Writer’s cramp – Its Management And Homeopathic Remedies

Writer’s cramp or dystonia is a chronic condition affecting the muscles of the wrist or forearm which restricts the hand from doing fine movements, such as writing, typing, etc. It restricts the fine motor movements of the hand. It may also cause trembling of the hands which cannot be voluntarily controlled by the body most of the time. It is also said as the task-specific focal dystonia of the hand as it occurs while performing a certain specific activity, such as writing or playing the piano (occupational cramp).

Over-contraction of the affected muscles (wrist, forearm, and hands) may occur, and co-contraction of agonist and antagonist pairs with the activation of muscles inappropriate to a task may impair the working of the affected hand. Abnormities in somatosensory pathways have also seemed to be affected in the Writer’s cramp.

Most of the patients suffering from writer’s cramp are after 20 years of age and in the second decade of their life.

Initial symptoms may include a slight pain while writing or performing fine works, such as piano playing, typing, sewing, etc. You may experience slight cramps while writing, difficulty in maintaining the writing speed, and maintaining good handwriting. The patient of the Writer’s cramp may also experience difficulty while holding the writing utensils.

The main symptoms while writing when suffering from Writer’s cramp include ending up in dystonic postures when the patient attempts to write. While writing, the patient will find it difficult to keep the hands and fingers normal on to the surface, fingers may be found folded up, or, sometimes, an extension is observed. This is commonly involved with the excessive flexion of the thumb & index finger with the pronation of the hand and with the ulnar deviation of the wrist. The lifted-up posture of the hand is quite common while functioning of fine activities in Writer’s cramp. Later on, writing with the affected hand becomes difficult and the patient will try with the non-dominant hand that too will become affected later, which is common in Writer’s cramp.

Symptoms may occur on and off or occasionally during the initial periods and, later on, become continuous and severe when noticed by anyone or someone who is concentrating on the writing of the patient. Sometimes it’s continuous, and, sometimes, its remissions and relapses are.  But, the progression to generalized dystonia and spontaneous remission from this condition is very rare.

There are two types of Writer’s cramp:

1. Simple Writer’s cramp: It involves only issues with writing.
2. Dystonic Writer’s cramp: It involves issues while doing other works, particularly fine works.

Homeopathic Remedies for Writer’s cramp or dystonia:

Homeopathy is the second largest system of medicines practiced all over the world. Like any other chronic disease, Writer’s cramp also has treatments that offer very good results. Homeopathic medicines, unlike any other conventional medicines, do not have any side-effects and harmful effects on the human body. These are some medicines that will provide relief in this condition.

1. Mag Phos: This homeopathic remedy is effective for Writer’s cramp with severe pain. The patients presenting with cutting, shooting, stitching, and excruciating sudden pains find this medicine helpful. Crampy contractions of the fingers indicate Mag Phos. The discomfort alleviates with warmth and by putting pressure over the hands. It is usually characterized by the pain from prolonged use of the hands and fingers. This remedy is usually called as a remedy for piano players and writers.
2. Cimicifuga racemosa:

It is called as the remedy for Writer’s cramp with severe trembling of hand and fingers while writing. Along with this, the individual suffering from stiffness and contracted feeling of hands can feel relief with Cimicifuga racemosa.

• Gelsemium:

It is another important medicine for Writer’s cramp. It is characterized by trembling and weakness of the hand of the patient suffering from the Writer’s cramp. Usually, when the muscles of the forearm get cramps and cramps occur in the fingers and hands while writing indicates Gelsemium. Severe fatigue which occurs after the slightest effort or from exertion is the main feature of this remedy. There will be a complete loss of coordination of muscles along with the stiffness.

• Stannum met:

Stannum met is more suited for individuals affected by Writer’s cramp with the paralytic weakness in the hands and fingers. Trembling of fingers and patients experiencing difficulty in holding the pen indicate this remedy. It is also difficult to hold the broom also for the patient. Another symptom indicating this remedy is the dropping of the objects from hands very easily as it is paralyzed.

• Silicea:

Silicea is most suited when the individual has cramps in the forearm and it affects the writing and fine movements of the hand. Contractions with rigidity is another symptom which indicates this remedy. This remedy is quite effective for individuals with cold hands and extremities. This homeopathic medicine is also recommended for the coldness which accompanies an increased sweating of the hands or maybe generalized sweating.

• Kali Phos:

This remedy involves the symptoms of the Writer’s cramp with paralytic weakness. When the slightest exertion causes trembling and cramps in fingers and hands along with slight numbness in the fingertips, Kali phos is indicated. The remedy helps the patient who experiences the numbness across the contracted muscles.

• Zincum Phos:

This remedy is characterized by the Writer’s cramp symptoms along with degenerative symptoms in the brain.

These are some of the homeopathic remedies usually helpful in treating Writer’s cramp. As this condition is a chronic condition, it may take some period of medication to provide symptomatic relief to the patient.

Life Force Homeopathy has treated several patients of Writer’s cramp by providing them good relief and developed a positive outlook towards the prognosis of the disease. Dr. Shah goes through the case file of every patient in detail and prescribes homeopathic medication to provide the care with dedication. The patients will experience symptomatic relief initially, and several patients have completely got relieved of this chronic condition without many relapses.

Thus, he had found homeopathic effectiveness in treating Writer’s cramp successfully across the globe.

I hope my above blog is informative to all the readers and patients who are finding a solution for the Writer’s Cramp or dystonia ailment.

• Written by Dr. Vinay Ram. C., Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah