. It can also occur to some pathological changes with more generalized muscle contractions or dystonia.
Causes --Writer's cramp is commonly observed in those using the hands for repetitive activities mostly as a part of occupation like writing, playing music instruments with fingers, typing or similar activities. Dystonia may also be considered as a neurological disorder in origin, which is triggered by local injury to hand or repeated activities that cause strain.
According to some scientific studies, some of the risk factors possibly related to writer's cramps include:-Long hours of writing time or other repetitive activities involving fingers and hands.Sudden increase in the time spent on writing. Sometimes a history of injury may be an associated factor
Symptoms--People suffering from writer's cramps generally complain of difficulty in writing, pain in hands and fingers while writing, ultimately leading to possibly awkward grip of pen and illegible handwriting.-Initially cramps may be felt after prolonged periods of writing.
The cramps may be associated with pain in fingers, wrists, hands or forearms and difficult co-ordination of hands.
The hands may even jerk while attempting to write or there may be tremors in an outstretched hand.
These complaints may slowly begin to aggravate and may gradually begin to appear within less time. Writing may continuously exaggerate the symptoms and eventually there is great difficulty or inability to write.
HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES
GELSEMIUM 30--Gelsemium is among the top Homeopathic remedies for treatment of Writer’s Cramp that is accompanied by a significant weakness of hand. Gelsemium is the ideal Homeopathic medicine when the cramps appear in the hand, fingers or forearm while writing. It seems as if the muscles cannot be controlled and they are working without the will of the person. There is a sudden spasmodic contraction of muscles of hands or fingers, with weakness of hands. The person feels fatigued after even a little exertion in writing. Jerking or trembling of hands may also be noticed in such cases.
MAGNESIUM PHOS 30--Magnesium Phos is an ideal Homeopathic medicine for Writer’s Cramp when pain occurs along with contracted muscles in the hand. The pain can be stitching, shooting or cutting in nature. A peculiar characteristic feature is relief from warmth or pressure over the hand. There may also be an involuntary shaking of hand. Magnesium Phos is of great help in strengthening the muscles of hands as well as relieving the contractions and pain in them. Magnesium Phos is also very beneficial for treatment of cramps in the hands of piano players due to excessive use of hands and fingers.
STANNUM MET 30--Stannum Met is the best remedy for Writer’s Cramp with jerking in hands while writing. The jerking appears on holding the pen. The hand and arms also feel heavy while writing. The patient may also experience weakness of hand of paralytic type that results in dropping of objects from the hand frequently. Stannum is also one of the best Homeopathic medicines for professional typist with paralytic symptoms.
KALI PHOS 30-Kali Phos is the best Homeopathic remedy when slight exertion of hand leads to cramping conditions. Slight exertion of hand in writing results in contraction of muscles. Numbness may also be felt by the person along with contracted muscles. Homeopathic medicine Kali Phos helps in both strengthening the muscles as well as improving the nerve power in hands. It also helps to remove the muscle contractions due to over-use of hands.
SILICEA 30-Silicea is the ideal Homeopathic remedy when coldness or sweating of hands is dominantly present along with muscle contraction. While writing, the person experiences contraction of muscles with rigidity of hands. The flexibility of hand is lost. Pain of tearing nature may also be felt. There may also be symptoms of numbness or weakness of hands.
FERRUM IODATUM 30- A specific remedy for writer's cramp
ACTEA RACEMOSA 30- Trembling of fingers when writing
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