10 health conditions your hands can reveal, here's how to read more
Your hands can say a lot about your health. Everything from the skin, to the nails, and the grip reveal health issues that you might overlook. Even small changes such as shaky fingers or odd nails can be early signs of serious health problems. Here’s what you need to know.
What your hands tell you Your hands do more than help you get through the day. Even well-manicured hands, if observed closely, can reveal a health issue. A small tremor, swelling, colour change, or a nail that looks oddly different could be a warning sign. These clues can point to issues like poor circulation, arthritis, or even heart disease. Early detection of these symptoms enables you to take action before the condition worsens (Images: Canva)
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Test your grip strength A good grip is a sign of healthy hand. As you age your grip feels weaker, you drop things more often, and everyday tasks seem harder. While all these problems are a sign of ageing, they can also signal heart or brain issues. Weak grip is an early health warning. Don’t ignore it and speak to your GP as early as possible.
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Notice swollen finger joints If your joints look puffy and feel stiff or sore, especially in the morning, it can signal arthritis, osteoarthritis or rheumatoid. Swelling in the joints, especially on both hands, may mean inflammation is building up. Don’t wait for serious pain, consult a doctor at the earliest.
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Spot yellow knuckle bumps If you’ve noticed firm, yellowish lumps on your knuckles, it’s not just dry skin. These are called xanthomas. They may mean high cholesterol. They also signal diabetes or liver problems. It is important to get a blood test in order to understand the issue. Consult a general practitioner (GP).
Observe downward-curved nails Take a look at your nails from the side, do they curve downward and bulge at the fingertips? That’s known as clubbing, and could point to lung disease, especially if paired with breathlessness. It can also be linked to heart issues. If you spot this, don’t delay. Visit the doctor.
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Track trembling in hands Do your hands shake when you hold a glass or write? It might be more than nerves. A steady tremor could be linked to essential tremor or Parkinson’s disease. If the shaking is continuous, and is not linked to caffeine or stress, it is serious. Ask your GP for a referral.
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Check for spoon-shaped nails If your nails look scooped and water pools in the centre, it maybe a cause of concern. It is called koilonychia. It often suggests iron deficiency and may also signal thyroid issues. Low iron makes you tired. For proper diagnosis get a blood test done.
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Detect red-brown nail lines Vertical red or brown lines under your nails should not be ignored. They might be splinter haemorrhages, linked to conditions like psoriasis or even heart infections. In rare cases, they signal skin cancer. If you notice these lines, book an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist.
Recognise persistent coldness If the other parts of your body feel warm, but your hands stay cold, feel numb or turn blue, it may indicate Raynaud’s disease, or poor circulation. It could also suggest thyroid trouble. Don’t ignore freezing hands. If they tingle, ache, or change colour, get them checked.
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Watch for finger numbness If you often feel pins and needles in your fingers, especially at night, you might have carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s caused by pressure on a nerve in your wrist. Typing, driving, or even sleeping can make it worse. Wearing a wrist splint might help, but if it persists, ask your doctor about treatment options.
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Pay attention to nail pitting Tiny dents in your nails, like someone poked them with a pin, may point to psoriasis. It’s more than a skin condition, it might also affect your joints. If you’ve got flaky skin, joint pain, and nail changes all at once, your body may be telling you it needs attention
Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.
