9 ways our hands can report health problems

Writing, holding objects, typing and handling cutlery are just some of the functions of our hands, which are also often valued for the possibilities of carrying beautiful rings and displaying all the infinity of enamel colors.

However, in addition to playing an essential role in our motor coordination and following fashion trends, our hands can indicate that we have a health problem. Discover 9 signs that deserve to be investigated:

1. Pain in thumbs and forefingers

Pain, tingling, and numbness in your thumbs and index fingers can be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. This problem happens when something causes the wrist to swell, reducing blood flow to the nerve coming from the forearm.

2. Wounds that take a long time to heal

Injuries and cuts that take a long time to heal can be a symptom of diabetes. So if you suffer from sores that never seem to heal and you’ve noticed that you feel more thirsty and have an urge to urinate, it’s a good idea to seek medical attention to investigate your blood sugar levels.

3. Color change on fingers

Fingers can become reddened after we spend time in cold temperatures or do physical exertion, and this is not a problem. However, when the color change is accompanied by pain, numbness, tingling, or itching, it could be a sign of problems with the spine, blood vessels, or skin.

4. Excessive sweating

The palms of the hands contain sweat glands, so it is normal for them to sweat in situations of stress or heat. However, if you notice that your hands are always wet for apparently no reason, know that this is a characteristic of hyperhidrosis, which can also affect the armpits, feet, face and other parts of the body.

5. Weak and brittle nails

Frequent contact with water, detergents and other chemicals can make your nails more brittle, but this can also be a result of a thyroid problem. If nail changes are accompanied by joint weakness and pain, you should see your doctor.

6. Your hands are always cold

Hands that are constantly cold and that take on a pale or bluish tinge can indicate problems with circulation or the central nervous system.

7. Fingers tremors

Feeling that your fingers are trembling is a rather unpleasant feeling, as you end up losing some of your fine motor skills. If you have carried a lot of weight, this condition will disappear in a short time. However, if it persists and your fingers tremble for no reason, your body may be deficient in vitamin B1, B6, B12 and E.

8. Hand swelling

Persistent swelling can be a sign of vascular disease, which impairs blood and lymph circulation. If it is a sporadic condition that disappears in a short time, it can be the result of excess salt in a meal or even a day with very high temperatures.

9. Blue-toned nails

If your nails have taken on a bluish tinge, you should be wary of problems like low hemoglobin and anemia. Both are often accompanied by a slight feeling of loss of dexterity in the hands and tingling in the fingers.

If you experience any of these symptoms and it persists for several days, it is always recommended to make an appointment with a doctor to investigate if there is anything behind it. Pay attention to what your hands say about your health!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.