Why fingers swell: causes, diagnosis and treatment of edema

Swollen fingers are not a rare phenomenon, and are typical for people of all age groups. Sometimes edema appears due to minor disruptions in the body, for example, due to an incorrect lifestyle. And they go away quickly without any treatment.

But swollen fingers or toes can also indicate serious illnesses, especially if the swelling of the hands is asymmetrical. It is important to understand that this is by no means a normal condition. And it is very important to diagnose without delay and, if necessary, begin treatment.

Structure of fingers

Four human fingers consist of 3 phalanges:

• proximal (longest);
• average;
• the shortest (nail), distal.

Phalanges of the fingers
The first 2 are slightly similar in structure, but different in size. For example, the proximal phalanx has a spherical articular surface. This is necessary for articulation with the nearby metacarpal bones. And providing an unlimited range of movements. The interphalangeal joints cannot provide extension and flexion of the finger; they are uniaxial.

Joints of the hand

The distal phalanges have a flattened shape and are smaller in size, ending in nail plates.

The only exception is the first finger; it has 2 phalanges: proximal, distal. These phalanges are shorter, but massive. And the anatomical structure provides it with greater mobility, stability and opposition to the other fingers.

Physiological causes of finger swelling

We contemplate swollen fingers for various reasons, but more often it happens for quickly passing physiological reasons:

• In hot weather, our blood vessels dilate rapidly . Thanks to this, the body can cool itself by simply releasing heat through the skin.
• But sometimes excess fluid accumulates in the vessels, and when the vessels dilate, a small part of the fluid can flow into the soft tissues, and the fingers begin to swell. Prolonged physical activity contributes to this: cleaning a personal plot, digging soil, hand washing, performing repair work, long hikes.
• You can also see swollen fingers in healthy, young people. After rest, everything usually goes away without a trace. There are people who have troubles after the cold. This is called cold allergy or urticaria. Frost and low temperatures can cause spasms in blood vessels and impair blood circulation.
• This is also possible if there is a lack of body fat in a thin person. This disease is most often transmitted at the genetic level, but it can also be acquired. Being overweight or obese also eventually causes swollen fingers. Irreversible changes occur in the lymphatic system, so fluid accumulates in the hands.
• In women, swollen fingers may occur due to PMS (premenstrual syndrome). There is an increase in estrogens, and they are able to retain water in the tissues.

Swollen fingers can be seen after excessive consumption of liquid at night, drinking alcohol, or salty foods. The water-salt balance in the vascular bed and intercellular fluid is disrupted. Therefore, sodium from the plasma goes directly into the tissue and retains water.

Carpal tunnel syndrome

In this disease, the nerve that runs from the forearm to the hand is compressed by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet / National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in the tissues of the wrist between the ligaments and bones. Unpleasant symptoms appear:

• numbness and tingling in the fingers, especially the thumb, index and middle fingers;
• soreness and swelling in the fingers;
• weakness in the arms;
• muscle atrophy at the base of the thumb in advanced cases.

Numbness, tingling and pain may occur at night or in the morning on one or both arms. And then these signs begin to bother you during the day. For example, when a person holds a phone near his ear or drives a car.

What to do

You need to see a doctor. He can recommend the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke:

• Wear a splint. This is a special device that is fixed to the hand overnight;
• Avoid activities that increase symptoms;
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers;
• Use hormonal drugs from the group of corticosteroids;
• Inject a local anesthetic into the joint.

If treatment doesn't help and symptoms get worse, surgery may be necessary.

Pathological causes of hand swelling

Swollen fingers and limbs in general may indicate the presence of pathological diseases. You need to remember that swollen hands are not the problem. The problem is that fluid accumulates inside the body. If this lasts more than a few days, then this already indicates a serious illness that needs to be treated.

Pathological reasons:

• impaired permeability of capillaries and vessels responsible for drainage of lymph;
• various hormonal disorders;
• low protein levels in the blood;
• disorders and diseases of the nervous system;
• diseases of the lymphatic system and veins, poor circulation;
• excess cholesterol;
• high blood pressure.

Raynaud's disease

This is a disease in which small arteries in the hands suddenly constrict (Raynaud's disease / Mayo Clinic) due to cold or stress, causing blood to stop flowing to the fingers. Therefore, they become numb, sore, pale and cold. When the attack passes and blood flow is restored, the fingers may swell.

What to do

In order for vascular spasms to recur less often, you need to protect Raynaud's disease / Mayo Clinic from cold, and also avoid stress and sudden temperature changes. If these measures are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medications. Usually these are drugs from the group of calcium channel blockers or antispasmodics. In some cases, experts recommend nerve surgery or injections of Botox and local anesthetics.

