In the course of our hectic lives, we have grown accustomed to being busy all the time and ignoring some very evident signs that our body is crying out for attention and help. Unfortunately, we only respond when it's too late, and then cry over how we missed the earlier signs. Simple things like spasms can prove to be quite dangerous. Muscle contractions and spasms are something that we all consider a very natural and common phenomenon. We believe that an occasional twitch or contraction now and again is nothing to be alarmed about. However, if these seemingly little twitches and contractions occur more often, they can be perceived as carpopedal spasm symptoms. Wondering what those are? Let's find out in this Buzzle article. What is a Carpopedal Spasm? In order to thoroughly understand what a carpopedal spasm is, we need to have a good idea of what exactly a spasm is. A spasm is a sudden and generally involuntary movement that the muscles of the parts of the body of a person may make, due to various underlying reasons. A spasm, because of its uncontrollable nature can turn out to be rather painful and sometimes, frightening for a person experiencing it for the first time, which can further intensify it. They are quite brief, lasting somewhere between a few seconds to a minute, but the duration does not define their intensity. In a carpopedal spasm, the fingers, thumbs, toes, feet, wrist or ankle joints may experience unnatural twitching and the person may even go through convulsions. This happens when the calcium level in the body is inadequate. A carpopedal spasm may be dismissed as just a regular muscle pull or cramp, but if frequent ones are allowed to go untreated, it could possibly lead to life-threatening conditions. The causes that one can attribute carpopedal spasms to, range from alkalosis, inadequate amounts of vitamin D and also hypothyroidism. Symptoms of a Carpopedal Spasm A carpopedal spasm, as mentioned above, has symptoms that are quite similar to a regular spasm. However, there is one distinguishing factor. These spasms are seen more often than what may be considered a regular interval. The following symptoms are what a carpopedal spasm is characterized by -

• Excessive cramping in the fingers, toes, ankle joint, feet, wrist, etc. may be observed in the person. This may include involuntary and sometimes, painful muscle contractions.
• Intense muscle weakness is also a symptom. Due to the reduced supply of calcium, the muscles get weakened and the person is unable to perform simple actions like standing up or moving the spastic part.
• Fatigue and excessive tiredness are also some very patent symptoms of a carpopedal spasm. Due to the cramping and spasms, coupled with the weakness in the muscles, the person may feel very tired and worn out.
• A person going through a carpopedal spasm may also experience the all too familiar 'pins and needles' sensation in the spastic area.
• Along with the 'pins and needles' sensation, he may also experience a gentle tickling or prickling sensation in the area.
• If the carpopedal spasm continues for a long time (about a minute), the person may also feel that the affected area has gone temporarily numb. This feeling will go once the muscles begin to relax and there is enough blood flow to the part again.
• A person going through a carpopedal spasm may also fall prey to other rapid, uncontrolled movements like jerking and twitching, which have no apparent reason or purpose.

In order to get good treatment, you need to consult a physician when you see that you are experiencing recurring carpopedal spasm symptoms. While hand or foot spasms, once in a while, are normally caused due to overexertion, repetitive ones can be a cause for concern. So, visit your doctor and get the necessary help and treatment, before it's too late.