About Hand Tremors and Joint Pain

There are many possible causes of hand tremors and joint pain. Separately, these conditions will have different symptom patterns that require specific medical diagnoses relative to the known disorders or diseases associated with them. When hand tremors and joint pain are being experienced simultaneously, the possible causes can be narrowed to a more specific set of physical conditions. That being said, the spectrum of diagnosis that addresses the symptoms of simultaneous hand tremors and joint pain is still expansive, and research continues into the possible causes.

Medical Conditions

• The most numerous medical conditions that include symptoms of hand tremors and joint pain being experienced simultaneously focus on thyroid problems. This important gland, located in the neck area, is responsible for the production of hormones that regulate the body's metabolism. The metabolism in turn affects every function of the body and all its systems: nervous, circulatory, respiratory, pulmonary, renal, and reproductive. Without the proper level of hormones, these systems will begin to malfunction or stop functioning altogether.

Thyroid Problems

• When the thyroid gland does not function properly, the hormone levels in the body will be either too high or too low. These conditions are known as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, respectively. Of these two conditions, hypothyroidism is the more common, occurring in nearly 50 percent of the population according to Dr. Linda Wright. The low levels of thyroid hormones, especially free T-3 and free T-4, can lead to pain in the joints of the extremities (arms, legs, etc.) and can lead to tremors in these areas as well.

Graves Disease and Hyperthyroidism

• According to The National Library of Medicine, Graves disease can also be the cause of hand tremors and joint pain. The overabundance of thyroid hormones can affect blood pressure, hair growth, muscle reaction, nerves, and many other body functions. While Graves' disease is thought to be the main cause of hyperthyroidism, any condition which affects the function of the thyroid gland can eventually lead to hand tremors and joint pain.

Other Causes

• The list of conditions that may lead to hand tremors and joint pain can also include autoimmune diseases (where the body's immune system attacks its own cells) such as Parkinson's disease, Addison's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. Tumors on the thyroid gland, both benign and malignant, can also affect body movement and cell growth activity which may cause pain in muscles and joints. The National Library of Medicine has also been reported reactions to certain medications that result in hand tremors and/or joint pain.

Conclusions

• The difficulty in correctly diagnosing the causes of hand tremors and joint pain, either separately or collectively, would indicate a specific and thorough series of examinations and medical interviews with qualified practitioners. A misdiagnosis or the prescribing of incorrect therapy or medication may have unwanted or even disastrous results. Considering that the cause of these conditions can range from genetic disorders to environmental influences to disease, a complete understanding of the physical status of the person who suffers from hand tremors and joint pain is recommended.