Numerous conditions can cause swollen hands or swollen hands, including injury, osteoarthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Swelling of the hand is also common during exercise, due to the way the body and blood vessels respond to the muscles’ demands for more energy. People who chronically suffer from swollen hands are wise to consult their doctor for advice. In some cases, a serious underlying medical condition can be the cause of swelling of the hands. Swollen hands can often be treated with self-care measures, such as pain relief, exercise, rest or applying an ice pack.

• Swollen or swollen hands
• Symptoms of swollen hands
• Causes of swollen hands

• Retaining moisture
• Various causes

• Sport and movement

• Blood supply
• Heat and sweat
• Hyponatremia

• A swollen hand after sleeping
• Swollen hands due to weather conditions

• Warm weather
• Cold weather

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Problems with the kidneys

• Too much salt
• Poorly functioning kidneys

• Lymphedema
• Pregnancy

• Swelling during pregnancy and childbirth
• Preeclampsia

• Swollen hand(s) due to arthritis

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Arthrosis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Angioedema
• Injury to the hand(s)

• Bite
• Fracture
• Bruised hand

• Insect bite
• Side effects of medications
• Treatment of swollen treat

• Treat underlying condition
• Take rest
• Cooling
• Elevation
• Medicines
• Exercises
• Compression
• Food and drink

• When to consult a doctor?

 Swollen right hand due to allergic reaction / Source: OpenStax College, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-3.0)

Swollen or swollen hands

Having swollen hands is both annoying and uncomfortable, as it often hinders you from performing daily tasks. Swelling, also known as edema, can occur anywhere in the body. It often occurs in the hands, arms, feet, ankles and legs.

Symptoms of swollen hands

Swollen hands may be accompanied by other symptoms and complaints, such as redness and warmth around the affected area (red hands and warm hands) or fever and chills. Other symptoms that may occur with a swollen hand include:

• fatigue
• tingling or numbness
• painful or tender areas (sore hand)
• rash
• less movement in a joint or reduced range of motion
• stiffness
• swollen joints
• swelling of the wrist

Causes of swollen hands

Retaining moisture

Swelling occurs when fluid does not drain from body tissue. Several factors can cause this, including heat, exercise, or medical conditions. Although swollen hands are usually not something to worry about, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying disease that needs treatment.

Various causes

Swollen hands are a sign that there is fluid retention or inflammation of the tissues or joints of the hand. They can also result from trauma, infections, or other abnormal processes. Swollen hands can occur during or after exercise or after walking and the swelling often lasts for a short time. Swelling that builds up over time, or chronic swelling of the hand, may indicate an inflammatory process such as arthritis. Swollen hands can also be caused by various orthopedic conditions such as a bone fracture.A ganglion cyst on the wrist / Source: James Heilman, MD, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA-3.0)Swelling of the hand can be caused by, among other things, the following:

• infection
• inflammatory conditions including bursitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ganglion cyst
• fluid retention during pregnancy
• broken bone
• hand injury
• trauma bruising and swelling
• tear in ligament or muscle
• repetitive stress injuries

Sport and movement

Blood supply

Exercising or exercising increases blood flow to your heart, lungs and muscles. It can also reduce blood flow to the hands, making them colder. Sometimes the blood vessels in your hands will counteract this by opening, causing your hands to swell.

Heat and sweat

In addition, exercise causes your muscles to produce heat. In response, your body drives blood to the vessels closest to the surface of your body to get rid of some of the heat. This process makes you sweat, but it can also make your hands swell.

Hyponatremia

In most cases, swollen hands during exercise mean nothing. However, sometimes it can be a sign of hyponatremia, a disturbance in water and electrolyte balance that can occur during a long-distance run such as a marathon. Hyponatremia results in low sodium levels in the blood. You may also suffer from nausea and confusion.

A swollen hand after sleeping

Sleeping with your hand in an uncomfortable position or with a bent wrist leads to reduced blood flow, which leads to swelling of the hand. If you suffer from this often, wearing a hand splint or wrist brace can help so that your hand and wrist remain in a good position.Fainting / Source: Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock.com

Swollen hands due to weather conditions

Warm weather

When you are suddenly exposed to unusually warm temperatures, your body may have trouble cooling itself. Normally, your body pushes warm blood to the surface of your skin, where it cools through sweat. On hot and humid days, this process may not work correctly. Instead, moisture can build up in your hands instead of evaporating after sweating out. Other symptoms of extreme heat exposure include:

• rash
• increased body temperature
• dizziness or fainting
• confusion

Sometimes your body needs a few days to acclimatize to hot weather. Once that is the case, the swelling will disappear.