Diagnosis of diseases

As you know, you need to fight not the symptom, but the root cause of the disease. To ensure that swollen fingers no longer cause trouble, you need to carry out a diagnosis. For an appointment, you need to go to a therapist, and if necessary, he will refer you for a consultation to more specialized specialists: an allergist, an infectious disease specialist, a nephrologist or a cardiologist.

Diagnosis begins with collecting anamnesis, analyzing complaints, and existing side symptoms. They will conduct a visual examination of your hands, examine swollen fingers, and perform palpation.

If necessary, instrumental and laboratory tests will be prescribed:

• Ultrasound;
• MRI of the hands;
• Dopplerography;
• X-ray;
• clinical analysis of urine, blood;

In case of heart disease, an electrocardiogram will be prescribed; if the kidneys are bothering them, an ultrasound, MRI, and tests will be performed; if there are problems with the thyroid gland, an ultrasound examination will be performed.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Joint inflammation most often begins in the hands. Rheumatoid Arthritis / American Academy of Family Physicians is believed that the disease is associated with autoimmune reactions, when the body attacks its own tissues and produces antibodies to them.

In addition to swelling of the fingers, other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• joint pain;
• joint stiffness, especially after sleep;
• temperature increase;
• redness of the hands;
• fatigue and loss of appetite;
• bumps under the skin of the fingers are rheumatoid nodules.

What to do

With such symptoms you need to go to the doctor. He will conduct an examination, which includes blood tests, x-rays of the joints, and possibly a test of joint fluid. Only after confirming the diagnosis will the specialist prescribe treatment. It will not be possible to completely get rid of rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis / American Academy of Family Physicians, but the following will help reduce symptoms:

• over-the-counter pain relievers;
• immunosuppressants;
• hormonal medications;
• antirheumatic drugs.

In addition, you will have to lose weight if you are overweight, quit smoking, adhere to proper nutrition, reduce the load on your joints, but at the same time engage in aerobics and physical therapy.

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

Causes of finger swelling and other symptoms

Swelling of the hands is always preceded by swollen fingers. If you notice this with the naked eye, perform a simple test. Press on the swollen fingers; if a depression has formed at the site of pressure, which does not immediately restore its previous shape, then you need to consult a doctor.

Normal swelling should go away within 2 hours of sleep. If your swollen fingers have not regained their previous shape by the evening, then most likely it is some organ that cannot cope with its job.

Allergy

Allergies may well cause swollen fingers or hands. Swollen fingers occur due to contact allergies.

This could be any interaction with an allergen:

• hand wash with allergenic powder,
• applying poor quality cream,
• use of inappropriate medicines,
• insect bite

Manifestations of allergies are typical - swollen fingers, itching, burning sensation, redness with pronounced swelling develops. Swollen fingers can pulsate and sometimes break out in advanced cases.

Injury

Swollen fingers may indicate various types of injuries. The nature of the injury can be determined by the accompanying symptoms. If, after a minor traumatic event, the finger is swollen, red, a hematoma appears, and the phalanges are painfully bent, most likely it is a simple bruise.

Anyone can hit a finger. If there is severe pain, the fingers are swollen and it is impossible to even move them, then we can assume the presence of a fracture or dislocation.

Arthrosis

With arthrosis, cartilage tissue is destroyed almost completely, then bone tissue, and fluid accumulates in them. And it will no longer be able to be removed normally from the joint capsule, but will linger in the tissues and joint capsule. This disease is typical for older people.

Edema can be general or local. Swollen fingers or hands are especially bothersome at night, they hurt and even turn blue. Causes of edema in arthrosis: capillary permeability, infections, inflammatory processes, toxic lesions.

Development of osteoarthritis of the joint

Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory process localized in the joints of the hands and affecting them. This disease most often occurs against the background of another disease, that is, arthritis is secondary.

Arthritis symptoms:

• Swollen fingers.
• The lesions on both arms are symmetrical.
• Stiffness of fingers, especially in the morning.
• Pain with the slightest movement.
• The joints are enlarged, nodules on the hands are visible.
• The skin on the fingers has an unnatural red color.

Raynaud's disease

If you notice swollen fingers, your palm turns pale or blue, and then it spreads to your hands, then you may have Raynaud's syndrome. It manifests itself as a narrowing of the arteries, most often caused by cold or severe stress. The narrowing limits the free circulation of blood and affects the hands.

Manifests itself in the form of cyanosis and hyperthermia, has 3 stages of development:

• Stage of ischemia: swollen fingers, unnaturally white hands.
• Blue phase : hands have bluish skin.
• Hyperthermia : microcirculation is restored and therefore the skin color becomes dark burgundy.

