Swollen hands can be caused by injury, medical conditions such as arthritis or kidney disease, medications, activity or inactivity, and electrolyte imbalances. Women may experience swelling during pregnancy or as a premenstrual symptom. Seeking medical advice is recommended for persistent swelling.
Many people experience discomfort from swollen hands, but the reasons for the problem can vary. Sometimes an injury is the cause of the swelling, but medical issues can also be the culprits. Another common cause is edema, a type of swelling that occurs when small blood vessels leak fluid into the surrounding tissue.
Arthritis is a very common reason for swollen hands. Symptoms of arthritis include swelling and pain in the hands and joints. If a person suspects swelling caused by arthritis, it may be wise to seek advice from a doctor. A doctor can do x-rays and tests to determine what type of arthritis you have and the best possible treatment options.
Swollen hands can occur due to a medical condition. Disease or damage to the kidneys can cause swelling because the body can’t rid itself of excess fluid, although swollen legs are more common than swelling in the hands. The lymphatic system also helps rid the body of fluids, and swelling can occur if the system becomes weakened due to cancer or other health problems.
Medicines used to treat some diseases can also cause this condition. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, estrogen treatments, and some diabetes drugs sometimes cause fluid to leak from blood vessels. Calcium channel blockers and drugs that open blood vessels can also cause edema.
Both activity and inactivity can cause swelling in your hands. Sitting in the same position for an extended period of time can cause mild edema. Many people also experience swelling in the hands after vigorous exercise because blood rushes to the heart, lungs, and muscles, decreasing blood flow to the hands. Sweating causes fluid loss and can also increase swelling.
Another cause of hand swelling is an abnormally high or low sodium level. Eating too much salt can cause fluids from blood vessels to leak into the surrounding tissue. Drinking too much water, particularly during endurance sports like running a marathon, can dilute sodium levels and cause an electrolyte imbalance known as hyponatremia. One of the symptoms of hyponatremia is bloating, although other important signs, such as confusion or vomiting, may be more obvious.
Women may get swollen hands during pregnancy or as a premenstrual symptom. Pregnant and premenstrual women retain water throughout their bodies. Swelling can be especially noticeable during pregnancy because the body increases its blood and fluid supply by about half. The feet can also swell due to both conditions.
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