Swollen fingers

Swollen fingers occur in many people and can have a wide variety of causes. Treatment is mostly possible with simple preparations. Symptoms of this kind can also be prevented.

What about swollen fingers?

Swollen fingers are fingers that are thickened due to a congestion of blood in the hands. Those affected describe the feeling as uncomfortable and oppressive. The symptoms usually only occur for a limited period of time, but can also be chronic.

If swollen fingers are left untreated, this can lead to further complications, including amputation or deformation of the hands. With early treatment, however, the symptoms can be completely eliminated in almost all cases.

causes

The causes of swollen fingers are many. They occur primarily through fluid build-up in the tissue. When the blood can no longer circulate freely, problems arise and the fingers swell.

This happens, for example, through osteoarthritis in the joints or through rheumatism. Inflammation after infection can also make the fingers swell. If the connective tissue in the hands is diseased, the fingers are also affected and severely swollen. Inflammatory reactions such as fibromatosis are also a common cause of swollen fingers. If the fingers are particularly swollen, this is often due to accumulation of fluid (lymph fluid or blood).

Scleroderma can also be the cause. This manifests itself in the fact that the fingers are not only severely swollen, but can hardly be moved at times. Another cause of swollen fingers is hand injuries. These can occur in connection with an infection and should therefore be examined by a doctor immediately. Finally, the symptoms can also arise from pregnancy. In this case, the swollen fingers result from the increased blood flow forcing the water into the tissue, causing it to swell.

Diseases with this symptom

• arthrosis

• rheumatism

• Fibromatosis

Diagnosis & course

The diagnosis can usually only be clarified after a comprehensive discussion between the doctor and the person concerned. The previous medical history is addressed as well as the diet and lifestyle.

In addition, it is determined whether the fingers are only swollen or also painful, which parts of the finger are swollen, when the symptoms started and whether the swelling occurs at regular intervals. In addition, further symptoms are asked in order to rule out possible organ diseases.

After the diagnosis is available, further steps can be taken. With the right measures, swollen fingers can be treated in almost all cases. However, if treatment is not received, further complications can arise. Depending on the cause, the infection may then spread to other areas or even become a permanent disability.

Complications

Complications or permanent damage caused by swollen fingers can develop spontaneously but also over a longer period of time and their intensity depends on the underlying causes.

So it is not uncommon for a permanent handicap in everyday private and professional life. Regardless of whether it is about doing work in the kitchen or about closing buttons or zippers, everything is connected with a problem or, in the worst case, impossible, so that outside help is increasingly required. Professionally, for example, using the mouse for the PC, everyday maintenance of goods in sales or working as a hairdresser etc. becomes impossible. Occurring deformities are responsible for this. Over time, the joints stiffen or the gross motor and finally the fine motor skills are lost.

There are also frequent reports of increasing pain symptoms that can no longer be endured without appropriate painkillers. If the swelling of the fingers is due to an infection, it can spread to other tissue areas. In the case of panaritium, an infection with staphylococci or streptococci, more rarely with other bacteria, the procedure is carried out under conduction anesthesia, a peripheral nerve block, to remove the pus focus. This procedure is necessary to allow the inflamed area to heal and the swelling to subside.

If the conservative treatment methods no longer help in the advanced stage, an operation may possibly not be avoided. In the worst case scenario, the fingers can be amputated.

When should you go to the doctor?

Swollen fingers occur when blood flow is impaired or lymphatic congestion is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the tissue. If they do not resolve again within a short time, a doctor must be consulted urgently. Untreated swollen fingers can lead to significant complications. This can mean permanent deformation or even amputation. If you have swollen fingers, you should speak to your doctor first. He decides on the further course of treatment based on his medical history.

Numerous diseases can trigger the symptom of swollen fingers. Joint arthrosis and rheumatism are among the classic causes. Likewise, fingers swell with infections or inflammations. Fibromatosis should be mentioned here as a common cause of swollen fingers.

Injuries to the hand or finger also often result in finger swelling. In any case, swollen fingers need a thorough diagnosis. In the case of infections, bacteria such as staphylococci or streptococci can damage the nerves. Also, possible diseases of the kidneys or liver should always be considered.

Internists, nephrologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists and surgeons are particularly in demand as specialists for swollen fingers.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

For swollen fingers, depending on the cause, major treatments may be necessary. Sometimes, however, home remedies also help. For example, massages can help drain the fluid and reduce swelling. The symptoms can also be alleviated by cooling the affected areas. Cold infusions with sage or mint and the use of Schüßler salts can help.

If these remedies from the “medicine cabinet” do not help or if the symptoms keep recurring, a doctor must be consulted. This may then prescribe medication and initiate therapy. In addition, the body is carefully examined to rule out serious organ diseases.

The liver and kidneys in particular often trigger swollen fingers when they are ill. In addition, it is determined in a personal conversation what the previous lifestyle and medical history looks like in order to adapt the diet subsequently. Especially when swollen fingers are associated with gout, a good diet can do a lot.

If rheumatism is responsible for the symptoms, preparations can also be used to stimulate the blood flow. In addition, the complaints are often reduced as part of physiotherapy, which is usually prescribed for rheumatism.

Outlook & forecast

Swollen fingers can be treated relatively well and in most cases do not lead to any further complaints or complications. The patient's everyday life is severely restricted by the swollen fingers. All activities that are carried out with the hands are no longer easily possible and can lead to pain. The profession may also no longer be practiced if the fingers are swollen.

If the symptom is temporary, pain medication can be used. However, these are not advisable in the long term. You then damage the body too much. In some cases, surgery is also needed to treat the swollen fingers.

In many cases, treatment can be self-therapy. Even massages help to drive the liquid out of the fingers again. Cooling the fingers can relieve the pain. However, if these home remedies are unsuccessful, a doctor must be consulted. These cases can be kidney or liver diseases, and acute gout often occurs, which leads to swollen fingers. However, in most cases simple treatment is possible so that there are no further complaints.

prevention

It is difficult to prevent swollen fingers. If they occur, for example, due to an injury, an attempt can be made to increase the precautionary measures. Osteoarthritis and the thick fingers associated with it cannot be prevented either. However, a healthy diet and sufficient exercise reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

In general, exercise helps to increase blood flow and prevent swelling. Simple physical exercise and regular massages can also reduce the risk of fingers becoming swollen.

After pregnancy, swelling can be avoided by getting the body back into shape at an early stage. A balanced diet can help get the blood flow going and prevent swelling.

You can do that yourself

Swollen fingers are often caused by inflammation. The swelling also occurs when tissue fluid builds up in the hands and fingers. Liquid collects there, especially when it is hot. The swelling is often accompanied by redness, tingling sensations and numbness. Unless arthritis is the cause, some of the symptoms can be alleviated with simple means. Many swellings go away on their own.

Finger exercises can speed up the swelling. Exercise ensures better blood flow and the removal of tissue fluid. Muscle tension is reduced and swelling is reduced. All grasping exercises are helpful in this regard. Clenching into a fist and then opening your hands are also effective exercises. Apple cider vinegar is an ancient home remedy that works externally and internally. Rubbing in apple cider vinegar cools, relieves pain and has a decongestant effect. The application is supported by drinking apple cider vinegar water.

The antioxidant curcumin in turmeric can also go a long way. It helps with muscle aches, sprains, arthritis, and injury-related pain. A paste is made from olive oil and half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to make a pack. The mass is spread on hands and fingers, must be dried and then rinsed off with warm water. A diet rich in turmeric supports the effect, as the spice, known from Ayurvedic medicine, inhibits inflammation and promotes blood circulation.