Signs of Raynaud's disease

Vein diseases

Usually this disease is acquired during life: vascular diseases, age-related changes, poor blood clotting, stagnation in the vessels, thick and viscous blood.

In case of malignant or benign formation in the vein area, heavy physical activity, mechanical trauma.

In addition to visible changes, a person may be bothered by some other symptoms:

• swollen fingers;
• blueness near the vessels;
• inability to bend fingers or arms;
• convulsions are possible, fingers may cramp and go numb.

Swelling of the hands after a stroke

A stroke causes brain damage:

• ischemic stroke - caused by blockage of a blood vessel with a blood clot, the damaged area of ​​the brain suffers from a lack of nutrients and oxygen;
• hemorrhagic injury - a burst vessel causes bleeding in the brain.

The most common consequence of this disease is swollen fingers and hands, unconsciousness, and immobility. Swelling of the paralyzed part of the body is also possible, its intensity depends on how severely the body is paralyzed. With complete paralysis, the arm may be swollen beyond recognition.

Oncology

When treating cancer, tissues begin to accumulate and retain excess fluid. Or, more precisely, an abnormal fluid level. This is called edema due to oncology.

Fluid accumulates under the skin in tissues, outside the circulatory system. It can appear anywhere: fingers, arms, legs, abdominal cavity (ascites), near the lungs (pleurisy). Associated symptoms: swollen fingers, skin begins to shine unnaturally, joint flexibility is reduced.

Causes of swelling of the arms from the elbow to the hand

If a person has impaired motor functions of the hands, a problem arises such as swollen hands from the elbow to the hand.

There are plenty of reasons for this:

• As a result of external influence: squeezing, pinching, impact.
• Inflammatory processes: bursitis, gout, arthritis, etc.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome - possible with monotonous work: loaders, conveyor workers, machine operators, etc.
• Vascular atherosclerosis - when a blood clot forms, blockage and narrowing of the arteries occurs, hence oxygen starvation and swollen fingers.
• Epicondylitis - appears with prolonged squeezing and unclenching of the hands under increased load, most often it affects plumbers and mechanics.
• Osteoporosis - occurs when there is a hormonal imbalance, bone density decreases, swelling appears, and over time, bone tissue becomes brittle.

Types of bursitis depending on location

Injury

If you hit your finger hard, break it, dislocate it, or get a sprain, swelling will occur Dislocations / US National Library of Medicine. It will be accompanied by redness, pain, and sometimes bleeding.

What to do

For minor bruises, you can apply a cold compress to your finger and take an over-the-counter pain reliever. But if the pain is severe, the wound is large or the finger is bent unnaturally, you need to consult a doctor. For a dislocation, reduction will be required, and for a fracture, fixation and restoration will be required.

Tumor of fingers during pregnancy

Swollen fingers of a pregnant woman do not always indicate the presence of some kind of pathology. Most often, the cause may be physiological changes in the body. They help carry the fetus, but contribute to fluid retention in the body. Its total volume increases, and the amount of albumin in the blood decreases.

Swollen fingers of a pregnant woman may also indicate excessive consumption of table salt. And it is known to retain water in the body.

Swollen fingers occur when:

• Gestosis - characterized by: swollen fingers, the appearance of cramps, increased blood pressure.
• Kidney disease.
• Crohn's disease.
• Heart diseases.
• Allergies.

Gout

Due to pathology, uric acid is retained in the body Gout In Hands / American Society for Surgery of the Hand. It settles in the kidneys and also forms crystals in the joints and damages them. That's why they swell and hurt a lot. Usually the big toe is affected first, followed by other bone joints. The fingers can also swell, and tophi sometimes form on them. This is the name given to painless bumps made from uric acid deposits.

What to do

At the first symptoms you need to go to the doctor. He will conduct an examination and prescribe Gout In Hands / American Society for Surgery of the Hand treatment. It is impossible to completely get rid of gout. Therefore, a person will have to follow a low-protein diet for the rest of his life, as well as take over-the-counter painkillers and hormonal medications.

First aid at home

Swollen fingers can be treated with herbs, brew: horsetail, fox birch, St. John's wort. You can buy compression gloves at the pharmacy - they are especially convenient.

First aid should begin with improving blood flow in the fingers:

• Take off everything unnecessary : ​​rings, bracelets, watches; Treat the open wound with an antiseptic and apply a bandage.
• Wrap some ice in a clean cloth and apply it to your swollen fingers. You can also make an iodine grid after some time.
• Massage will also relieve swelling; simple manipulations will increase blood circulation and the outflow of excess fluid.
• For inflammatory diseases you can take : Diclofenac, Nimesil, Ibuprofen.
• In case of allergic reactions , it is necessary to stop any contact with the allergen. Take any antihistamine: Larotadine, Suprastin, Fenistil.

