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.
View More Free Articles
Sweet Cancer Breakthrough Creates a Buzz
That jar of honey in your pantry might be more than just a sweet treat. In fact, if it’s the right variety, it could be a secret weapon against one of the most common forms of cancer affecting women. (Can you even imagine a world in which fighting this killer could be as simple as...
EASY Morning Routine Fights Frailty
Think you don’t have a muscle loss problem? Think again! The fact is we ALL lose muscle mass as we age. It starts sometime in your 30s or 40s and ramps up in your senior years, between 65 and 80. In fact, you can lose up to eight percent of muscle mass every decade! This...
“Dirty Brain” Breakthrough Slashes Brain Disease Risk
Have you ever wondered why seniors are more prone to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s? (And no, it’s not because we’re running out of room from storing decades-worth of information!) In truth, scientists have long suspected it’s related to the brain’s ability to clean itself. Now, groundbreaking research has revealed why this happens and a...
Tiny Troublemaker Ramps Up Arthritis Pain [5 Ways to Fight Back]
If you’re one of the millions living with rheumatoid arthritis, you might be surprised to learn that the key to managing your condition could be right under your nose—or, more precisely, in your mouth. Recent research from Tokyo Medical and Dental University uncovered a fascinating link between oral health and the severity of arthritis symptoms....
Evaluate Your Health with Five “Living Room” Tests
You don’t need a medical degree or expensive equipment to get a snapshot of your health. In fact, there are five simple tests you can do right now from the comfort of your own living room (or neighborhood) that will give you valuable insights into your overall fitness and well-being. Let’s take a look at...
How the War on Fat Is Harming Your Health
For decades, we’ve been taught to fear fat. Low-fat and fat-free products have been practically shoved down our throats. It’s been drilled into our heads that fat is enemy no. 1. But what if I told you that this fat phobia is likely doing far more harm than good? In fact, a “forgotten fat” could...
Mailbag: Diabetes Busting Solutions that WORK
“How do you eliminate diabetes and can supplements help?” – Seeking Solutions ***** Dear Seeking, Let’s first be sure we’re talking about the same thing: type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body can no longer produce insulin. It can be a challenging condition to manage. But if you...
Health Risks of Plant-Based Eating EXPOSED (Study)
You’ve seen the headlines. “Go vegan for your health!” “Plant-based is the way forward!” But before you ditch that steak for a veggie burger, there’s something you need to know… A shocking new study has uncovered a dirty little secret in the world of plant-based eating. And it might just make you think twice about...
Potent Extract Boosts Immune Function
Remember when CBD products were suddenly popping up everywhere, from trendy cafes to your local gas station? Well, while the initial craze has settled, this powerful compound is still making waves in the health world. And its latest trick could be a godsend for folks who need to beef up their immune system… A new...
Don’t Ignore This Weight Loss Drug WARNING
By now, you’ve heard the buzz about GLP-1 weight loss drugs such as Ozempic. They’re being hailed as game-changers in the fight against obesity, with everyone from celebrities to everyday folks singing their praises. But what if I told you these miracle medications might be hiding a dark secret? Or that ignoring this potential side...