Swollen fingers can be an alarming symptom, especially if theyre accompanied by other symptoms such as redness and pain.
A wide variety of underlying conditions can cause your fingers to swell, and many of these conditions arent serious. However, when paired with other new or developing symptoms, swollen fingers may indicate something more serious.
In this article, we explore some of the common causes of swollen fingers and discuss when swelling in your fingers might be a cause for concern.
Water retention, sometimes referred to as fluid retention or edema, is one of the most common causes of swollen fingers. There are multiple causes of water retention, from diet to underlying health conditions.
When the body holds onto excess water, it can lead to swollen tissues in the extremities, especially in the fingers. Some other symptoms that may accompany water retention include bloating and puffiness.
Treatment for fluid retention often involves addressing the underlying cause. If youre experiencing frequent or chronic fluid retention thats causing your fingers to swell, consider speaking with your doctor to see if theres an underlying cause.
Eating a diet high in salt can cause the tissues to retain extra water, leading to fluid retention in the fingers, hands, and other areas of the body.
Lowering sodium intake is one of the most common treatments for conditions that cause water retention. In fact, researchers explain that in some cases, sodium restriction and elevation of the extremities is the best treatment option.
Lymphedema is a type of fluid retention that results from a blockage in the lymphatic system. When the lymph nodes cannot circulate lymph fluid properly, this fluid builds up in the extremities.
Lymphedema commonly causes swollen fingers, hands, toes, and feet. Other symptoms of this condition may include:
Treatment of lymphedema includes compression therapy, daily exercise, and lymphatic drainage massage. In extreme cases when the lymphedema is severe, surgery may be necessary.
Angioedema is another type of fluid retention that happens when fluid accumulates beneath the skin. Commonly caused by an allergic reaction, angioedema is often accompanied by the presence of large hives.
Although angioedema tends to appear in the face, head, and neck area, it can also cause swelling in the fingers. Other symptoms may include:
Antihistamines and steroids are usually the first line of treatment for angioedema, as well as avoiding any triggers.
During a workout, such as running, hiking, or other forms of intense exercise, your body works hard to pump blood to your heart, lungs, and muscles. This directs blood flow away from the blood vessels in the hands, causing them to widen and the fingers to swell.
Swollen fingers after a workout are generally no cause for concern. However, you can reduce this post-exercise symptom by getting the hands and arms moving and making sure that youre staying hydrated.
Another potential reason for swollen fingers during and after working out or spending time outside in hot weather is increased body heat. In fact, exposure to heat, whether internal or external, can cause something called heat edema.
Heat edema commonly causes swelling in the extremities, especially in the fingers, hands, toes, and feet. While its generally not dangerous, it can indicate an imbalance in fluids and electrolytes. In some cases, it can also be linked to another underlying condition.
Luckily, you can reduce heat edema by keeping hydrated and cooling your body temperature back down as soon as possible.
Hormonal changes, especially during menstruation and pregnancy, can cause symptoms such as bloating, swelling, mood changes, and more. These symptoms often occur due to a shift in hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Swelling of the hands and fingers is a common symptom of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and often appears during pregnancy, as well. Other symptoms of PMS may include:
Treatment for PMS generally involves pain medications to help reduce any pain or tenderness. Getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and practicing stress reduction techniques can also reduce PMS symptoms.
It is also common to notice swelling in the extremities, including in the fingers and toes, during late pregnancy.
Another potential cause of swollen fingers during pregnancy is a condition called preeclampsia. Preeclampsia often appears in late pregnancy and is characterized by the following symptoms:
Early treatment for preeclampsia is crucial in ensuring a safe pregnancy and delivery. Treatment may include medications, frequent monitoring, or in some cases, early delivery.
Swelling can sometimes occur in the hands and fingers when you wake up in the morning. While this can be caused by another underlying condition, such as arthritis, it can be made worse by certain sleeping positions.
If youve noticed that your fingers are frequently swelling in the morning, try these sleeping positions to keep the arms and hands elevated:
When we injure ourselves, the body produces an inflammatory response at the site of the injury. This inflammation is often indicated by swelling, redness, pain, and other symptoms.
Whether mild or serious, a hand injury can lead to swelling in the fingers, hand, and wrist. Other symptoms of injury and inflammation in the fingers might include:
If you believe your swollen fingers are due to an injury, and youre also experiencing the symptoms above, you should see a doctor immediately for medical treatment.
