Have you ever noticed unusual symptoms in your hands, like tingling, tremors, or changes in your nails, and wondered if they might mean something more? Our hands are incredible tools, performing a range of complex tasks daily. However, they also serve as an indicator of our overall health. Since the hands are composed of various tissues, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels, they can often reveal the first signs of systemic diseases, conditions that affect multiple organs or tissues. We spoke to our expert Dr Yatin Sagvekar, Consultant, Neurology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, who highlighted ten hand-related conditions that you should know.
Hand Symptoms That May Signal Serious Health Problems
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
"Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is the most common nerve entrapment disorder, which occurs when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. This leads to classic symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, and weakness in the lateral half of the hand," said Dr Sagvekar. CTS can be associated with several conditions, including diabetes, osteoarthritis, hypothyroidism, pregnancy, obesity, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and even sarcoidosis. If left untreated, it may worsen, affecting hand function and quality of life.
Tremors
According to a 2021 study, a tremor is an unintentional, rhythmic, oscillating movement that can affect one or multiple body parts. Hand tremors are frequent and are typically caused by stress or fatigue. They may also indicate several health conditions like essential Tremors, Parkinson's Disease, enhanced Physiological tremors, dystonic tremors, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders, drug dependence or withdrawal.
Dystonia
"Dystonia is a movement disorder characterised by repetitive, involuntary movements and abnormal muscle positioning. This condition may affect the hands and is often linked to neurological disorders like Parkinsonism. Early diagnosis is essential to manage symptoms and prevent progression," said Dr Sagvekar.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that targets the joints, ligaments, and tendons. It often begins in the hands, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty straightening fingers. According to a 2023 study, RA can occur at any age, it most commonly develops during the fourth and fifth decades of life, with its incidence rising as people age. A family history of the condition significantly increases the risk. Notably, rheumatoid arthritis is a leading cause of disability worldwide, ranking higher than iodine deficiency but slightly below malaria.
Gout
Gout is an inflammatory form of arthritis triggered by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. According to a 2020 study, gout impacts over 3 million individuals in the United States and approximately 41 million worldwide. "In the hands, it can lead to severe bone changes, joint pain, and deformities. Prompt treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent long-term damage," added Dr Sagvekar.
Also Read: Why Should People With Gout Avoid Certain Fish Types?
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 is vital for nerve health, and its deficiency can manifest in the hands as:
- A 'pins and needles' sensation
- Weakness in hand grip
- Pale skin or knuckle pigmentation
Addressing this deficiency through dietary changes or supplementation can reverse these symptoms and prevent nerve damage.
Clubbed Nails
Clubbed fingers, where the fingertips become bulbous and nails curve downward, may indicate serious conditions, such as:
- Infective Endocarditis: A bacterial infection affecting the lining of the heart.
- Congenital Heart Disease: Birth defects that cause structural abnormalities in the heart.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A group of lung diseases that make breathing difficult.
- Gastrointestinal Malignancies, Liver Cirrhosis, or Renal Failure: Chronic conditions that impact the body’s metabolic balance.
Diabetes
Diabetes can affect the hands in various ways, including:
- Peripheral neuropathy causes tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in the hands.
- Impaired blood circulation, impacts healing and increases infection risks.
- Stiffness in tendons and ligaments, potentially causing reduced hand mobility.
Liver and Kidney Disease
Both liver and kidney diseases can cause changes in skin and nails, including discolouration, thinning, or brittleness. These symptoms may accompany other systemic signs like fatigue, swelling, or jaundice. Identifying the root cause of the disease requires early medical intervention.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a condition where blood flow to the fingers is temporarily reduced, often triggered by cold or stress. The fingers may become white or blue and experience numbness or pain. "This condition is sometimes linked to autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or scleroderma. Proper management can reduce flare-ups and improve circulation," added Dr Sagvekar.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]