What Causes Hand Swelling?
Dec 18, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Ruizhi
Introduction
1. Gout symptoms: Excessive consumption of meat, seafood, or alcohol may elevate uric acid levels in the body.
2. Kidney disease symptoms: Increased renal workload may trigger kidney disease, manifesting various abnormalities—finger swelling being one such sign.
3. Arthritis symptoms: Abnormal swelling occurs in the legs and hands, accompanied by pain and stiffness.
In daily life, it is essential to pay close attention to changes in your body, enabling timely awareness of your health status. Often, diseases do not appear suddenly—rather, the body sends early warning signals. Hand swelling is relatively common, and when it occurs, identifying its underlying cause promptly and initiating appropriate treatment is crucial. So, what exactly causes hand swelling? Below, we address this question.
What Causes Hand Swelling?
1. A Sign of Gout
Gout has become increasingly prevalent today; many even refer to it as a “disease of affluence.” Excessive consumption of meat, seafood, or alcohol can elevate uric acid levels in the body, leading to the deposition of uric acid crystals in joints. This may result in abnormal swelling—and even deformity—of the finger joints.
2. A Sign of Kidney Disease
The kidneys are vital organs responsible for metabolic regulation and toxin elimination. Healthy kidney function is indispensable for overall health. For instance, consuming foods excessively high in salt may impair metabolism, placing added strain on the kidneys and potentially triggering kidney disease. One possible manifestation is hand swelling.
3. Arthritis
If you observe closely, cases of arthritis around you are steadily increasing. Some individuals experience abnormal swelling—not only in the legs but also in the hands—accompanied by pain, stiffness, and heightened discomfort.
4. Lymphedema
When people think of lymph nodes, they often picture those located under the neck or in the armpits. However, the lymphatic system plays a critical role throughout the entire body. If lymphatic flow becomes impaired—preventing proper drainage of lymphatic fluid—swelling may occur.
5. Inflammatory or Bacterial Infection
For example, felon (a type of fingertip infection) may cause pus formation and severe pain in the fingers. Similarly, paronychia—an infection of the nail fold—can be highly problematic. Such infections may spread to the nail root, resulting in significant swelling.
The above outlines the primary causes of hand swelling. We hope this information proves helpful to you.
