From a weak grip to finger length – what your HANDS can reveal about your health
YOUR hands can tell you a lot about the state of your health.
From what a weak handshake means for your ticker, to how the length of your fingers may indicate a cancer risk, they are able to reveal quite a bit.
GP Dr Sarah Garsed says: “We often start with the hands for examinations when patients come to us.
"We can tell huge amounts from them, so any change to your hands that is prolonged, we recommend you get it checked by your GP.”
Here Jenny Francis-Towson tells you what to be on the lookout for.
Enlarged fingertips
SUDDEN growth in your fingertips could be a reason to seek advice on your respiratory health.
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Dr Garsed says: “This symptom is basically an in- crease in the tissue around the ends of the fingers.
“This is not something you should ignore as it can be a sign that you have low oxygen in your blood.
“Low oxygen in the blood is always a red flag as it can indicate early signs of lung disease and is something that can be checked with a simple blood test by your GP.”
Weak grip
A WEAK handshake has long had associations with nervousness or being a bit of a wimp – but it could signal something much more significant.
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In fact, a feeble grip can indicate a shorter life expectancy.
A nationwide study published in the British Medical Journal found that those who develop a weak hold in midlife have a 20 per cent higher risk of death from heart and respiratory diseases and cancer.
Frail hand strength can also signal a lack of muscle tone and may indicate your nutrition isn’t up to scratch, experts say.
South Korean researchers at Yonsei University College of Medicine also found people with a weaker hand grip were up to three times more likely to have undiagnosed depression.
Dr Garsed says: “If you notice a persistent decrease in grip strength, or feel weaker in general in your hand, it’s good to mention it to your GP. They can check it, and check your blood pressure too.”
Long index fingers
THE length of your fingers can give indications about your health – especially if you are male.
A study by the International Journal of Medical Sciences found that if an index finger is much longer than the ring finger, it can be a sign of coronary artery disease.
However, men whose index fingers are the same length or longer than their ring fingers are 33 per cent less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to a 2010 study published in the British Journal of Cancer.
Red white or blue fingers
NO, it’s not a sign you are incredibly patriotic! Fingers that turn white, red or blue can suggest poor circulation.
Often a change in temperature from hot to cold, or exposure to long periods of chilly temperatures, causes the colour change, but extreme stress or trauma can also bring it on.
Dr Garsed says: “Regular bouts of extreme colour change in the fingers show your circulation is not functioning correctly and is usually a sign of Raynaud’s disease.
“A lack of adequate blood supply is what causes the fingers to go white or blue, while a sudden return of circulation of blood to the area is what causes redness and swelling.
“Raynaud’s is most common in young women and while it’s not dangerous, it can be painful, annoying and can be helped with lifestyle changes or medication. Try to keep your hands warm with hot water bottles and gloves.”
Little red rash
SMALL red bumps or blisters on your hands or wrists can point towards a food allergy.
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Sensitivity to nickel – traces of which are found in foods including beans and legumes, chocolate, peanuts, soy, oatmeal and granola – is a common allergy. If you experience any persistent rashes on your hands, it could be a sign.
Dr Garsed says: “You can easily find out if you do have the allergy by simply cutting out foods with nickel in them and seeing if your rash disappears.”