Swollen fingers occur in many people and can have a wide variety of causes. Treatment is mostly possible with simple preparations. Complaints of this type can also be prevented.
What swollen fingers?
There are many causes of swollen fingers. Primarily, they occur due to fluid accumulation in the tissues. Swollen fingers are fingers that are thickened due to a buildup of blood in the hands. The feeling is described by those affected as unpleasant and pressing. The symptoms usually only occur for a limited period of time, but can also be chronic. If swollen fingers are not treated, this can lead to further complications, including amputation or deformation of the hands. However, with early treatment, the symptoms can be completely resolved in almost all cases.
Causes
There are many causes of swollen fingers. Primarily, they occur due to fluid accumulation in the tissues. When the blood can no longer circulate freely, problems occur and the fingers swell. This happens, for example, due to arthritis in the joints or rheumatism. Inflammation after an infection can also cause the fingers to 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 fluid accumulation (lymph fluid or blood). Scleroderma can also be the cause. This is manifested by the fact that the fingers are not only severely swollen, but at times can hardly be moved. Another cause of swollen fingers is injuries to the hand. These can occur in conjunction with an infection and should therefore be examined by a doctor immediately. Lastly, the symptoms can also occur due to pregnancy. In this case, the swollen fingers result from the increased blood flow displacing water into the tissues, causing them to swell.
Diseases with this symptom
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatism
- Fibromatosis
Diagnosis and course
The diagnosis can usually be clarified only after a comprehensive discussion between the doctor and the affected person. This will address previous medical history as well as diet and lifestyle. In addition, it is determined whether the fingers are only swollen or also hurt, which parts of the finger are swollen, when the complaints began and whether the swelling occurs at regular intervals. In addition, other symptoms are asked about in order to be able to rule out possible organ diseases. Once the diagnosis has been made, further steps can be taken. With the right measures, swollen fingers can be treated in almost all cases. However, if the treatment is not followed, further complications may arise. Depending on the cause, there is then, for example, a spread of the infection to other areas or even a permanent disability.
Complications
Complications or permanent damage from swollen fingers can develop spontaneously but also over a longer period of time, and their intensity depends on the underlying causes. Thus, it is not uncommon for permanent disability to occur in daily private and professional life. No matter whether it is a question of performing tasks in the kitchen or closing buttons or zippers, everything is associated with a problem or, in the worst case, impossible, so that outside help becomes increasingly necessary. Professionally, for example, operating the mouse for the PC, the everyday care of goods in sales or working as a hairdresser etc. becomes impossible. Responsible for this are occurring deformities. In the course of time, there is a stiffening of the joints or the loss of gross motor skills and finally also fine motor skills. Increasing pain symptoms, which can no longer be endured without appropriate painkillers, are also frequently reported. If the swelling of the fingers is due to an infection, this can spread to other tissue areas.In the case of panaritium, an infection with staphylococci or streptococci, less frequently by other bacteria, the procedure is performed under conduction anesthesia, a peripheral nerve block, to remove the focus of the pus. This procedure is necessary to allow the inflamed area to heal and the swelling to subside. If conservative treatment methods no longer help at an advanced stage, surgery may be unavoidable. In the worst case, amputation of the fingers may be necessary.
When should you see a doctor?
Swollen fingers occur when blood flow is obstructed or lymph congestion occurs due to fluid accumulation in the tissues. If they do not disappear within a short time, a doctor must be consulted urgently. Untreated swollen fingers can lead to significant complications. It can mean permanent deformity or even amputation. Swollen fingers should first be addressed to the family doctor. He decides on the further course of treatment after taking a medical history. Numerous diseases are possible triggers for the symptom of swollen fingers. Arthritis and rheumatism are among the classic causes. Fingers also swell in the case of infections or inflammations. Fibromatosis is a common cause of swollen fingers. Injuries to the hand or finger also frequently result in finger swelling. In any case, a thorough diagnosis must be made in the case of swollen fingers. For example, in the case of infections, bacteria such as staphylococci or streptococci can damage the nerves. In addition, possible diseases of the kidneys or liver should always be considered. As specialists are asked for swollen fingers above all internists, nephrologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists and surgeons.
Treatment and therapy
Major treatments are needed for swollen fingers, depending on the cause. However, sometimes home remedies can help. For example, massages can help to drain the fluid and reduce the swelling. Cooling the affected areas can also relieve discomfort. Cold infusions with sage or mint as well as the application 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 prescribes then under circumstances medicines and introduces a therapy. In addition, the body is examined in detail to rule out serious organ diseases. The liver and kidneys in particular often cause swollen fingers. In addition, in a personal conversation, it is determined what the previous lifestyle and medical history looks like, in order to subsequently adjust the diet. Especially if swollen fingers occur in connection with gout, a lot can be achieved by an adapted diet. If rheumatism is responsible for the complaints, preparations can also be used to stimulate the blood flow. In addition, the complaints often go down in the context of physiotherapy, which is mostly ordered in rheumatism.
Outlook and prognosis
Swollen fingers can be treated relatively well and, in most cases, do not lead to further discomfort or complications. The swollen fingers severely limit the patient’s daily life. All activities that are performed with the hands are no longer easily possible and may lead to pain if necessary. It may also no longer be possible to perform one’s profession if the fingers are swollen. If the symptom is only temporary, painkillers can be used. However, these are not advisable in the long term. They then damage the body too much. In some cases, surgery is also necessary to treat the swollen fingers. In many cases, the treatment can be done by self-therapy. For example, massages already help to expel the fluid from the fingers again. Cooling the fingers can relieve the pain. However, if these home remedies are not successful, a doctor must be consulted. In these cases, it may be a disease of the kidney or liver, often acute gout occurs, which leads to the swollen fingers. However, in most cases, a simple treatment is possible, so that there is no further discomfort in this case.
Prevention
It is difficult to prevent swollen fingers.If they occur as a result of an injury, for example, the most that can be done is to try to increase precautions. Arthrosis and the associated thick fingers cannot be prevented either. However, a healthy diet and sufficient exercise will reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis. In general, exercise helps to boost blood flow and prevent swelling. Simple physical exercises and regular massages can also reduce the risk of swelling in the fingers. After pregnancy, swelling can be avoided by getting the body back into shape early. A balanced diet can also help get blood flow going and prevent swelling.
What you can do yourself
Swollen fingers are often due to inflammation. The swellings also occur when tissue fluid builds up in the hands and fingers. Fluid collects there, especially in hot weather. The swellings are often accompanied by redness, tingling and numbness. Unless arthritis is the cause, some of the symptoms can be alleviated with simple remedies. Many swellings go down on their own. Finger exercises can speed up the reduction of swelling. Exercise improves blood flow and the removal of tissue fluid. Muscle tension is reduced and swellings decrease. All gripping exercises are helpful in this context. Clenching your fist and then opening your hands are also effective exercises. Apple cider vinegar is an old home remedy that works externally and internally. Rubbing with 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 do a lot. It helps with muscle pain, sprains, arthritis and injury-related pain. To make a poultice, mix a paste of olive oil and half a teaspoon of turmeric powder. The paste is spread on hands and fingers, must dry and then rinsed with warm water. A diet rich in turmeric supports the effect, as the spice known from Ayurvedic medicine inhibits inflammation and promotes blood circulation.
