One of the most annoying conditions which can hamper simple finger movements, particularly when performing skillful movements of fingers. It can have a damaging effect on careers such as writers, musicians who need fine movements and extreme coordinated finger movements. The most distinguishing features of this condition is that it is 'Task Specific' ETV Bharat Sukhibhava spoke to Dr. Janhvi Kathrani, Physiotherapist, Alternative Medicine Practitioner and Yoga Teacher, to learn more about this condition and to know more about its management.
What is Writer’s Cramp?
- Writer’s cramp is also known as Focal Hand Dystonia (FHD) or Idiopathic Movement Disorder (abnormal movements of hand and fingers when no particular reason is ruled out).
- Painful Stiffness in the hand and fingers along with spasmodic contractions (painful cramps) mostly seen in the people who have been involved in writing continuously. In some cases, pain can extend till the forearm
- Few cases have shown up with little numbness or temporary paralysis of the thumb and fingers too.
- Painful writing attempts
- If paralysis is involved at a noticeable level, it can be known as Scrivener’s Palsy.
Conservative management is the most comfortable and preventive way for the majority of the patients rather than undergoing orthopedic surgery which is the last option to cure this disorder however Physiotherapy management is highly advisable before planning for any surgical intervention and post-surgery helps to get back to a daily routine with optimal result.
Physiotherapy Management in Writer’s Cramp:
- Pain relieving modalities: pain is really irritating component of any symptoms, we all want to get rid of very first. There are various physiotherapy modalities to manage the pain in writer’s cramp-like Paraffin Wax bath, TENS, Ultrasound (these need to be administered by a professional).
- Hydrotherapy is helpful not only in relieving pain but also to maintain the range of motion (movement capacity of the wrist and fingers) and prevent further stiffness and rigidity that can be beneficial to lower down or prevent the progression of the disorder.
- Cold pack placement or cold-water immersion with movement is advisable to relieve the pain and spasm in the musculature.
- Behavior Therapy: Neurological task-oriented exercises with psychological training to improve the writing or prevent further damage in writing skills in this writer’s cramps condition.
- Endurance Training : Suitable exercises are advised to gain the endurance of the muscles involved in writer’s cramp that can prevent further damage to the muscles during spasmodic contractions and help muscles not to get damaged quickly due to uncontrolled contractions.
- Gentle Stretch : To the muscles which are affected can help to gain the proper blood circulation as well as prevent the over-activation of the muscle spindles which may prevent the spasm or at least relieve or minimalize the pain during the spasm.
- Neurological Coordination training can help to maintain the writing skills or prevent further damage in task-oriented activities. This is effective for cases that have been worsening over time.
- Occupational training: Any difficulty in the career or profession can be lifelong affecting that needs to be managed by occupational counseling and preferable training to manage the damage in the career or study.
- Weight bearing exercises help in maintaining the muscle chain health from fingers and thumbs to the shoulders that can be helpful to prevent further muscle damage and spare the healthy muscles. Also, lessen the effect of spasm or uncontrolled contractions.
For further guidance please consult Dr. Janhvi Kathrani at jk.swasthya108@gmail.com
