You notice the shaking most in the morning, when you’re texting or drinking your coffee. Or it could be an all-the-time affliction, causing your hands to quiver whenever they’re hanging at your sides.
You’re not alone. A shaking or trembling body part—also known as a tremor—is the most common type of movement disorder, according to a 2011 study in American Family Physician. And your hands are the most likely part of your body to suffer.
What’s causing your shakes? A hand tremor can stem from a number of underlying causes, ranging from diseases like Parkinson’s to a benign caffeine overload, says Joseph Jankovic, MD, a professor of neurology and distinguished chair in movement disorders at Baylor College of Medicine.
How can you tell what’s causing your hand shaking? In many cases, you can’t. But a doctor can based on when and how your tremor shows up.