Suprastin

Fenistil

Larotadine

How to treat swelling of the hands and fingers?

If, after using harmless traditional methods of treatment, your swollen fingers have not decreased in size, you should visit a therapist. Instead of running to the nearest pharmacy for a healing potion.

You cannot self-medicate, as this will not help your body, but will cause even more harm. If it is not possible to visit the hospital, and the pain and inconvenience are already unbearable, use the list of medications below.

Drugs

Medications are selected based on the patient’s symptoms and the causes of the disease.

Before contacting a doctor, you can use:

• Joint inflammation is treated with ointments: Colchicine, Hypothiazide, Voltaren, Nurofen, Nimulid, Fastum.
• NSAIDs in tablet form: Phosphalugel, Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Piroxicam, Venter, Indomethacin, Ketorolac.
• Allergic reaction: Suprastin, Claritin, Loratodine, Ketotifen.
• Injections are indicated only as a last resort: Mannitol, Furosemide, Lasix, Ethacrynic acid.
• To remove fluid, diuretics are taken in tablet form: Trifas, Furosemide, Triampur, Indapamide, Lasix, Trofurit, Veroshpiron.

Furosemide

Veroshpiron

Voltaren gel

Nurofen

Fastum

Diclofenac in gel form

Exercises

If you do these simple exercises in the morning and evening, in a week you will forget about your problems, swollen fingers will return to their previous shape:

1. Close your fingers and place them on your head . Lower your head down, pressing lightly on your hands. Hold for 40–50 seconds, unclasp your hands and shake them in the air, move them. Repeat the movements 2-3 more times.
2. Place your fingers on the edge of the table and imitate playing the piano , 5 minutes of work, half an hour break. Make 3 passes.
3. Raise your arms above your head for 15 minutes, you can do this 3-4 times a day.
4. Raise your arms for 20 minutes. above the level of the heart . Do at least 2-4 times a day. And at night you need to make sure that your fingers are raised above the heart level.

A set of exercises for recovery

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is used in combination with drug treatment:

• Electrophoresis of various drugs is aimed at curing local damage. Honey is injected. drugs under the influence of an electric field. In general, for swollen fingers, the use of proteolytics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics is indicated.
• UHF therapy uses high-frequency electromagnetic waves. The following effect is achieved: vasodilating, anti-inflammatory, trophic.
• Low-frequency magnetic therapy - low-frequency magnetic waves that create an electromagnetic field are used for treatment. This method is applicable for traumatic injuries to the hands, for problems with lymph flow, after surgical operations.
• UOS (ultraviolet irradiation) - based on the use of ultraviolet waves. It has various beneficial effects: immunomodulatory. anti-inflammatory, bactericidal.
• SMV therapy is centimeter wave therapy, using electromagnetic waves of a certain frequency. SMV therapy has: analgesic, anti-inflammatory, vasodilating effects.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies will help as the main treatment. We will describe the most effective recipes for treating swollen fingers:

• Decoction of pine buds : 1–2 tsp. kidneys, pour 300 ml of boiling water, keep in a water bath for 10 minutes, when it cools down, drink during the day. Take throughout the week.
• Fresh pumpkin juice: drink 200 ml of freshly prepared juice every day for at least a month. The recipe is healing, swelling does not return after such treatment.
• We make baths: with essential oil, calendula oil, eucalyptus oil. Add 10 drops of essential oils to well-warm water (1–2 liters) and immerse your hands for 15–20 minutes. Do this every evening until complete healing.
• Fresh cucumbers also help a lot; we make juice and drink it when we’re thirsty. You need to drink at least 500 ml per day. Or just eat fresh, preferably homemade, cucumbers and plenty of them.
• We take table 3. l. anise seeds , pour 300 ml of boiling water and cook for 5 minutes. When it cools down, take 1-2 tbsp. l. 3 times a day, about 2-3 weeks.

Prevention and nutrition

Preventive measures include primarily:

• Banal adherence to a healthy lifestyle, playing sports, swimming, eating right.
• Remove bad habits: alcoholic drinks, smoking.
• Drink at least 2 liters of clean water during the day, and stop drinking liquids at least 3 hours before bedtime.
• Once a year, undergo a full medical examination, for yourself, and not as a diversion.

The diet should be healthy and include the following foods: seasonal vegetables, fruits, juices, fish, herbs, various cereals, potatoes baked in their skins, watermelons, legumes, dairy products, steamed veal are healthy.