Does the hand cramping worsen when you type or talk on the phone too long? If so it could be carpal tunnel. i recently found out I have that. When I cut down on either activity my hands are better. Something to try and see.

Thanks - doesn't seem to matter too much. For example, it happened at a lunch the other day where I almost spilled my water as I had trouble keeping my hand from locking. What a year!

The fingers you mention are run by different major nerves.

The thumb, index finger and middle finger come off the carpal tunnel, running off the median nerve. The ring finger and pinky run off a different nerve, the ulnar nerve.

http://morphopedics.wikidot.com/hand-evaluation

Having that Middle finger locking suggests it is not all nerve related.

The hand may lock up because of a tendon issue... this is called trigger finger. It has to do with tendons getting stuck when they should slide easily.

This is a Google image search for trigger finger:
https://www.google.com/search?q=trig...IVwxk-Ch2xugxW

Spasms in the forearm can also cause contractures. An imbalance of calcium to magnesium may cause muscles to contract when they are not wanted. Lesions in the spine may also do this.

You might have to see a hand specialist if it continues after using simple remedies like magnesium supplements and/or magnesium lotion.

Thank you Mrs. D. You are the omniscient matriarch of this forum! As always you have some great info. Am on magnesium daily but I will wait to see if this is just a passing symptom or something more serious.

I think the magnesium lotion would be better for the hands and forearms. The blood supply is very delicate there and if inflammation is present then the magnesium in the blood from oral supplements may not get thru.

Using Morton Epsom lotion would feed the mag right into those tight spots more easily.

Morton's is at WalMart, Walgreen's and online at Amazon. It is so inexpensive, everyone with minor ailments should give it a try.
It works wonderfully for many issues.

is yellow or darker, dehydration could cause cramping up, just thought I would throw it in. It's hard to really drink like your supposed to. Good Luck, Ken in Texas.