There are numerous different reasons for your fingers to feel swollen, with many of those not being a serious cause for concern. But still, it’s important to recognize why your fingers swell so that you can treat it or even prevent it from occurring in the future.
Here are some common reasons that explain why your fingers are swollen that can help you decide whether or not you need to see a doctor.
6 causes for swollen fingers
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Hot temperatures: When it’s hot outside or your body temperature rises, this causes blood vessels to expand, which causes more heat to escape through the skin as a means of keeping your body cool. As blood vessels expand, their fluid can leak into soft tissues, which causes your fingers to swell.
This isn’t very serious and will often go away with the use of your hands or when you cool down. On the other hand, if the swelling is accompanied by a weak grip or pain, then see your doctor.
Too much salt: Salt makes your body retain water, so the more water you keep within your body, the puffier your fingers will feel. The good news is that this type of swelling is temporary and goes away within a day once your body can balance your water-to-salt ratio once again. Be mindful of how much salt you intake to prevent this type of swelling.
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis caused by wear and tear of the joints. The cartilage found in between the joints that act as a cushion for the bones wears thinner and thinner, causing bones to rub together, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Carpal tunnel: There is a long nerve that runs from the forearm to the palm. When this nerve becomes pinched, it can result in carpal tunnel. This is most commonly seen among those who frequently use computers or complete repetitive work. Along with swollen fingers, you may also experience numbness, tingling, or burning sensations.
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Lymphedema: This is a limb-swelling condition where lymph fluid doesn’t properly drain out of the body. It causes the skin to feel tight and even bulge.
Raynaud’s disease: In Raynaud’s disease, arteries become narrow as a result of cold temperatures or stress. When arteries are narrow, circulation becomes limited. As a result, fingers may appear bluish and swollen.
As you can see, swollen fingers can be temporary or more severe. If you’re concerned about your finger swelling, then speak to your doctor about uncovering the underlying cause.
