People whose index finger is shorter than their ring finger are at higher risk for developing osteoarthritis of the knee. According to a University of Nottingham study that was published in the January 2008 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, a study of more than 2,000 people revealed that there is double the risk of developing osteoarthritis for people with an index finger shorter than their ring finger.

There are known differences between men and women with regard to index to ring finger length ratio. The index finger is referred to as the second digit, and the ring finger is referred to as the fourth digit. Men typically have shorter second digit (index) than fourth digits (ring). In women, the second and fourth digits are usually equal in length. Researchers concluded that having uncommonly long ring fingers raises the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, particularly among women -- independent of all other risk factors for osteoarthritis.

Related Resources:

• Osteoarthritis Risk Factors
• The Cause of Knee Pain: Step-by-Step
• Knee Osteoarthritis: What You Need to Know
• Exercise Neither Increases Nor Decreases Knee Osteoarthritis Risk
• Knee Osteoarthritis - Common Treatments Lack Scientific Support

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