
Involuntary twitching of the index finger can definitely freak out any person. The causes of twitching may range from a dietary deficiency to Parkinson’s, and the treatment for this involuntary motion is decided accordingly.
Imagine a situation, it’s Sunday morning, you are savoring bacon and eggs, and enjoying the Sunday news, when suddenly your index finger twitches, without you doing anything. An involuntary twitch in the index finger though not necessarily painful, can be frightening and unnatural. There are some probable causes and explanations for such a phenomenon, and with appropriate treatment one can get rid of the condition.
Please note that the twitching can be painless, and in some cases, it can also cause varying degrees of pain, depending upon the ailment. Whatever the case, the twitch should not be ignored.
Twitching in any of the fingers is usually attributed to some abnormality in the musculoskeletal system. In some cases, problems with the nervous system, have also been identified as a cause behind the twitching. In some unique cases, problems with the musculoskeletal and nervous system, both are identified as the cause of the ailment.
A list of common and probable causes, immediate symptoms, and treatments have been mentioned here.
1. Deficiency
One of the most common causes of twitching fingers, is nutritional deficiency. Your blood stream, skeletal system, muscles, and nervous system in the hand, wrist, fingers, and all structures within the hand are probably the most used components of the human body. Hence these organs critically need some specified nutrients in certain proportions on an almost daily basis.
Tetany
It is a clinical neurological syndrome which arises as a result of Vitamin D deficiency. This syndrome leads to a weird sensation in the fingers, tongue, and lips. In a more intense form, such a syndrome can cause uncontrollable, involuntary twitching, and facial spasms. Apart from the twitching index finger, another problem that may arise is the difficulty in calcium absorption in the body, which may further weaken muscles and bones in the body. Diet change and medication can cure the twitching quite easily. In some cases, physical therapy and small exercises are also used to get rid of the problem.
Hypomagnesemia
Like vitamin D, the muscles within the hand and palm need magnesium in small quantities, which is of critical importance. Hypomagnesemia is when magnesium content in the blood drops down to abnormally low levels, such as less than 0.7 mmol/L. Such a deficiency causes electrolyte imbalance in the muscles of the hand, which leads to twitching in the index finger. Certain prescription drugs and dietary changes can cure this ailment.
Hypocalcemia
It is caused due to a deficiency of calcium. The low concentration of calcium leads to an electrolyte imbalance, which causes your index finger to twitch. Again, dietary changes, supplements, and pharmaceutical drugs can cure the ailment.
2. Musculoskeletal Causes
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This syndrome is one of the most common causes of several palm related problems. In this syndrome, the median nerve gets affected as a result of extreme pressure on the wrist, and hence, numbness and a tingling sensation is experienced in the wrist, palm, and fingers. Depending upon the severity of the syndrome, certain medications and physical therapy can be used to treat the condition.
Cramps
They usually occur as a result of several causes which include, deficiency, trauma, excessive use, lack of energy, or simply due to the contraction or overshortening of the skeletal muscles. This cause, if not chronic, is nothing to worry about. On the whole, visit your doctor in case the tingling becomes chronic and painful.
Overuse/Exertion
In some cases, simply the overuse of your index finger can cause a tingling sensation. There is nothing to worry about in such cases, and resting the hand properly can get rid of the condition.
Myopathy
It is a condition where the muscles in the body do not function properly. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, that include weakness, trauma, genetic disorders, or even deficiency. Cramps and tingling sensation are common symptoms.
3. Other Causes
Multiple Sclerosis
The myelin sheath which covers the nerve cells gets damaged and weakened, leading to this disorder. There are several causes, some of which are as yet unknown, which can lead to multiple sclerosis. This disease affects the nervous system, spinal column, and all the nerve impulses of the body. Numbness and a tingling sensation in the fingers is often observed as a symptom.
Parkinson’s Disease
This is a disorder of the brain which usually occurs after the age of 50, and is a hereditary disorder. On the whole, it leads to tingling sensations and tremors in the body, especially in the arms, fingers, and legs. The medication that is used to treat this disease usually increases the dopamine in the brain.
Side Effects of Drugs
Medication and drugs such as estrogen, diuretics, and corticosteroids often lead to the development of tingling sensation in the fingers.
In all the aforementioned ailments, please note that in case the fingers tingle chronically or progress to pain, it is essential to consult a doctor as soon as possible. The pain and tingling in most of the cases is some minor form of overuse or cramp which is quite harmless. However, if the condition persists, it could indicate a grave health issue.