Why does my arm keep shaking while doing push-ups?

Nov 19, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
Arm trembling during push-ups may be caused by insufficient upper limb muscle strength, upper limb injury, calcium deficiency, or other reasons. If you do not exercise regularly, the muscles in your arms may become tense during push-ups, leading to persistent shaking. Upper limb injuries can also cause such symptoms. Additionally, calcium deficiency increases muscle excitability, which may trigger muscle contractions during push-ups and result in similar tremors.

Shaking of the arms during push-ups may be caused by factors such as insufficient upper limb muscle strength, upper limb injury, or calcium deficiency. It is advisable to visit a hospital for relevant examinations to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

1. Insufficient Upper Limb Muscle Strength

If one rarely exercises regularly or is in poor physical condition, upper limb muscle strength may be inadequate. During push-ups, this can lead to muscle tension in the arms, causing persistent shaking. Applying a warm compress using a hot towel or hot water bottle may help improve local blood circulation and relieve muscle tension.

2. Upper Limb Injury

Excessive or improper exercise intensity during push-ups may result in sprains, strains, or overuse injuries of the upper limbs. Besides arm tremors, severe pain may also occur. Patients may follow medical advice to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief, such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules.

3. Calcium Deficiency

Low calcium levels can increase muscle excitability. When performing push-ups, the stimulated muscles may contract involuntarily, leading to twitching or trembling of the arms. Increasing dietary intake of calcium-rich foods such as soy products, fish, and shrimp can help supplement calcium.

Besides the above common causes, other factors such as sleep deprivation and irregular eating habits may also contribute.

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