Similar to an injury, the inflammatory response is a necessary part of the healing process when an infection is present. Infections can cause a wide variety of symptoms, depending on the type and severity of the infection.
Infections of the arm and hand can cause swollen fingers, as well as infections in the joints of the fingers. Other signs and symptoms of an infection might include:
An infection of the fingers, hand, or any other body part can be serious and require medical attention right away. Treatment may involve medications but ultimately depends on the infection.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve that runs through the center of the hand becomes compressed. This nerve affects feeling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers.
If you develop carpal tunnel syndrome, you may notice the following symptoms in your hand and wrist:
Swollen fingers arent necessarily a defining symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. However, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), some people have reported feeling like their fingers are swollen.
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that is characterized by pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. The two most common forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Arthritis is commonly found in the joints of the hands, which can cause significant swelling in the fingers. Other symptoms of arthritis may include:
Treatment of arthritis can include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and, in some cases, surgery. Eating a diet high in anti-inflammatory foods can be helpful in keeping inflammation down.
One study also found that arthritis gloves can help apply pressure to the finger joints to reduce pain, swelling, and discomfort.
Tendonitis is an inflammatory condition that happens when the tendons become inflamed, leading to swelling, pain, and tenderness. Tendonitis commonly affects the tendons of the shoulders, arms, and legs.
There are three types of tendinitis that can cause swelling in the fingers:
These types of tendinitis specifically affect the tendons in the fingers.
One of the initial interventions for reducing the pain and swelling associated with tendinitis is cold therapy. Applying ice to the swollen fingers can help to reduce blood flow to the area and reduce pain.
More serious cases of tendinitis usually require medical treatment.
Bursitis is another inflammatory condition. Its caused by inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that surround the joints. Bursitis tends to affect the larger joints bursae, such as those in the legs, arms, or hip.
If the bursae of the fingers become inflamed, it can cause swollen finger joints. Other symptoms of bursitis might include:
Cold therapy is also helpful in reducing the inflammation and pain from bursitis. Physical therapy and injectable medications may also be used for more chronic cases. In some cases, surgery may be used to drain the inflamed bursae.
Gout is a condition that occurs when high levels of uric acid build up in the body and form crystals in the joints. Normally, the body excretes uric acid in the urine, but decreased kidney function can increase uric acid levels and trigger gout.
Although gout commonly affects the feet, it can also cause swelling and pain in the joints of the fingers. Other symptoms of a gout attack may include:
Gout generally requires early intervention to prevent it from spreading or becoming chronic. Medications that help reduce pain and lower uric acid levels are often prescribed first.
A review published in 2017 also found that weight reduction, dietary modifications, and decreased alcohol intake can also reduce the frequency and severity of gout attacks.
Sickle cell disease, or sickle cell anemia, is a rare genetic condition that affects red blood cells function. This disease causes sickle shaped red blood cells, which have trouble circulating properly around the body.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one of the first symptoms of sickle cell disease is hand-foot syndrome, which can cause swelling in the fingers. Other symptoms of sickle cell anemia may include:
Sickle cell disease requires various types of treatment, depending on the severity and progression. However, an increase in fluids may help to at least decrease the swelling in the fingers.
Systemic scleroderma is an autoimmune condition thats commonly characterized by changes in the skin. It can also cause changes in the connective tissues of the body, as well as the organs.
One of the initial symptoms of scleroderma is swelling of the hands and fingers, especially in the morning after waking up. Other symptoms of scleroderma may include:
Treatment for finger swelling associated with scleroderma includes frequently exercising the fingers and toes, sometimes with the help of an occupational therapist. Anti-inflammatory medications can also help more severe cases.
In some situations, swollen fingers can appear as a rare symptom in a few conditions.
As you can see above, there are many health conditions that can cause swollen fingers. Most of these reasons, such as heat, exercise, or even hormones, are rarely dangerous. For these types of conditions, simple interventions can help with any swelling or discomfort you might feel in your fingers.
However, if you have chronic swollen fingers that are accompanied by other symptoms, its best to visit a doctor. They can help determine if theres an underlying condition that needs to be addressed.
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Swollen Fingers: Over 15 Potential Causes, and When to See a Doctor - Healthline
