Bruce AbrahamseWe use our hands every single day, so we tend to immediately notice if something is wrong with them. Hand issues are often indicators of other underlying problems with the body. Their appearance and functionality can impart significant cues about the state of your body’s health.
The Eleven Signs on Your Hands to Look Out For
Our hands are able to reveal signs of underlying health issues because they are closely connected to the various functions and systems of the human body. For instance, our hands contain many blood vessels, which makes them a great indicator of potential issues with circulation. They are also full of nerve endings, so they are able to indicate neurological health too. Let’s find out more about the eleven subtle signs your hands reveal about your state of health.
Read More: 21 ‘Signs’ of an Abusive Parent We Can’t Keep Overlooking
1: Your Hands Are Red
Having red hands can be a symptom of several different conditions, such as liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or Graves’ disease. It has also been reported as a Covid symptom. Sometimes redness can be a sign of hormonal changes, such as with people who are pregnant. Some individuals even have a hereditary condition in which they are born with red hands.
2: You Develop A Rash on Your Hands
Some people suffer from a skin condition that causes a rash when their skin comes into contact with an allergen. This condition is known as allergic contact dermatitis and one of its most common causes is a nickel allergy. [1] Nickel can be found in products like phones, watches, and bracelets, as well as food, such as cashews and buckwheat. Another condition that can cause a hand rash is atopic dermatitis which usually first appears in childhood.
3: You Develop Clubbed Fingers
Another indicator of underlying health issues is clubbed fingers. Finger clubbing often happens when there are reduced oxygen levels in the blood, commonly associated with heart or lung diseases. [2] Conditions such as endocarditis, lung cancer, and congenital heart defects can potentially lead to finger clubbing. The symptoms of finger clubbing include round nailbeds and bulging fingertips.
4: Your Hands are Stiff, Painful, or Swollen
Stiff, painful, and swollen hands can often be the result of various inflammatory diseases, such as dermatomyositis and arthritis. [3] Dermatomyositis is a rare disease that affects the muscles and skin. The symptoms include rashes, muscle weakness, and swelling of the joints. Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects the joints. Its symptoms include flaky skin and lesions. It typically begins to show up in people between the ages of 30 and 50.
5: Your Hands Begin to Tremble
Everyone’s hands tremble or shake from time to time. Perhaps you have just done something that got your adrenaline pumped, or you were focusing on a fine task. It can also be exacerbated by drinking too much coffee, withdrawing from alcohol, or not getting enough sleep. However, it can also be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as Parkinson’s disease. This disease is a neurological disorder that damages brain cells, resulting in hand tremors.
6: Your Hands are Tingly or Numb
We have all experienced pins and needles at one stage or another in our lives. This is usually when we have been putting pressure on our limbs in an awkward manner. However, pins and needles can also be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. Along with a tingling sensation, additional carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include a feeling of weakness and loss of hand control. Tingly or numb hands can also potentially indicate a stroke.
7: Your Finger Nodules Turn Purple
If you develop painful purple bumps on your fingertips, you might be suffering from endocarditis. Also known as Osler nodes, it is a rare but severe condition that results in heart lining inflammation. It can also cause bleeding under your palms’ skin, resulting in red spots on your palms. This condition is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as a fever, chills, coughing, heart murmurs, and shortness of breath.
8: You Develop Bumps or Red Scales
Thick red scaly skin is a sign of psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition. [4] When this condition spreads to the hands and feet, it can cause serious pain and discomfort. This condition is often accompanied by other symptoms such as cracks, fissures, and bumps filled with pus. While it mostly affects adults, there are also many cases of psoriasis in children.
9: Your Finger Pops or Gets Stuck Often
If your finger gets stuck and you have issues straightening it, then you may have a condition known as a “trigger finger”. This condition usually affects the thumb or ring finger, as these are the fingers that we use most often. Trigger finger typically occurs when a tendon becomes inflamed, making movement difficult. This condition is common in individuals with preexisting conditions such as thyroid disease, arthritis, and diabetes.
10: Your Hand Strength Weakens
The strength of your hands can often reveal much about your overall health. People with healthy heart structure and function tend to have stronger hand grips. Individuals with weaker hand strength are more likely to face serious health challenges, including a higher risk of death from causes such as heart disease.
11: Your Hands Turn Blue or White
If your hands turn white or blue, then you may have Raynaud’s syndrome. This syndrome affects the small blood vessels in your arms and legs, causing them to narrow in response to triggers like cold temperatures or stress. This restricted blood flow can make your fingers and toes turn white or blue and feel numb. There are certain medications that can cause similar symptoms, such as medications for migraines and high blood pressure.
