Author: virteract

Can Hand Cramps Be A Sign Of Something Serious That Is Going On?

Cramps can occur because of a wide variety of reasons, and it can occur in everyone irrespective of their age, or gender. They can occur in our hands, legs, thighs, stomach, etc. Though they are not that serious, they can considerably affect our ability to perform simple tasks. Hence, the patients might often wonder can hand cramps be a sign of something serious. Finding out the root cause behind the hand cramps is indeed very important. This is simply because of the fact that if we are able to find out the cause of this condition, then by managing it we will be able to get rid of the cramps quite easily. In most cases, the underlying issues are quite simple, as well as easily manageable. On the other hand, sometimes the cramps can occur because of serious underlying issues that must be given due attention. So, if you feel that your cramps are becoming difficult to manage, then you must take your healthcare practitioner’s appointment, and pay him a visit as soon as possible. He or she will evaluate the symptoms thoroughly, and will determine the necessary treatment that you must undergo.

Can Hand Cramps Be A Sign Of Something Serious In The Kidney? 

  • Diseases related to the kidney can also lead to cramps in various parts of the body. This might occur when our kidneys become unable to remove waste from the body properly. It might also occur, when the kidneys fail to maintain the fluid and electrolyte balance of our body.
  • People suffering from such diseases experience cramps in hands, and other parts of the body quite frequently. The cramps tend to occur because of the inadequate fluid-electrolyte balances, nerve damage, as well as issues related to the blood flow.
  • Another notable feature of this condition is that people suffering from kidney related problems mainly experience leg cramps. Though leg cramps are very common in kidney related issues, some people might also experience cramps in other parts of the body.
  • Apart from hand and leg cramps, people suffering from kidney related issues might also experience loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, swelling of ankles and feet, fatigue and weakness, brain fog, persistent itching, sleep problems, etc.
  • So, if you are facing any of the above mentioned symptoms along with cramps in hands and legs, then the chances are high that you might be suffering from kidney diseases. In such situations, you must get in touch with your doctor immediately.

Hand Cramps Can Be A Sign Of Stiff Hand Syndrome

In case you are wondering can hand cramps be a sign of something serious that is going on, then you must know that stiff hand syndrome can also cause hand cramps.

  • This condition is also known as diabetic cheiroarthropathy, or diabetic stiff hand syndrome. It can be regarded as a health complication of diabetes.
  • In the stiff hand syndrome, thickening, as well as waxiness of the hands occur. As a result of this, the patient will find it difficult to use the fingers properly. In other words, there will be limited mobility in the fingers.
  • Another thing that must be noted is that hand cramps are observed in the case of both type 1, as well as type 2 diabetes. In both these types of diabetes, stiff hand syndrome is observed.
  • Several studies show that the stiff hand syndrome is caused because of an increase of glycosylation. As a result of increased glycosylation, the sugar molecules tend to attach themselves to the protein molecules. Because of this, the collagen production also increases.
  • The other symptoms of stiff hand syndrome are inability to bring all the fingers together, inability to strengthen joints, thick, waxy skin on the backside of the hand, stiffness in the little finger which extends to the thumb, etc.
  • If you observe any of the above mentioned symptoms along with cramps in hand, then you must take it seriously. Such issues might indicate that you are suffering from stiff hand syndrome that is associated with diabetes. Hence, you must get yourself checked thoroughly.

Can Hand Cramps Be A Sign Of Something Serious Like Arthritis?

  • Rheumatoid arthritis can be considered as a very common type of arthritis in which issues such as hand cramps are observed. Along with that, the patient might also experience cramps in other parts of the body, such as legs.
  • As we all know, this is an autoimmune disease, and in this case, our immune system starts attacking our joints. This in turn results in inflammation, and associated thickening of the joint tissues. Gradually, the patients will lose their mobility, and will find it difficult to carry out different tasks.
  • A person suffering from rheumatoid arthritis will also feel cramps in their knees, wrists, feet, ankles, elbows, etc. Thus, if you have cramps in any of these areas, along with hand cramps, then the chances are high that you might be suffering from this autoimmune disease.
  • In most cases of rheumatoid arthritis, it has been observed that if one hand or leg is affected, then the other one usually doesn’t show any issues. In some cases, both the hands, and legs might get affected. But such instances are usually very rare.

Conclusion

We have discussed can hand cramps be a sign of something serious that is going on. The hand cramps can be the result of a number of underlying health issues such as kidney problems, stiff hand syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis. The hand cramps can be managed quite easily at home using activities such as stretching, strength building exercises, swimming, etc. It can also be managed to a great extent by enhancing the fluid intake. You can also try taking some vitamin D supplements for relieving the hand cramps. These remedies will provide you temporary relief from the hand cramps. But, if you are looking for a permanent solution, then you must find out the root cause of these cramps. Thereafter, you must undergo the necessary treatments to eradicate the underlying issue. This will provide you permanent relief from the persistent hand cramps.

