Swollen hands can be a sign of poor circulation, inflammation, or fluid retention. This may happen due to factors like physical activity, eating too much salt, or underlying health problems such as heart or kidney failure.
Also known as hand edema, swollen hands may be accompanied by other symptoms like joint stiffness, pain, tingling, pale or purplish skin, and sometimes even skin sores.
If you notice that your hands are swollen, it’s important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment. Depending on the cause, treatment may involve medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or, in some cases, surgery.
Main causes
The most common causes of swollen hands include:
1. Rheumatoid arthritis
Swollen and red hands can be one of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints.
This condition can also cause pain, stiffness (especially in the morning), difficulty moving the affected joints, and sometimes fever.
What to do: Treatment should be guided by a rheumatologist. A doctor may prescribe medications such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, ibuprofen, or naproxen to relieve inflammation and improve quality of life. Physical therapy may also be recommended to keep joints flexible, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain.
2. Carpal tunnel syndrome
Swelling and tingling in the hands can be symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, which happens when a nerve that runs through the wrist becomes compressed.
It may also cause a pins-and-needles sensation in the thumb, index, middle, or ring fingers.
What to do: If carpal tunnel syndrome is suspected, see an orthopedic surgeon or a neurologist. Treatment may include wearing a wrist splint, resting, and attending physical therapy sessions.
A doctor may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease pain and swelling.
3. Heart failure
In addition to swelling in the abdomen, legs, and feet, heart failure can sometimes cause swollen hands.
This occurs because the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid buildup throughout the body, including in the hands.
What to do: Treatment for heart failure typically involves guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT), which may include an angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB); a beta-blocker; a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA); and an SGLT2 inhibitor. Diuretics may also be prescribed to help relieve fluid buildup.
In more advanced cases, a pacemaker, ventricular assist device, or even a heart transplant may be necessary. It’s also important to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and alcohol, and get enough sleep.
4. Kidney failure
Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to properly filter the blood. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, swelling in the hands, legs, and feet, itchy skin, and foamy urine.
What to do: Treatment should be managed by a nephrologist and may include adjusting or stopping certain medications, IV fluids when appropriate, or the use of diuretics, blood pressure medications, and glucose-lowering drugs as prescribed by a doctor.
In severe cases, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be needed to remove excess toxins, minerals, and fluids from the blood.
5. Poor circulation
Poor circulation occurs when blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients don’t reach all areas of the body properly, leading to swelling in the hands, legs, feet, or fingers.
It can also cause tingling, cold hands and feet, pale or bluish skin, numbness, and sometimes skin sores.
What to do: Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For venous insufficiency, elevating the legs, exercising regularly, staying well hydrated, and wearing compression stockings can help improve circulation. However, in cases of peripheral artery disease (PAD), compression stockings are not recommended.
If poor circulation is caused by underlying conditions like diabetes, atherosclerosis, or high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe medications such as diuretics (furosemide), statins, antiplatelet agents, or anticoagulants.
Also recommended: Chronic Venous Insufficiency: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment tuasaude.com/en/chronic-venous-insufficiency6. Injuries
Injuries such as bruises, fractures, or sprains can cause the hand to become very swollen and painful. Other symptoms may include difficulty moving the hand, numbness, or tingling.
What to do: Depending on the type and severity of the injury, an orthopedic surgeon may recommend immobilization with a cast or splint, surgery, anti-inflammatory medications, and rest.
7. Excess salt intake
Swollen hands can also occur from eating too much salt. Sodium causes the body to retain water, leading to fluid buildup and swelling.
What to do: To reduce fluid retention, the doctor may prescribe diuretics such as furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, or spironolactone, depending on the clinical situation.
Simple lifestyle changes can also help, such as reducing salt intake, performing lymphatic drainage massage, exercising regularly, and drinking herbal teas with mild diuretic properties.
Also recommended: 14 Natural Diuretic Teas for Fluid Retention tuasaude.com/en/natural-diuretics8. Physical activity
Swollen hands during exercise are a temporary and harmless reaction caused by increased blood flow to the heart, lungs, and muscles.
As a result, the blood vessels in the hands expand, which can cause mild swelling.
What to do: To relieve swollen hands during exercise, remove rings and loosen watch straps before workouts. Move your arms in circular motions during activity, stretch your fingers, clench your fists, and raise your hands above heart level. Drinking electrolyte beverages can also help.
9. Dengue
Severe dengue infection can lead to complications like acute kidney injury or hemolytic uremic syndrome, both of which may cause swollen hands, fever, red or purple skin spots, reduced urine output, nausea, confusion, and blood in the urine.
What to do: Treatment for hemolytic uremic syndrome must be done in a hospital and may include blood transfusions, blood pressure medications, or dialysis.
Acute kidney injury also requires hospital care, where IV fluids, medications, or dialysis may be needed.