Left hand got cramps and it's first time

[Noluvuyo]

Hi my left hand just got cramps, it's like there's needles on my hand,am scared cause my colleagues are telling me that it could be a sign of stroke,heart attack. May you please clarify for me what could be it.I am 30 years old so I refuse to have stroke or any of the sickness.

[sylvi]

It could also be a sign of ra darling.xxxx

[Hidden]

Hello there, I get severe cramps and have done for about 6 years on and off. At the moment the cramps in my feet and legs are absolutely awful at night and so it is definitely something I will be raising with my rheumy when I next see her.

Many of us get cramp, there have been quite a few posts about it. Most people's rheumys seem to say it's just one of those things that happens with inflammatory arthritis. A few years back I had my levels of potassium, sodium & magnesium (I think that was the list) tested as out-of-whack levels of those things can cause cramp. They were fine.

One thing that can help is making sure that you are always well-hydrated and that means drinking plenty of plain water, beverages & squash etc. won't cut it. I find that any alcohol makes cramp 100% worse too. But if you are concerned that your cramps could be a sign of something more sinister than your RA, do get straight to your doctor.

[medway-lady]

Or it could be panic, repetitive strain, or simply nothing at all. We are not medically trained so only advice you can be given is if your worried go to your GP. Sorry but heart attack or stroke usually has more symptoms than cramp in a hand.

[nomoreheels]

You don't say if you have an autoimmune disease but if you have I'm afraid it does happen & whilst cramps can be limiting they're rarely a serious complication. If you don't have an autoimmune disease it could be anything from repetitive strain injury to a trapped nerve but like your colleagues we're not medically trained. If it's worrying you do see your GP.

[Lorin]

I have regular tingling in my hands and feet whenever I have an RA flare. I was told the swelling in wrists and ankles is pushing on nerves. It is almost like carpal tunnel syndrome. If you suspect or have any other symptom of a heart attack you should contact your practitioner.