What your hands reveal about your health | Fusion - WeRIndia

Your hands can do more than just daily tasks—they might also hint at underlying health issues that need medical attention.

Here are some conditions your hands and fingers could be signalling:

Weak Grip: A frail handshake might indicate increased frailty and potentially serious conditions like dementia or cardiovascular disease. Maintaining strength through regular exercise is essential, especially after 50, to preserve overall health.

Swollen Fingers: Swelling and pain in your fingers could be a sign of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects both hands symmetrically, while osteoarthritis might target just one hand. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing these conditions effectively.

Yellow Knuckle Bumps: Yellow bumps under your knuckles might be xanthomas—fat deposits linked to high cholesterol. This can indicate elevated lipid levels, which might also signal conditions like diabetes or liver disease. Cholesterol-lowering medications can often help.

Curved Nails: Nails curving downward could point to lung disease, including lung cancer or COPD. If you notice changes in your nails, seek medical advice promptly, as early detection is vital.

Trembling Hands: Hand tremors may suggest a neurological disorder, such as Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor. With Parkinson’s, tremors typically occur at rest, while with essential tremor, they happen during activity. Consulting a neurologist is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Spoon Nails: Indented nails, known as koilonychia or spoon nails, could signal an iron imbalance or thyroid issues. If accompanied by fatigue or anxiety, it’s time to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

Popping Joints: If your finger joints pop or click, you might have a trigger finger, where tendons get stuck and cause pain. Rest, splints, and NSAIDs can help, but severe cases may require steroid injections or surgery.

Nail Pitting: Pitting or red-brown lines under your nails might indicate psoriasis or, more rarely, skin cancer. Consulting a dermatologist can help you address these conditions before they worsen.

Dark Nail Streaks: Black or brown streaks under your nails could be a sign of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Early detection is critical, so check your nails regularly and see a doctor if you notice any unusual changes.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on January 19, 2017

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/481669