carpopedal spasm

Introduction

Muscle spasm of the wrists or hands & the feet.

Etiology

• tetany
  • hypocalcemia (diminished ionized Ca+2)
    • hyperventilation

Clinical manifestations

• flexion of the hands at the wrists
• flexion of the fingers at the metacarpophalangeal joints
• extension of the fingers at the phalangeal joints
• dorsiflexion of the feet at the ankles
• plantarflexion of the toes

More general terms

• muscle spasm