What Are the Causes and Treatment Methods for Hand Tremors in the Elderly?
Mar 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
With advancing age, bodily functions decline, the nervous system function gradually weakens, and the ability to control hand muscles diminishes, leading to hand tremors, particularly more noticeable during fine motor activities. Elderly individuals can appropriately engage in hand exercises, such as grip-strengthening exercises and manipulating exercise balls, to promote hand circulation and enhance muscle strength. When elderly individuals experience intense emotional states such as tension, anxiety, or excitement.
Hand tremors in the elderly may be caused by aging, emotional fluctuations, essential tremor, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson's disease, and other factors. Management should be based on specific circumstances. It is recommended to visit a hospital promptly and follow medical advice for treatment.
1. Aging: With increasing age, bodily functions decline, nervous system function gradually weakens, and the ability to control hand muscles decreases, leading to hand tremors, especially more noticeable during fine motor activities. Elderly individuals can engage in appropriate hand exercises, such as grip-strengthening exercises or rotating exercise balls, to promote hand circulation and enhance muscle strength.
2. Emotional fluctuations: When elderly individuals experience intense emotions such as tension, anxiety, or excitement, changes in hormone secretion stimulate the nervous system, causing hand tremors, which may subside once emotions stabilize. Family members should provide more companionship and care, while the elderly themselves can try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to stabilize emotions and reduce tremors.
3. Essential tremor: The exact cause of this condition is not yet clear but may be related to heredity. The main symptoms include postural or action tremors, commonly affecting the hands and head, with symptoms possibly improving after alcohol consumption. It is recommended to follow medical advice to use medications such as Arotinolol Hydrochloride Tablets, Propranolol Hydrochloride Tablets, or Primidone Tablets to control tremors.
4. Hyperthyroidism: Excessive secretion of thyroid hormones accelerates bodily metabolism and increases nervous system excitability, possibly causing hand tremors, accompanied by symptoms such as excessive sweating, palpitations, and weight loss. Patients can follow medical advice to use medications such as Methimazole Tablets, Propylthiouracil Tablets, or Xiaojin Pills to promote recovery.
5. Parkinson's disease: Degeneration and death of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain lead to reduced dopamine secretion, potentially causing symptoms such as bradykinesia and resting tremors. Hand tremors often begin in one upper limb and gradually spread throughout the body. Patients can use medications such as Levodopa Tablets, Pramipexole Hydrochloride Tablets, or Amantadine Tablets under medical guidance to supplement dopamine and improve symptoms.
It is recommended to eat more foods rich in vitamins and minerals daily to provide nutritional support for nerve function and promote overall health.
References:
[1] Zhou Aijun, Hu Xiaowen, Kou Sen. Research Progress on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Essential Tremor[J]. Chinese Journal of Practical Nervous Diseases, 2025, 28(02):261-264.
[2] Feng Wei, Liang Yan. Research Progress on Pharmacotherapy for Parkinson's Disease[J]. Evaluation and Analysis on Drug-Use in Hospitals of China, 2025, 25(02):253-256.
