I saw a man in his 20s today with a complaint of eisodic painful contracture of a joint, i.e.1 finger, hip, back area, brief, dad has same .? diagnosis

Are these cramps?: Muscle cramps can sometimes contract a muscle in extension or flexion for several minutes or more. Spontaneous or after certain movements? Check Ca++ and Mg++. Even if both normal I have had some success with magnesium supplements. 500-1000 mg MgO2 daily. Even with that they may still occur but less frequently. Worth a try. Good luck.

Interesting: Can you clarify "contracture?" Is it a muscle spasm? Is it visible to the observer? Any history of blood clots in the family? Or rheumatologic diseases? And is it just pain or is it accompanied by redness in the area or temperature change, such as is seen in erythromelalgia?

Focal Dystonia?: Hi Lois, If your workup is negative for the metabolic issues that've been stated elsewhere then, I'd consider a focal dystonia- Especially based on the familial history. Is there a way this person can precipitate the spasm? If there is a position or a task that brings this on then, there is a way to measure it electrically. You (or he) may also be able to videotape its initiation and release.