Cold weather

Some people develop swelling and hives after exposure to cold (for example in winter) or holding a cold objectNerve compression of the median nerve or carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) / Source: Alexonline/Shutterstock.nl

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve becomes trapped in the carpal tunnel in the hand. This causes pain, tingling and/or numbness in your thumb, fingers and palm.

Problems with the kidneys

Too much salt

The balance of salt and water in the body can easily be disturbed. The main task of salt is to maintain the moisture balance by attracting water. Your kidneys filter your blood throughout the day, removing toxins and unwanted fluids and expelling them through the urine. If you eat too much salt, your kidneys have to work extra hard to remove it from your body through urine. This can cause fluid to build up in your system, where it can collect in certain areas, including your hands. When fluid builds up, your heart works harder to circulate blood, causing blood pressure to rise. High blood pressure puts extra pressure on your kidneys, which can cause kidney damage. Following a low-sodium diet can help restore the proper balance.

Poorly functioning kidneys

Swollen legs, swollen feet and ankles and swollen hands are complaints that may be due to fluid retention. due to poorly functioning kidneys. If you also suffer from fatigue, shortness of breath (even after minimal effort) and concentration problems, it is advisable to consult a doctor because there may be kidney problems.Edema in the hands / Source: Wang Kai-feng, Pan Hong-ming, Lou Hai-zhou, Shen Li-rong, Zhu Xi-yan, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-2.0)

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is swelling caused by a buildup of lymphatic fluid. This condition is most common in people who have had lymph nodes removed or damaged during cancer treatment. If lymph nodes under your armpit have been removed during breast cancer treatment, you have an increased risk of developing lymphedema in your hands months or years after treatment. This is known as secondary lymphedema. You can also be born with primary lymphedema, although this form is more commonly present in your legs.Other symptoms of lymphedema include:

• swelling and pain in the arm or hand
• a heavy feeling in the arm
• numbness in the arm or hand
• the skin feels tight
• jewelry seems to be too tight
• reduced ability to bend or move your arm, hand or wrist

Although there is no cure for lymphedema, lymphatic drainage massage can help reduce swelling and prevent fluid from building up.Swollen hands during pregnancy / Source: Zerocool, Pixabay

Pregnancy

Swelling during pregnancy and childbirth

When you are pregnant, your body releases about 50 percent more fluid and blood. Some of that excess fluid and blood can get into the tissues of your hands, ankles, and feet, causing swollen hands and ankles and feet, especially in the morning. In general, swollen hands in the morning due to pregnancy are nothing to worry about. It is also normal for you to retain fluid for quite some time after giving birth. However, consult with your doctor as there is a chance that swelling of the hands could be an indication of high protein levels and high blood pressure. A low-sodium diet and drinking more water often provide relief.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (preeclampsia) is a condition that can affect pregnant women in their third trimester. It is a combination of high blood pressure and protein loss through the urine. Some degree of swelling is normal during pregnancy, especially in your hands and feet. However, a sudden increase in blood pressure due to preeclampsia can cause fluid retention and rapid weight gain. If you are pregnant and experience any of the following symptoms in combination with swollen hands, you should contact a doctor immediately:

• stomach ache
• severe headache

Stomachache / Source: Andrey Popov/Shutterstock.com

• see spots
• a change in reflexes
• urinating less or not at all
• blood in the urine
• dizziness
• excessive vomiting and nausea

Swollen hand(s) due to arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects people with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by flat patches of red, flaky skin. Most people are diagnosed with psoriasis first, but it is possible for arthritis symptoms to emerge before the skin shows any symptoms.Psoriatic arthritis can affect any part of your body. It often manifests itself on your fingers, toes, feet and lower back. Your fingers in particular can become extremely swollen and look ‘sausage-like’. You may notice swelling in your fingers before there are signs of joint pain. Other symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:

• joints that are painful and swollen
• joints that feel warm
• pain in the back of your heel or sole of your foot
• pain in the lower back

Arthrosis

With osteoarthritis, the cartilage in your hand joints changes, causing complaints such as stiffness and pain in the wrist, finger or thumb. Joint inflammation with mild swelling and a warm feeling of the joint may also occur.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition in which multiple joints become inflamed. The joint infections usually occur in your hands or feet. The main complaints of joint inflammation are pain and swelling.Angioedema face: swelling of the eyelids / Source: James Heilman, MD, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA-3.0)

