The way your hands look can say a lot about your physical health, from circulation to general hygiene. What some may not be aware of is that your hands could be the key to diagnosing some underlying health conditions you didn't know you had, reports the Mirror.
Alongside symptoms, various changes in how your hands look or feel could help you to get an early diagnosis, which will result in treatment for some conditions. It's important to remain aware of these symptoms as early treatment for most conditions typically has more success.
For example, the relationship between the length of a man's ring finger can connect to the likelihood of developing prostate cancer, according to studies. According to research, the longer the ring finger relative to the index finger, the possible greater risk.
Another symptom researched is called finger clubbing, and it has been linked with a number of serious health conditions in certain cases.
Here is everything you need to know about finger clubbing.
What is finger clubbing?
Finger clubbing is what happens when the amount of soft tissue under the nail beds increases.
It's also a symptom that can occur in some congenital heart disorders and liver disorders.
In some cases, the symptom could be inherited and not indicate anything serious - so the best thing to do if you're worried is to speak to a health professional.
However, sometimes it can indicate a health issue, so here are some you should be aware of.
Cancer
Cancer Research UK said: "Finger clubbing can be a sign of a number of underlying health conditions, particularly of the lungs or heart."
The site added: "This includes cancer such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.
“But finger clubbing can also be found in some people with thyroid problems or other conditions such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease."
Liver disease
Finger clubbing is also a well-known and recognised sign of a chronic liver disease.
In studies, primary cirrhosis and the presence of finger clubbing was strongly associated.
Cirrhosis is the scarring of the liver organ, which is caused by long-term liver damage - and it can be fatal.
Mount Sinai Health System warns of changes on the fingers indicating liver problems which include:
- Nail beds softening
- Nails forming a sharper angle with the cuticle
- Last part of the finger appearing large or bulging
- Nail curving downward looking like an upside-down spoon
According to experts, other health conditions linked with finger clubbing may include:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Liver diseases
- Pulmonary diseases
- AIDS
If you notice any changes in the appearance of your fingers or hands - like becoming more curved or ends becoming larger - you should speak to a health professional.
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