Examination of the Hand (The Hand in Diagnosis) The examination of the hand and nails can lead to a number of diagnoses. Some of these include liver disease (Terry's nails), kidney disease (Lindsay's nails), lung disease (nail clubbing), endocarditis and many others.
“They can tell us several things, from our personality to what's going on in our lives,” says Evans. “The more obvious characteristics in our hands don't change but the finer lines, the colour, how we hold our fingers can all change depending on our feelings, health and how we are using our energy.
Changes in Nail Shape
Ripples on nails or pitted nails may be caused by a skin disorder, psoriasis, eczema, or arthritis. Nail clubbing is when a nail curves under at the tip of the finger. It could indicate heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease, lung disease, liver disease, thyroid disease, or HIV/AIDS.
The examination of the hand and nails can lead to a number of diagnoses. Some of these include liver disease (Terry's nails), kidney disease (Lindsay's nails), lung disease (nail clubbing), endocarditis and many others.
When your hands are affected by rheumatoid arthritis, you may experience swelling around the affected joint, which leads to pain or tenderness. The joint may feel warm to the touch. Swelling tends to be symmetrical, which means it occurs in the same joints on both right and left hands.
The capillary nail refill test is a quick test done on the nail beds. It is used to monitor dehydration and the amount of blood flow to tissue.
Osteoarthritis often also causes lumps or nodules around the knuckles of the fingers. These lumps are called Heberden's nodes when they are around the knuckle closest to the fingertip, or Bouchard's nodes when they are around the middle knuckle. These lumps are actually bone spurs around the joints.
Congenital anomalies are hand or finger deformities that are present at birth. Any type of deformity in a newborn can become a challenge for the child as he or she grows. Hand deformities can be particularly disabling as the child learns to interact with the environment through the use of his or her hands.
The lines are called 'palmar flexion creases' and develop before birth. Most people have two main lines across the palm but some have a single 'Simian crease'. This can be inherited normally on either one or both hands, but is also associated with Down's syndrome and other conditions.
That said, your finger length can also speak volumes about the kind of person you are. Studies have shown that high levels of male hormone i.e. testosterone is associated with the slow growth of index finger, which people believe can disclose many things about a person's personality.
The human brain is hard-wired to engage the hands to accurately communicate one's emotions, thoughts, and sentiments. Those who hide their hands while speaking are perceived as less open and honest. People often "steeple" their hands to express confidence, and will rub their hands together when feeling stress.
Hand or wrist nerve injury complications
Nerve injuries can be challenging to treat. In some cases, if the nerve is completely severed, it can result in permanent loss of sensation or feeling. Complete recovery may not be possible for some nerve injuries.
Nodules: Bony lumps may form on the middle joint of the finger (Bouchard's nodes) or at the joint near the fingertip (Heberden's nodes). Joint deformity: Bone changes, loss of cartilage, unstable or loose ligaments and swelling can make your finger joints large and misshapen.
This test is used to determine whether your fingers or thumbs flex involuntarily in response to certain triggers. The way that your fingers or thumbs react may be a sign of an underlying condition affecting your central nervous system.
The link between mental health and physical health is often misunderstood. They're often thought of as separate entities, but the two go hand in hand. In fact, the World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.
Electromyography (EMG).
In an EMG , a thin-needle electrode inserted into the muscle records the muscle's electrical activity at rest and in motion. Reduced muscle activity can indicate nerve injury.