Introduction: In the first rays of sunshine in the morning, most people wake up from sweet dreams, as if they have gone through a baptism, full of vitality and vitality.
Sleep, the silent healer, dispels fatigue and brings freshness to us. At this time, our spirits are at their fullest, as if our whole body is illuminated by the golden sun.
The ancients said, "The plan of the year lies in the spring, and the plan of the day lies in the morning", and this early morning time, for each of us, is like the precious spring day, full of infinite possibilities and hopes.
However, some people are troubled by the dawn of the morning. When they awoke, they found that their hands were numb and swollen as if they were trapped by invisible restraints, and their fists were clenched but could not be closed. At this moment, they seem to be trapped in an invisible cage, unable to release their vitality.
Amazingly, however, after a short wait, the discomfort dissipated like morning mist and the hands returned to normal function. What a mysterious phenomenon is this?
01
What are the functions of our hands?
1. Hands are our main tools for labor and creation
We can use our hands to pick up objects, build houses, and make tools, creating countless material possessions. Whether it is industrial production, agricultural production or scientific and technological research, the hands play an indispensable role.
2. Hands are an important tool for us to communicate and communicate
We can express our emotions and attitudes through gestures, gestures, and touch, enhancing the effectiveness of communication. For example, when we want to express affection, we can hug each other with both hands, and when we want to comfort someone, we can gently pat the other person on the shoulder.
3. Hands are an important tool for us to learn and explore
We can use our hands to operate a computer, read books, and write articles, and constantly expand our knowledge and skills. The dexterity and coordination of our hands can also help us to carry out scientific experiments, artistic creations and other activities, and promote our all-round development.
4. Hands are an important tool for us to maintain good health
We can massage, pat, knead and other movements with our hands to promote blood circulation and metabolism of the body, and relieve physical fatigue and discomfort. In addition, our hands can also help us to perform various sports and fitness activities, enhance physical fitness and immunity.
02
What are some of the problems that tend to occur in the hands?
Hands are one of the most frequently used parts of our daily lives, so they are prone to various health problems. In addition to common skin problems such as dryness, eczema, dermatitis, etc., there are a range of other health problems that can be experienced on the hands.
Overuse syndrome of the wrist joint
The hands often suffer from muscle and joint problems due to overuse or wrong posture. For example, frequent use of a computer or cell phone can lead to overuse syndrome of the wrist joint, also known as the "mouse hand."
This condition causes wrist pain, numbness in the fingers, and weakened grip strength. In addition, holding heavy objects for long periods of time or performing repetitive hand movements can also lead to muscle fatigue and arthritis.
Hands are also susceptible to trauma and injury
Whether at work or in life, the hands are often in contact with various objects, so they are prone to injury. Common injuries include cuts, burns, sprains, and broken bones. These injuries can cause pain, swelling, bleeding, or loss of function in the hand.
The hand may also face nerve problems
Nerve damage can be due to chronic diseases, such as diabetes, or it can be due to trauma or overuse. Nerve damage can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the hand.
03
What happens when you wake up in the morning with your hands swollen and can't hold them together, and then they return to normal after a while?
Calcium deficiency in the body
Waking up in the morning with swollen hands and unable to hold them together, and then returning to normal after a while, this phenomenon may indeed be related to the lack of calcium in the body.
Calcium is one of the essential minerals for the body, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. However, calcium does much more than that, it is also involved in many biochemical reactions, including nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and blood clotting.
When the body is deficient in calcium, the function of nerves and muscles may be affected, resulting in a swollen hand that cannot be held together. In addition, calcium deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, which weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. Therefore, maintaining adequate calcium intake is very important for maintaining good health.
手部受压
During sleep, our sleeping position is constantly changing, and sometimes we can accidentally press on our arms. When the arm is compressed for a long time, the venous return is blocked, causing blood to accumulate in the hand, which causes a feeling of swelling in the hand.
In addition, if we sleep with our arms in an improper position, such as excessive bending or extension, it may also lead to poor blood circulation, which can lead to swelling of the hands.
As we gradually wake up, the muscles of the body begin to move, and the blood circulation gradually returns to normal. At this point, the blood that has accumulated in the hands begins to flow, and the feeling of swelling disappears. Therefore, when we notice that our hands are swollen and cannot be held together, we do not need to be too nervous, but can observe for a period of time to see if the symptoms will gradually disappear over time.
Weakness of the spleen and stomach
Weakness of the spleen and stomach is a concept in TCM theory, which involves the functions of the human body in many aspects such as digestion, absorption and metabolism. When the spleen and stomach are weak, the body's qi and blood flow may be affected, resulting in excessive dampness in the body, which affects the normal function of the body.