Angioedema

Angioedema is an abrupt swelling of tissues, for example swelling of the lips, eyelids or hands. It is often caused by a type of allergic reaction to a substance in medicines, foods, sweets or drinks. During an allergic reaction, histamine and other substances are released into your bloodstream. This can cause sudden swelling under the skin, with or without hives. It usually affects your lips and eyes, but can also appear in your hands, feet and throat.Angioedema is very similar to hives, but it happens just beneath the surface of your skin. Other symptoms include:

• large, thick, firm, often itchy welts
• swelling and redness
• pain or warmth in the affected areas
• swelling of your eyelids and the area around your eyes

Angioedema usually resolves on its own. The symptoms can also be treated with medications.When recovering from a broken wrist, keep a close eye on your limits and avoid overload / Source: Istock.com/maska82

Injury to the hand(s)

Bite

A bite from a human or dog can lead to serious injuries to the tendons, joints and bones of the hand. An infection can also occur with pain and swelling.

Fracture

A broken hand or wrist can be caused by a fall with outstretched hands. A fracture causes, among other things, a swollen hand.

Bruised hand

Characteristics of a bruise are pain, usually swelling and sometimes a bruise (visible as a blue discoloration). Swelling and bruising are sometimes only visible after a longer period of time. Recovery usually takes one to two weeks.

Insect bite

An insect bite can cause itching, burning or swelling. These complaints usually disappear after a few hours or days. If the skin irritations do not subside and painful and/or severe hand swelling, fever or feelings of general malaise develop, it is advisable to consult a doctor.Swollen hands due to medication / Source: Stevepb, Pixabay

Side effects of medications

Intravenously administered medications sometimes enter the surrounding tissue and cause swelling of the hand. Medicines taken by mouth can also cause swelling of the hands and feet as a side effect. Blood pressure medications can cause swollen hands. Your doctor or pharmacist is the first point of contact if you suffer from swollen hands as a result of medication use. Do not stop taking prescribed medication, but always consult the doctor who prescribed it first. If possible, the doctor reduces the dose or prescribes other medication.

Treatment of swollen treat

Treat underlying condition

Treatment for swollen hands depends in part on the underlying cause of the symptoms. An injury or fracture that causes swelling should be treated medically, but swelling from less serious injuries or from long-term conditions such as arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome can usually be treated at home.

Take rest

If swelling occurs during an activity, it is best to stop and rest your wrist and hand.

Cooling

Applying a cold pack to the affected area helps to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation.

Elevation

Elevating your arm and hand (above the heart) for 30 minutes several times a day can improve blood flow to the heart and reduce swelling. Sleeping with your forearm on pillows at night can also help.Ibuprofen against pain, inflammation and swelling (of the hand) / Source: Martin Sulman

Medicines

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen are effective in reducing pain, inflammation, and swelling. Please consult the package leaflet before use.

Exercises

Stretching and strengthening exercises that move the muscles of the hand and wrist can help return fluid to the heart. Massaging the hand can also help reduce swelling.

Compression

Compression of the wrist and hand with, for example, a compression glove, can prevent fluid from accumulating in the affected area. Special fingerless compression gloves are available for people with arthritis, as well as for knitters, typists and others who experience swelling when they use their hands repeatedly. Such gloves should fit snugly, but not be so tight that blood circulation to the fingers is obstructed.Drinking water is healthy / Source: Mimagephotography/Shutterstock.com

Food and drink

If the swelling is caused by gout, you should limit the consumption of alcohol, meat, fish and poultry. Drinking plenty of water and reducing sodium in the diet can help reduce swelling caused by various conditions.

When to consult a doctor?

Seek immediate medical attention for a swollen hand if one or more of the following symptoms occur:

• a swollen hand after a human or dog (or other animal) bite
• a child with swelling of the hand who suffers from sickle cell disease or has a fever
• a reduced ability to move one or more fingers
• difficulty breathing or facial swelling
• pain and swelling after a fall with an outstretched hand
• for tingling, numbness, weak or cold fingers

Also contact a doctor in the following cases:

• swollen hands during pregnancy
• a swelling in the hand that does not go away
• been diagnosed with arthritis, sickle cell anemia or organ failure at an earlier stage
• recently started a new medication
• having open wounds or ulcers on the hand or fingers

read more

• Swollen fingers: causes and treatment of swollen fingers
• Swollen feet: causes and symptoms of swollen feet
• Hand fungus: symptoms and treatment of fungus on hands
• Cramp in hand or fingers: causes of finger & hand cramps
• Itchy hands: itching on palm and back of hand