Interesting post, and question.

I have numb hands, usually lasting several weeks to months. So far I've always recovered though.

Besides the numbness, they are very stiff and feel like they've been dipped in cement. There have been a few times that the ache goes all the way up to my elbow (and/or to my knees in my legs). It feels like my tendons are being pulled to the max. I have presumed the arm/leg pain to be spasticity, but never considered that the sensation in my hands (stiffness) is also likely spasticity. It makes perfect sense though.

When my lower arms, wrists and hands are stiff, I do the exact opposite to what you are suggesting. I have been told to use arm/hand braces, to limit the movement (which is the opposite of what I've been told for my leg spasticity).

When I have this 'spasticity' in my hands/arms, I find that I tend to contort my wrists in abnormal ways. I will often find my hand clawing (drawing up to my body), and I will notice that my wrists are bent in quite unnatural ways. That is the reason I use the braces; to keep my joints/tendons still.

I will wear the braces in the evenings and every time I sleep, because it gives my arms/joints a rest. I also wear them because I know that I cram my hands in my pockets and/or twist my wrists in various ways when I sleep, and this forces them to stay straight. It definitely does help with the pain, if they are not free to do what they would want to do naturally.

Cherie