President Joe Biden’s most recent visit to the United Kingdom and meeting with King Charles exposed more than just the U.S. president’s well-known confusing gestures.
King Charles also became the subject of commentary, once again, not because of his behavior but because of his fingers.
For years the monarch, father of Prince William, has been sporting swollen hands that have earned him the nickname “sausage fingers.”
What’s wrong with King Charles’ fingers?
Several users on social media expressed concern when observing the king’s fingers which raised questions about his health and whether, at 74 years old, there was any cause for concern.
“Anyone know what’s going on with Charles’ fingers?” while another commentator asked: “Is King Charles okay? It looks like his fingers are really swollen.” wrote one user.
King Charles has been captured in photographs on numerous occasions with swelling in his hands and feet, especially after staying on flights or traveling in countries with hot weather.
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King Charles fingers condition
Chun Tang, managing physician at Pall Mall Medical in Manchester, explained, for the Daily Mail, that there are “numerous reasons” why the king has such swollen hands.
“Often puffy fingers are a symptom of water retention which can be caused by numerous health conditions. Sausage fingers are officially known as dactylitis.”
“This condition arises due to inflammation and can be a result of arthritis, multiple bacterial infections, or even TB. Other possibilities include high salt levels, allergic reactions, medicinal side effects, injury and autoimmune diseases.” Dr Tang explained.
However, despite these reasons, the images of Carlos’ hands are still shocking.