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What are hand pathologies?

The most common hand problems include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: compression of the nerve that passes through the wrist, causing frequent numbness of the fingers, tingling and pain
• Injuries: including fractures, torn ligaments, and dislocations
• Osteoarthritis: a degenerative disease that affects joints and cartilage. The cartilage that cushions the joints breaks down, causing bones to rub against each other, pain sets in and this can lead to hand deformity and weakness
• Tendonitis: severe irritation of the tendons that connect muscles in the body to the bones. Symptoms include swelling, inflammation and pain when using the hands
• Injuries and diseases of the fingers: fractures, breaks and specific deformities of the fingers

Symptoms of hand pathologies

Where there is a condition of the hand, the most common symptoms are:

• Pain in different areas of the hand, from the wrist to the fingers
• Tingling or numbness in the hand and fingers
• Swelling that is painful to touch
• Weakness of the hand
• Stiffness of the hand and fingers
• Change in colour or temperature of the hand or fingers

What are the causes of hand pathologies?

The hands suffer, to a large extent, from wear and tear, which happens earlier in men than in women. Other causes of hand pathologies include:

• Lack of calcium; calcium is essential for strong and healthy bones. A lack of calcium, which can be obtained from dairy sources, broccoli, some leafy green vegetables and beans can lead to weaker bones, increasing the risk of bone-related diseases like osteoporosis
• Hormonal changes; for example, as menopause approaches. A drop in oestrogen levels during menopause can affect the hydration of the joints and tendons, causing cracking fingers, stiffness and inflammation
• Injuries
• Bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis
• Pregnancy
• Auto-immune diseases

Can they be prevented?

Hand pathologies can be prevented by regular exercises that relax the joints at times of constant work. These exercises are based on the movement of the wrist and the stretching of the fingers, all of them with the purpose of relaxing the hand, getting rid of the stiffness and making the hands more flexible. By following a diet rich in calcium, vitamin D and omega 3, you can also help to keep the bones and joints healthy.

What does the treatment involve?

The treatment for the hand will depend on the ailment, but all treatments are aimed at restoring functionality. Some injuries can be treated with rest and cessation of activity, but some fractures and diseases that cause limb deformities will require surgery.