Introduction
Swollen fingers can have many causes. In addition to an injury, such as a sprain, general underlying diseases can also lead to swollen fingers. In this case the swollen fingers typically occur on both hands. The accompanying symptoms and the situations in which swelling occurs can be indicative of the cause and thus also the optoimimal treatment.
Causes
There are many different causes for swelling of the fingers. In most cases, metabolic disorders with changes in the electrolyte (“salt”) and protein balance lead to water retention. If there are too many salts or proteins in the tissue, these can cause water retention, which leads to the development of oedema.
Among the most common causes are: Circulatory disorders or heart problems can affect the blood circulation and thus be responsible for a backlog of blood and consequently swelling of the fingers. Inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatism or gout can also cause increased fluid to leak into the tissues due to the inflammation that takes place and the messenger substances that are released during this process. Similar mechanisms are also the cause of swelling of the fingers after an accident or injury.
After diseases or operations in the area of the lymphatic system, e.g. after removal of lymph nodes in the context of cancer, swelling of the fingers can also occur. Diseases of the connective tissue, which include “collagenosis”, but also diseases such as fibromyalgia or scleroderma, can be responsible for swollen fingers. Swelling then often occurs in conjunction with pain and restricted mobility.
In addition to these divergent causes, fluid pressure acting on the vascular system can also simply be responsible for the swelling. The blood “sinks” in the hands when they are not used for a long time and passes into the tissue, similar to the way fluid accumulates in the feet and lower legs after sitting for a long time. Finger swelling can also occur when the finger is stretched.
- Heart failure (“cardiac insufficiency”)
- Diseases of the thyroid gland
- Diseases the kidneys
- Taking cortisone
- Revision
A weakness of the right heart can also lead to water retention in the hands and feet. Due to the lack of pumping power of the heart, blood from the right heart accumulates back into the veins of the body and accumulates in the hands and fingers, where fluid from the vessels then flows into the tissue. This leads to so-called cardiac (caused by the heart) edema.
Accompanying symptoms of cardiac insufficiency are stress-related shortness of breath, blue discoloration of mucous membranes and fingertips and a general decrease in exercise tolerance. Thyroid gland disorders can also affect the hands and fingers. If the thyroid gland is underactive, the fingers and hands may swell.
The circulation of blood is slowed down in the case of an underactive thyroid gland due to the altered hormone situation. The thyroid hormones have an influence on the beating power of our heart, influence the metabolism and the energy balance. If the thyroid gland is underactive, the heart’s ability to beat slows down and blood pressure is lower.
Fluid accumulates in the tissue. Especially the hands and eyelids are affected by the swelling. In gout, a metabolic disorder leads to an increased concentration of uric acid in the blood, which is then deposited in the joints in the form of uric acid crystals.
This can cause severe inflammation and pain, which can also be accompanied by a swelling that restricts movement. Gout attacks are intensified by the consumption of alcohol and meat. They last from several hours to days and then subside.
If the gout attack occurs on the fingers, it is called “Chiragra”. More often, however, the base joint of the big toe is affected. Increased work with the hands can put a lot of strain on the joints and muscles.
Overstraining can lead to irritation of hand structures and subsequently to swelling in the sense of a mild inflammatory reaction. Such overstrain is a sign that the fingers have been stressed beyond the appropriate level and should be avoided to protect cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Swelling should be considered a warning signal from the body.
Cortisone is a drug used to fight inflammatory and immune reactions.However, cortisone also has effects on the water and electrolyte balance. It is similar to the hormone Coritsol produced by the body itself and has a comparable effect. In the body, the adrenal cortex produces this cortisol.
Cortisone also has an effect on the water balance and influences the kidney. As a result of reduced water excretion via the kidney, more fluid remains in the vascular system and blood pressure increases. Fluid retention can then occur, especially in the hands and face.
In the event of an insect bite or an allergic reaction in the finger area, the body releases the messenger substance histamine. Histamine ensures that cells of the immune system are activated, vessels are dilated and an inflammatory reaction is set in motion. Due to the dilation of the vessels and the permeability of the vessel wall, which is also triggered by histamine, fluid from the vascular system enters the tissue and can cause severe swelling. Cooling, compression and drugs such as antihistamines help.
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