How To Get Splinter Out Easily At Home?

Splinters are very common, and we can get them all of a sudden while we are in the midst of doing something important. They are characterized by a sharp, and shooting pain that can be very annoying sometimes. At the same time, it is not that traumatic, and in most cases, there is no danger involved. There are a number of efficient methods by which you can manage them at your home. If you are unaware of these methods, then you might wonder how to get splinter out easily at home. In some rare cases, these splinters can get infected. This mostly occurs if it is not removed in a timely manner. During such instances, you must seek medical attention at the earliest. Otherwise, the infection might become aggravated. In mild cases, removing the splinter is indeed very easy, and you will be able to accomplish it with the help of some tools. Always make sure that you are maintaining necessary precautions while removing the splinter. This will help in preventing different sorts of infections. So, let’s go through the different methods that can be used for removing a splinter easily.

How To Get Splinter Out Using Toenail Clippers?

  • Toenail clippers can be regarded as a very efficient option when it comes to getting splinters out from your skin. This is easily available in every household, and hence, can be used for removing the splinter instantly.
  • It must be noted that this method is applicable in the case of thicker wooden splinters only. If the splinter is thin, then this method will not be that effective. You will also be able to remove materials, such as metal from your skin using the nail clippers.
  • If the splinter has gone too deep inside the skin, then you will not be able to remove it conveniently using this method. In other words, a section of the splinter must protrude from the skin. This will help you to grab hold of the splinter, and thereafter, yank it out.
  • If the splinter isn’t too deeply embedded, then you can make a small cut in the skin along the length of the embedded splinter. This cut can be made by using the sharp edges of the nail clipper. Once you get access to the splinter, you can pull it out gently.
  • It must be noted that, you should make a cut in the skin only if you are sure that you will be able to take the splinter out. If you feel that the splinter has gone too deep into the skin, then you should not proceed with this method.
  • Make sure you are cutting the skin just enough to access the splinter. You must be extremely careful while doing this, and you should not cause your skin to bleed.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Get Splinter Out

  • If you are wondering how to get splinter out using methods that are less violent, then this can be considered as the best option for you.
  • The hydrogen peroxide is a chemical compound which will assist in the removal of the splinter quite easily without putting you through much trouble.
  • All you have to do is to pour the hydrogen peroxide over the area where the splinter is present. As you begin pouring the compound, it will start to bubble.
  • The bubbling takes place because of the reaction between the compound, and the enzyme catalase. This enzyme is released by the body after any kind of skin damage takes place.
  • This reaction can help in the removal of the splinter quite easily. The bubbling reaction gets under the splinter, and thereafter, pushes it onto the surface.
  • In most cases, you will be able to remove the splinter quite easily using hydrogen peroxide alone. The pressure generated by the bubbles will lift out the splinter. But, in some cases, you might also have to take the help of some other tools to remove the splinter completely.
  • This method is quite safe and you do not have to worry about any unwanted side effects. If you experience any sort of skin irritations after using this method, then you should wash off the chemical instantly. If the irritation persists, then you must get yourself checked by a doctor immediately.

How To Get Splinter Out Using a Needle?

  • If you want to remove splinters that are a little deeper, then you can use the needle method.
  • All you have to do is to use a small needle to pry one part of the splinter up. Then you have to take out the splinter slowly, and steadily past the surface of the skin.
  • Before using this method, you must sterilize the needle properly. You should not use the needle without sterilizing it. Such activities can lead to severe infections.
  • You have to take the sterilized needle, and then, gently poke a small hole in the skin. This hole must be made directly over the end of the splinter which is closest to the surface of the skin.
  • Thereafter, you have to use the needle to gently pry the splinter up and out. Once you are able to bring enough of the splinter outside, then you can use tweezers, or your fingernails to remove the rest of the splinter from your skin.

Conclusion

We have discussed how to get splinter out easily at home. There might be instances, where a very tiny splinter might be slightly sticking out of the skin. During such instances, tweezers will not be enough to get a proper grip. In such cases, you can try using a tape to remove the splinter. You should take a small piece of tape, and then gently press it onto the splinter. You should preferably use a duct tape because it will have a little more stickiness, when compared to the normal scotch tape. Then you have to wait for a few minutes to allow the adhesive to do its work. Thereafter, you can gradually pull it off, and in the majority of the cases, the tape will bring the splinter with it.