Are your fingers swelling for no reason? There are various causes for swollen fingers, most of which aren’t severe. However, when combined with other symptoms such as redness or pain, swollen fingers may indicate something serious. In this article, we will discuss the causes of swollen fingers, how to treat them, and what health conditions they show.
What are Swollen Fingers a Sign Of?
Here are the causes behind swollen fingers:
1. Fluid Retention
Are you experiencing swollen fingers in the morning when you wake up? The most common reason for this is fluid retention, also known as water retention. Fluid retention has multiple causes, from your diet to underlying health conditions.
When your body holds excess water, it can cause your tissues to get swollen, especially in your fingers. Bloating and puffiness sometimes combine with water retention. Treatment for fluid retention depends on the underlying cause. If your fingers are swelling more often and you don’t know any reason behind it, then it’s time to speak to your doctor about it.
2. High Salt Diet
If you’re eating a diet high in salt, then you should stop it. Taking high amounts of salt can cause tissues to retain extra water, often leading to swelling in fingers, hands, and other areas of the body. Lowering your sodium intake will help you reduce the swelling in your fingers.
3. A Blockage
Lymphedema is a type of fluid retention resulting from lymphatic system blockage. When lymph nodes cannot move the lymph fluid properly, then this fluid builds up and causes swollen fingers, hands, toes and feet. You may also experience other symptoms with this health condition, which are:
- Discolouration of the skin due to poor circulation
- Blisters and fluid leakage in severe cases
To treat lymphedema, use compression therapy, exercise daily, and go for massage lymphatic drainage therapy. Also, in some severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
4. Allergic Reaction
Angioedema is another type of fluid retention that causes your fingers to swell up. It happens beneath your skin when there’s an allergic reaction. The presence of hives also accompanies angioedema. This condition mostly appears on your face, head, and neck but can also cause swollen fingers. Antihistamines and steroids are treatment options available for this condition.
5. An Injury
Whether mild or severe, if you have a hand injury, then it can lead to swelling in fingers, hands, and wrists. Your fingers may feel bruised. You should consult a healthcare provider if you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above. Meanwhile, if the injury is not too bad, then apply ice and rest, and take over-the-counter painkillers.
6. Arthritis
Arthritis is an inflammatory health condition that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. You may also have a decreased range of motion, or other associated symptoms such as fever, and loss of appetite. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Notably, the treatment of arthritis includes anti-inflammatory medicines, physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.
7. Exercises
During exercise, our body needs energy from the vital organs. So, the body diverts blood flow from hands and feet to the heart, lungs and muscles. Because of this, your hands receive less blood. Your blood vessels in the hand then widen up to increase blood flow, especially after prolonged exercise, making the hands swell.
8. Insect Bites
Swelling is a common reaction when an insect bites you. You can apply ice, take over-the-counter antihistamines, and use soothing lotions for relief. If, along with swelling, you’re having shortness of breath, consult a healthcare provider immediately. You may be allergic to insect bites.
9. Gout
You may have gout as a health condition if you have one swollen finger with no injury. Gout is a health condition when too much uric acid in your blood forms crystals in your joints. It causes pain and swelling, usually in the big toe, but can also cause swollen fingers. This condition requires immediate medical attention. You may be treated with medications that reduce uric acid levels.
How to Treat Swollen Fingers?
Most health conditions related to swollen fingers need medical attention. But, if you don’t feel much pain or there’s no serious injury, then you can try doing these:
- Apply ice to the affected area.
- Elevate your arm above your heart level.
- Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines such as NSAIDs, which can reduce swelling, especially in arthritis.
- Move your fingers and arm regularly if your condition allows.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as you can see above, swollen fingers can occur for various reasons. Most of these conditions require medical intervention to reduce swelling and discomfort. However, if there’s no pain or injury, then you should try reducing your salt intake, as it can cause fluid retention that can cause swelling in fingers.
