Did you know that nicotine found in cigarettes, cigars and pipes can hinder the healing process, hamper the immune system and lead to hand problems in Houston? Not only is there a correlation between smoking and hand problems but even e-cigarettes can produce chemicals that worsen hand conditions in the Houston, Texas area.
Researchers have linked smoking cigarettes and other devices with the following:
- Reduced blood flow
- Poor wound healing and/or complications
- Poor bone healing
- Increased circulation problems
- Worsened nerve problems
All of the issues above can affect the hands and upper extremities. For example, reduced blood flow (the narrowing of blood vessels) can affect the very small blood vessels at the fingertips and the blood vessels that go to bone, nerve, and other important tissues in the hand and upper body.
For example, if you have a finger tip injury, hand trauma from a power saw accident, or if your blood flow is compromised, this could lead to poor healing, possibly even amputation of the affected area if it cannot receive the oxygen and nutrients necessary to heal.
Nicotine can also make some hand conditions worse.