Already hailed for its wrinkling-erasing properties, Botox is now being touted as an effective treatment for writer’s cramp, too.”This study provides ample evidence for the beneficial effect of Botulinum toxin injections on writer’s cramp,” said study lead author Dr. Jose Kruisdijk, of the department of neurology at Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
“The injections with Botulinum toxin can be given by a neurologist or other medical specialist who has gained some experience with this treatment,” Kruisdijk added.
Outside experts urged caution. “The study does show some evidence of efficacy, but it’s a relatively small study, and it’s only one paper, so it’s hard to make a generalization,” said Dr. Robert A. Weber, associate professor of surgery at Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine and chief of the Section of Hand Surgery at Scott & White Hospital.
Writer’s cramp refers to involuntary muscle contractions of the fingers, hand or arm while writing or performing other manual tasks. In one quarter of cases, the condition affects both hands. Overall, writer’s cramp affects three to seven of every 100,000 people, a relatively small proportion, but it can negatively affect work, self-esteem and social life, the study authors stated.
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