Why are my hands shaking? Causes, is it normal, and remedies

Jul 21, 2026


Medically reviewed by Susan W. Lee, DO — Written by Amanda Barrell — Updated on May 14, 2026

Key takeaways

  • Tremors are involuntary muscle contractions that cause body parts to tremble. Hand tremors are common and are often due to stress or tiredness.
  • Hand tremors may also indicate health conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or alcohol use disorder.
  • Mild tremors may not be a cause for concern. If tremors worsen or interfere with daily activities, it is important to talk with a healthcare professional.

For some people, shaky hands may be a minor inconvenience. For others, the symptom may lead to difficulty using the hands for everyday tasks.

This article describes what tremors are, outlines some potential causes of shaky hands, and asks whether it is common. We also provide tips on how to stop the hands from shaking and discuss some of the treatment options available.

What are tremors?

Tremors are involuntary, rhythmic muscle contractions that make a body part appear to be shaking or trembling. Everyone has a slight tremor when moving or maintaining a particular posture. These are called physiologic tremors.

They are often so small that a person does not see or notice them. Hand tremors may be more noticeable when a person holds their hands out straight in front of the body or when they are stressed or anxious.

Tremors mostly affect the hands. However, it can also occur in other body parts, such as the:

  • head
  • arms
  • legs
  • torso
  • voice box (larynx), which may cause a shaky voice

There are several types of tremors. However, most fall into two categories:

  • Resting tremors: These occur when the muscles are relaxed, including when the hands are resting on the lap.
  • Action tremors: These occur when the muscles contract due to voluntary movement. The majority of tremors are action tremors.

Sometimes, tremors can indicate an underlying health issue, especially if they are persistent or very pronounced.

What causes shaky hands?

Tremors can be normal or could result from neurological conditions, other health problems, or medication use. Below are some potential causes of hand tremors.

Enhanced physiologic tremor

Enhanced physiologic tremor (EPT) is perhaps the most commonly observed postural tremor. It usually affects the hands and fingers on both sides of the body.

The following may worsen EPT in some people:

  • stress
  • anxiety
  • fatigue
  • lack of sleep
  • excessive caffeine intake
  • vigorous exercise
  • overactive thyroid

Enhanced physiological tremor does not require medical treatment, except potentially when a person needs to rely on fine muscle coordination for their work or other activities.

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