What the LENGTH of your fingers reveals about your health – and when to worry

IF you’ve ever wondered what your health prospects are like for the future, the answer could be in your fingers.

This isn’t palm-reading gibberish.

According to several studies the length of your fingers can indicate your risk of developing certain diseases in later life.

The length of the index finger (the first one on from your thumb) versus the ring (fourth) finger does vary quite quite a bit between men and women.

In females, both fingers tend to be fairly equal in length.

But in men, the ring finger is typically longer than the index finger.

Scientists from India have suggested this is because men are exposed to more of the male hormone, testosterone, in the womb.

One 2006 study, found having a ring finger which is longer than the index finger is associated with better performance in a number of sports, specifically athletics, in men and women.

While having a longer finger is also linked to an increased risk of risk of developing knee and hip osteoarthritis in women, another 2008 study revealed.

Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes joints to become painful and stiff.

It’s the most common type of arthritis in the UK.

There is nothing you can do to change your finger length.

However, it’s possible to stave off osteoarthritis by keeping a healthy weight, staying active and controlling your blood sugar levels by eating a healthy diet.

Last week, the Sun revealed what your palms can tell you about your health, from clamminess to red patches.

If your palms get sweaty when you’re not feeling nervous, hot, or unwell, it could be a sign of hyperthyroidism.

The emergence of red or purple marks on the palms could be sign of endocarditis, a rare and potentially fatal infection of the inner lining of the heart.

And red and blotchy hands can early warning sign for a form of liver disease known as cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis is the result of long-term, continuous damage to the liver.

When to see a doctor

If you think you could have any of the condition highlighted in the story, it’s important you see your GP.