Swollen fingers can be caused by trauma, inflammation, infection, pregnancy, and more serious conditions such as cellulitis, herpetic whitlow, rheumatoid arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms include swelling, redness, and tenderness. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
A swollen finger could be the result of a number of causes. Trauma and injury, inflammation, pregnancy and infection are some of the possible causes of swollen fingers. Sometimes, a swollen finger could indicate a more serious condition. Specific conditions that could cause a swollen toe include cellulitis, herpetic whitlow, rheumatoid arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that can occur anywhere on the body, including the fingers. This infection is one of the most common causes of swollen fingers which could be started by a minor trauma, such as a bruise, through which bacteria will be introduced into the tissues under the skin. Cellulite causes the fingers to become swollen and tender to the touch.
Herpes whitlow, or finger colds, is caused by the herpes simplex virus. This virus is highly contagious and is spread through contact with infected lesions that may appear on the thumb or other fingers. Herpetic whitlow can also cause swollen fingers. Symptoms of an infection with this virus include swelling and redness of the affected finger and thumb.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the immune system. A healthy immune system destroys foreign substances, such as bacteria, in the body. An autoimmune disease causes the immune system to attack its own cells, leading to stiffness, swelling and deformities in various parts of the body, including the fingers.
Pregnancy is also one of the most common causes of swollen fingers in women. This is due to a condition known as edema, which leads to water retention in pregnant women. Water retention causes swollen limbs and fingers.
Injuries such as sprains, cuts, and breaks in the bones of the fingers can cause them to swell. Often, sprains may require compressions to reduce swelling. Broken bones need to be restored and put into a splint so they can heal properly.
Weight gain is another cause of swollen fingers. Any weight gain will generally be distributed throughout the body, leading to an increase in finger size. This type of swelling will decrease in proportion to any weight loss.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs due to pressure on the tendons and median nerves in the wrist. Symptoms of this condition could include swelling and numbness in the fingers. Other symptoms include pain and general weakness, which can reduce the person’s ability to grip objects with their fingers. This pain and weakness might radiate to your hands and forearm.
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