What is hand-arm vibration syndrome?
Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) causes symptoms in fingers, hands and arms caused by vibrating tools. It used to be called ‘vibration white finger’. The name was changed to HAVS as other symptoms may occur in addition to white fingers. What causes hand-arm vibration syndrome? HAVS is caused by repeated and frequent use of hand held vibrating tools. For example, power drills, chainsaws, pneumatic drills, etc. It may also be caused by holding or working with machinery that vibrates. It is not clear how vibration causes the condition. It is probably due to slight but repeated injury to the small nerves and blood vessels in the fingers. Over time these may gradually lose some of their function and cause symptoms. It has been estimated that up to 1 in 10 people who work regularly with vibrating tools may develop HAVS. What are the symptoms of hand-arm vibration syndrome? Symptoms may include Raynaud’s phenomenon (this is the ‘white finger’ part), nerve symptoms, and muscular aches and pa
