Writer's cramp is a focal dystonia of the fingers, hand, and/or forearm. Symptoms usually appear when a person is trying to do a task that requires fine motor movements, such as writing or playing a musical instrument. Clumsiness and painful tightness in the hand and forearm occur during writing or playing, and abnormal tension and strange posturing of hand develops.
It has a strong psychological overlay. Reassurance of recovery helps a great deal. Tranquilizers & antioxidants give relief. Local Botulinum toxin injection produces temporary relief.
Retraining and learning new techniques help some patients. But the outlook is poor in some cases and may lead to the end of musical careers.