In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the spleen mainly transports water and dampness, and when the spleen and stomach are weak, the spleen's transport function is weakened, resulting in poor water and dampness metabolism and easy accumulation in the body. This build-up of moisture can affect various parts of the body, including the hands.
When hands are affected by moisture, symptoms such as swelling and difficulty in holding together may occur. With the gradual movement of the body, the flow of qi and blood gradually accelerates, and the moisture is gradually discharged, so the symptoms will gradually disappear.
osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that causes wear and tear and degeneration of articular cartilage, causing inflammation and pain in the bones and soft tissues around the joint. While this condition is more common in older people, younger people can also develop osteoarthritis from overuse of joints or injuries.
In addition to swollen and unclasped hands, osteoarthritis can also present with symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited movement.
These symptoms may gradually worsen, affecting daily life and work. Therefore, if you often feel swollen hands or joint pain, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis and treatment.
04
Who is prone to morning stiffness of fingers?
Older people are at high risk of morning stiffness
As we age, the body's joints, muscles, and bones gradually undergo degenerative changes, joint synovial fluid decreases, and joint cartilage wears out, and these physiological changes can lead to joint stiffness and pain, especially after waking up in the morning.
People with rheumatoid arthritis are also prone to morning stiffness of their fingers
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Morning stiffness of the fingers is often more pronounced in people with rheumatoid arthritis, and in severe cases, it may interfere with daily life.
People who often use their hands to do their work
People engaged in hand labor, such as handicraftsmen, typists, cooks, etc., due to the long-term use of hands, it is easy to cause finger joint strain, and then the phenomenon of finger stiffness, such people should pay attention to appropriate rest and avoid excessive use of hands for a long time.
People with cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, etc
Some people with cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, and other diseases may cause morning stiffness in the fingers due to nerve compression. Such patients should be treated aggressively for the underlying condition to reduce the symptoms of morning stiffness of the fingers.
05
How to alleviate the problem of swollen hands and can't hold them together?
Perform appropriate hand movements
Swelling of the hands and inability to hold them together is often due to holding the same position for a long time, resulting in poor blood circulation. Therefore, we can do regular hand exercises, such as stretching fingers, clenching fists, etc., to promote blood circulation and relieve the problem of hand swelling.
Keep your hands warm
The cold environment can cause blood vessels to constrict, affecting blood circulation and causing swelling in the hands. Therefore, in a cold environment, we can wear gloves or use warm tools such as baby warmers to keep our hands warm and promote blood circulation.
Adjust your diet
Sometimes, swollen hands can also be due to excessive moisture or a lack of certain nutrients. Therefore, we can adjust our diet appropriately, add some foods with dampness, such as winter melon, cucumber, etc., and ensure that we consume enough nutrients, such as vitamin B group.
Seek prompt medical attention
If the hand is swollen, the problem of holding it together persists, or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. It may be a manifestation of certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, etc., which require diagnosis and treatment by a professional doctor.
06
The 4 daily habits hurt the fingers the most, and many middle-aged and elderly people love to do them
Use your phone for long periods of time
Nowadays, mobile phones have become an indispensable part of our lives. However, using mobile phones for a long time, especially for activities that require frequent use of fingers, such as playing games and watching videos, can easily lead to finger fatigue, joint stiffness, and even tenosynovitis.
In order to reduce the burden on the fingers, it is recommended that middle-aged and elderly friends reasonably arrange the time of using mobile phones and properly stretch their fingers.
Twist the cap with excessive force
Many middle-aged and elderly people are accustomed to screwing with all their strength when opening the cap. However, doing so can easily lead to excessive wear and tear on the finger joints, which may lead to arthritis in the long run. The correct way to do this is to use the right amount of force, or to use a tool such as a bottle opener to easily open the cap.
Frequent housework
Doing housework is a part of the daily life of many middle-aged and elderly people. However, frequent housework, especially activities involving the fingers, such as washing dishes and mopping the floor, can easily overwork the finger joints.
In order to reduce the burden on fingers, it is recommended that middle-aged and elderly friends arrange their time reasonably and rest in time when doing housework.
Poor pen grip posture
Many middle-aged and elderly people still maintain the pen holding posture when they are young when writing or drawing. However, as we age, the flexibility and strength of the fingers gradually weaken, and poor pen grip posture can easily lead to finger fatigue and pain.
The right way to do this is to use a position that suits you or to use an assistive tool to reduce the burden on your fingers.