A Helping Hand

Learn why hand health is vital and how to keep your hands healthy.

By Eric Johnson

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Your hands play a big role in your everyday life. Caring for them can help you stay active and enjoy the hobbies and activities you love.

Why hand health matters

Hands make many tasks possible. Everything from gripping a spoon for meals to shuffling a deck of cards requires strong, healthy hands. Hand health is key to keeping up with the activities you enjoy.

Pay attention to how your hands look and feel. Doing so may prevent problems before they become serious, whether it’s a simple skin condition like eczema or a more serious functional issue such as arthritis.

“The hands and fingernails can reveal quite a bit about a person’s overall health,” says board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Jane H. Lisko. “For example, brittle or ridged nails may be a sign of normal aging, but can also be associated with nutritional deficiencies or certain medications.”

You may already be doing important things to maintain hand health.

Illustration of two hands forming a heart shape

Did you know?

Test your hand health smarts with this quick true-or-false quiz. See how much you know about keeping your hands strong, healthy and ready for action.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a doctor. Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.

How to spot healthy hands

To assess hand health, focus on 3 primary areas — strength, dexterity and appearance.

Each of these areas offers clues about overall well-being and impacts your ability to handle daily tasks. Strength and dexterity are especially important for maintaining independence so you can continue to do your favorite activities.

1. Strength

Hand strength isn’t just about holding things. It also shows how healthy muscles are. We naturally lose muscle with age, and doing small exercises to improve your hand (and overall) strength can help you stay strong, active and fit.

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Your skin also helps with grip strength. Soft, flexible skin makes it easier to hold items. Dry or tight skin can crack or feel painful. Use lotion to help keep your hands comfortable and minimize pain.

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Good blood flow is important too. It brings oxygen and nutrients to your hands, keeping them strong and ready to move. Poor circulation, especially in cold weather, can leave hands stiff or weak.

2. Dexterity

Dexterity relates to strength but involves fine motor skills rather than large muscles. Think of small daily tasks such as writing, needlework or fastening buttons..Fine motor skills and dexterity are often important for activities like getting dressed.

Try to engage in fine motor skill activities regularly to help maintain hand dexterity — write in a journal for a few minutes a day; try knitting, painting or pottery as a hobby; or complete a puzzle.

“Keeping the skin well moisturized can prevent painful cracks that limit movement,” says Dr. Lisko. “For people with arthritis or stiffness, occupational therapy can provide structured exercises to improve hand function. Warm water soaks can also help loosen stiff joints.”

Photo of a woman clipping her fingernails

3. Appearance

Pay attention to changes in the appearance of hands. Unusual bumps and spots can be signs of more serious issues. If your hands are dry and cracked, you may be susceptible to infections if skin breaks. Wear gloves in cold weather, and keep your hands clean and moisturized.

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“Simple at-home habits can make a noticeable difference in the appearance of the hands,” says Dr. Lisko. “Regular use of a rich hand cream, applying cuticle oil, and avoiding aggressive nail trimming or picking can help maintain nail health.”

Keep a close eye on fingernails. Changes in nails can be signs of problems such as mineral deficiencies and chronic lung conditions.

Common hand problems to watch for

Osteoarthritis is common among older adults. This condition is caused by the breakdown of joints that can lead to pain, stiffness and swelling, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Osteoarthritis is common but isn’t always an inevitable part of aging. Take steps to prevent or treat osteoarthritis early.

Other common hand concerns, according to Johns Hopkins University, include:

Carpal tunnel syndrome
A compression of a nerve in the wrist that can cause pain and mobility issues

Ganglion cyst
Often shows up as a small painless bump but can become painful and disrupt mobility as it grows

Tendonitis
A common tendon condition that causes pain and swelling; most commonly affects wrist and fingers

How to prevent hand issues

The same habits that support overall health also help keep your hands healthy. This includes eating a well-balanced diet rich in protein, collagen, and essential vitamins and minerals to support strength and flexibility. “A good rule of thumb is to eat a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables, high-quality protein and whole grains,” says Dr. Lisko.

She suggests applying sunscreen to the backs of the hands daily. They receive significant sun exposure and are a common site for sun damage and skin cancer. “Using gentle soaps and wearing gloves when gardening, cleaning, or doing dishes can help prevent irritation and eczema,” she adds.

It’s also important to keep your hands busy. Play board games, dominoes or mahjong. Type on a keyboard, or write to-do and grocery lists. Bake and decorate cookies. Gardening, pottery and woodworking are beneficial hobbies too.

If you notice weakening or stiffness in your hands, try using stress balls or other small gadgets like fidgets that help improve hand strength. As always, consult with your primary care provider (PCP) if you see or feel something concerning.

Photo of a woman washing her hands at a sink

Simple tips for healthy hands

A few simple habits can help keep your hands looking and feeling healthy. If these tips are already part of your daily routine, you’re on the right track. If not, it’s never too late to start a new habit.

1. Eat a healthy diet
A well-balanced diet is always a good idea and can help keep your hands healthy and strong.

2. Stay active
Keeping up with a fitness routine is also important. This can include simple daily exercise such as walking and doing tasks with your hands that improve dexterity and strength.

3. Check skin appearance
Ask your provider about having a skin check once a year.

4. Monitor fingernails
Don’t ignore your nails when you check your skin. Discoloration, cracking and other abnormalities can be signs of health problems to discuss with your provider.

5. Wash your hands
It’s important to keep your hands clean and avoid spreading germs. Use a thick moisturizer after washing to keep skin healthy.

Reporting contributions by Frances Smith

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This publication is for informational purposes only and does not replace the care or advice of a doctor. Always talk with a doctor before beginning any exercise program, therapy or medication. Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. UnitedHealthcare does not provide any assurances nor accept any responsibility or liability regarding the quality, nutritional value, or safety of the included recipes.