What does swelling in hands indicate?
Hand swelling is typically caused by fluid retention, arthritis, or a rise in your body temperature. Some causes will improve on their own and are not cause for alarm. Others can become more serious and damage the structures of the hand. Hand swelling may also indicate an underlying illness.
Should I be worried if my hands are swollen?
Swelling occurs when extra fluid gets trapped in your body’s tissues. Several things can cause this, including heat, exercise, or medical conditions. While swollen hands usually aren’t anything to worry about, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying illness that needs treatment.
When should I go to the doctor for a swollen hand?
Pain, swelling, or hand/wrist function is getting worse rather than better. You have signs of infection (redness, heat, fever, or chills) You experience tingling or numbness regularly in your hands. Normal, everyday activities are causing pain or are becoming increasingly difficult.
What medical conditions cause swollen hands and feet?
Although edema can affect any part of your body, you may notice it more in your hands, arms, feet, ankles and legs. Edema can be the result of medication, pregnancy or an underlying disease — often congestive heart failure, kidney disease or cirrhosis of the liver.
How do I get the swelling in my hands to go down?
How to Get Rid of Swollen Fingers
- Keep your hand/arm elevated. If you keep your hand down, gravity is keeping the extra fluid in your hand.
- Apply ice to the affected area.
- Wear a splint or compressive wrap. Do not apply too tightly.
- Take anti inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen.
Can heart problems cause your hands to swell?
Fluid buildup in the feet and legs, known as pedal edema, is a common early sign of heart failure. But there are other types of edema that may be the result of heart failure, including: Peripheral edema: swelling of the the hands or lower legs. Pitting edema: swelling in the feet, legs, or anywhere else.
What is the life expectancy of someone with lymphedema?
The life expectancy of a patient with this condition is limited to a few months to 2 years [6], [7]. Currently, the mechanism underlying the onset of lymphedema is unknown, and a treatment has yet to be established for preventing the onset of this disease.