Why do my hands feel sore and painful after drinking alcohol?
Disease description:
After I finish drinking alcohol, my hands become sore and painful, and sometimes I even feel a bit of swelling. This situation has occurred several times already, and I don't know what's causing it. Could it be an allergic reaction to alcohol? Or is there another reason? I'm very concerned and want to understand exactly what causes the soreness and pain in my hands after drinking.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Hand soreness after drinking alcohol may be caused by the following factors:
1. Alcohol metabolism: Metabolic byproducts such as lactic acid produced during the metabolic process may cause muscle fatigue and soreness. During alcohol breakdown, the body produces certain acidic substances, such as lactic acid. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to accumulation of these metabolites in the body, potentially causing muscle soreness, including in the hands.
2. Alcoholic myopathy: Long-term heavy alcohol consumption may damage muscle cells, triggering an inflammatory response characterized by muscle tissue edema and pain. Therefore, hand soreness may occur after drinking alcohol.
3. Metabolic acidosis: Alcohol consumption may reduce bicarbonate levels in the body, leading to metabolic acidosis. This condition can affect muscle energy supply, resulting in muscle fatigue and weakness.
4. Hypocalcemia: Alcohol intake may affect calcium absorption and metabolism, leading to decreased blood calcium ion concentration. This can impair nerve and muscle excitability conduction, causing hand muscle spasms and pain, resulting in hand soreness.
