Short Index Fingers + Arthritis

Short Index Fingers + Arthritis

Did you know that the length of your fingers can indicate your probability to develop arthritis according ta new study. This study has found that people with shorter index fingers than ring fingers have almost double the chance of suffering from osteoarthritis, according to researchers.

Experts have stated that this is an "intriguing observation" that could be used as an indicator to assist doctors in diagnosing the artiritis risk factors in their patients. Men usually have this finger length pattern while most women have the same length ring and index fingers, according to the researchers at Nottingham University, in Great Britain.

Women with a "male" finger pattern were more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee than men. In the study 2,000+ people were studied to determine the impact of the ratio of finger lengths and its relation to osteoarthritis. This unique study was the first of its kind to be carried out but certainly will not be the last study of this kind.

Comments: 9

Dorine H. Jan 6, 2008, 6:48pm EST

Oh, dear, I thought everybody had a longer ring finger than forefinger!

reply to this comment

Peter C. Frank Jan 6, 2008, 6:50pm EST

This is very interesting. I already have osteoarthritis in my right hand, as a consequence of having shattered my hand a dozen years ago. It's interesting how science is able to draw these connections.

reply to this comment

Priscilla (wishing I was in Costa Rica) ~. Jan 6, 2008, 7:05pm EST

My forefiner (pointer finger) is longer than my ring finger.

reply to this comment

Ruth MacGill Jan 6, 2008, 7:06pm EST

Very interesting! I think I have arthritis in my shoulders and knees because of having lived too long. Or maybe it had something to do with all the times I had to move alone, carrying heavy furniture and boxes during frequent moves while my husband was in the navy and had to be somewhere else during the move.

reply to this comment

Elizabeth Madrigal Jan 6, 2008, 7:21pm EST

Interesting as I do have a shorter index than ring finger and everyone in my family seems to have one knee that gives them issues after exercise - although my sister had to have hers operated on and will need knee replacement. Fortunately I am not affected... or should I say 'yet'?

reply to this comment

Mariana T. Jan 6, 2008, 7:37pm EST

I will have to do a golden ratio equation on this - my index finger is slightly shorter than my ring finger - I think arthritis can be cured through diet and drinking loads of water - of course, doctors would rather you take medicine than get well by proper nutrition. Salud.

reply to this comment

sharon SugarMomma is a wise woman, Jan 6, 2008, 7:52pm EST

Lots of luck with that Mariana - didn't work for me.

I do have an index finger that is more than 1/2 inch shorter than my ringer finger and my jaw dropped when I read this. My knees started going when I was in my 20's along with my back. Now both my hips are involved. They always want to replace my knees and hips but I do not want to do it. So I survive the best I can.

reply to this comment