Our hands can reveal a lot about our health. They are an indicator of various medical conditions that may be present in our body. In this article, we will discuss 10 common health problems that can be reflected in the hands.
1. Arthritis
Arthritis is a medical condition that affects the joints causing inflammation and pain. This condition can also be reflected in the hands.
People with arthritis usually experience joint stiffness and pain in their hands, making it difficult to carry out everyday tasks such as opening jars or buttoning shirts. In severe cases, the hands may even become deformed.
2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition in which the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. This compression leads to pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.
People with CTS may also experience weakness in their hand making it difficult to grasp objects.
3. Raynaud’s Disease
Raynaud’s disease is a condition that affects the circulation of blood to the fingers and toes. This condition can cause the fingers to turn white or blue when exposed to cold temperatures or stress.
People with Raynaud’s disease may also experience numbness, tingling, and pain in their hands.
4. Dupuytren’s Contracture
Dupuytren’s contracture is a hand deformity that causes the fingers to bend toward the palm of the hand. This happens when the tissue below the skin in the palm of the hand thickens and tightens.
This condition is more common in men and those with a family history of the disease.
5. Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a skin condition that can cause itchy and scaly patches on the hands. This condition is caused by an allergic reaction to certain substances such as dyes, chemicals, or metals.
People with dermatitis may also experience redness, swelling, and blisters on their hands.
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6. Diabetes
Diabetes is a medical condition that affects how your body uses blood sugar. People with diabetes may develop nerve damage and poor circulation which can affect the hands and feet.
People with diabetes may also experience numbness, tingling, and pain in their hands.
7. Liver Disease
Liver disease can lead to the development of a condition known as palmar erythema. This condition causes the palms of the hands to turn red and can be an indicator of liver disease.
People with palmar erythema may also experience itching or swelling of the hands.
8. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. One of the symptoms of hypothyroidism is the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
People with hypothyroidism may also experience stiffness, pain, and swelling in their hands.
9. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects multiple joints, including the hands and wrists. This condition can cause the hands to become swollen, tender, and painful.
People with rheumatoid arthritis may also experience stiffness in their hands, making it difficult to complete everyday tasks.
10. Anemia
Anemia is a medical condition that occurs when your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells. This condition can cause the palms of the hands to turn pale when compared to the other parts of the body.
People with anemia may also experience cold hands and feet.
