Mailbag: Decoding Hand Tremors

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted August 27, 2024

“I’ve recently started experiencing tremors in my hands, which makes it difficult to do things like write or button my shirt. Is this a sign of Parkinson’s, or is it just a harmless tremor?”

– Frank

Hi Frank,

While tremors can be a sign of Parkinson’s, there are actually quite a few other causes that are far more common and often harmless.

As I’ve often explained to my own patients, things like stress, anxiety, caffeine, medications, and even just fatigue can cause temporary tremors.

Plus, there are benign conditions like essential tremors—which are annoying but not dangerous.

Let’s take a closer look at what doctors call intention tremors and discuss how they tie into Parkinson’s.

Intention tremors are a specific type of tremor that occurs during purposeful, targeted movements. They tend to worsen as you get closer to your target.

So, for example, when reaching out to pick up a cup, your hand might shake more the closer it gets to the cup. Or, like when you’re buttoning a shirt.

There are also…

• resting tremors, which occur when the affected body part (in this case, a hand) is relaxed and supported, and
• postural tremors, which happen when holding a position against gravity, like extending your arm out in front of you

It comes as a surprise to many folks to learn that intention tremors are not a classic symptom of Parkinson’s. Instead, resting tremors are much more characteristic of the disease.

In fact, the typical “pill-rolling” tremor you often see in the hands of someone with Parkinson’s while they’re sitting still is an example.

However, as Parkinson’s progresses, some people also develop intention. This usually happens in the later stages of the disease.

I tell my own patients their best bet to avoid tremors of all kinds is to stay healthy and feed their brains. I encourage them to eat a healthy (organic, when possible) whole-food diet, get plenty of quality sleep, consider taking brain-supporting supplements, and get some regular exercise.

Of course, any new or bothersome tremor is worth getting checked out by a neurologist to pinpoint the cause and discuss management options.

P.S. Parkinson’s signs you can’t afford to miss.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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