What are Some Causes for Swollen Fingers?

Swelling is usually an indication that there is something wrong in the body. It is an annoying side effect that can help us find out what is wrong.

Reviewed and approved by psychologist Valeria Sabater.

Written by Valeria Sabater

Last update: 27 May, 2022

This has probably happened to you at least once: suddenly you notice pressure in your fingers and slight inflammation. They feel so swollen that you cannot even take off your rings. Sometimes this happens when you are walking or in mid-afternoon. What causes swollen fingers? The causes of classic finger swelling are various. We will explain below.

Bloating in any part of your body is usually caused by an accumulation of fluid. Your fingers are an area where excess work is very common, thus swollen fingers are also common. The main cause of this accumulation of fluids is poor circulation. Although sometimes it can be a symptom of other ailments that you can prevent. Thus, it is worth knowing these symptoms.

Causes of Finger Swelling

1. Poor Circulation

Excess cholesterol and having high or imbalanced blood pressure causes your circulatory system to flow stronger and at a higher speed from your heart to your lungs. Consequently, you get tired more often and this circulatory intensity in your thorax gets imbalanced in your extremities as well as your fingers. Your hands feel colder and your fingers more swollen because your blood vessels open more and this translates into swollen fingers.

2. Excess Weight

Obesity or having a few extra kilos causes changes in your lymphatic system, which makes you retain fluids in your hands as well as your feet. They feel bloated, your shoes don’t fit and you feel tingling by your slightly swollen fingers.

3. Swelling Due to Carpal Tunnel

When you have carpal tunnel syndrome in your hands it is normal to have some constriction in the blood flow in this area. This is because of compression in the median nerve, which causes the numbing feeling in your fingers, along with coldness and finger swelling.

4. Because of an Allergic Reaction

Sometimes, foreign bodies can enter your body. In order to defend it, histamine is released into the blood flow to fight it. This sometimes causes swelling in your fingers. When you have this reaction, you need to take anti-histamines to avoid having swollen fingers.

5. Infection

Infections happen when germs enter your skin through an injury. Sometimes, just a small cut is enough. If this is the reason you have swollen fingers, you might experience some pain as well. Sometimes, a tissue can get infected and once it gets to the bone it can cause fever.

6. Rheumatoid Arthritis

The wear and tear of your joints and cartilage can sometimes and usually attack your fingers. What are the symptoms? Your age does not matter. Suddenly, the swelling will happen in your fingers along with a crimson red color. It is painful, especially in the morning, and it is normal to have stiff fingers that are difficult to move.

How to Treat Swollen Fingers

1. Exercises to Eliminate Tingling and Fluid Retention

• You can decrease the retention of fluids by moving your fingers like the picture above specifies. This movement increases your blood flow and pumps excess fluids out. Simply move your thumb inwards and outwards repeatedly. Something this simple exercise allows you to reestablish the balance of fluids, and get rid of your swollen fingers.
• Another exercise that is also great is to put your palms together (as if you are praying) and raise them above your head. This will also help balance out your circulation.

2. Take Natural Diuretics

They will allow for the elimination of fluid retention in your body. First, try to drink two liters of water a day. Secondly, make sure you include natural foods with diuretic capabilities in your diet, like green tea, celery, carrots, tomatoes, onion, eggplant, asparagus, artichoke, watercress, cucumber, brussels sprouts, and lettuce, for example.

3. A Balanced, Salt-Free Diet

If you have a diet rich in fiber and vegetables and remove industrial fats, additives, and salt from it, your body will improve and prevent fluid retention. Aside from helping you avoid swollen fingers, this will improve your circulation and help you lose weight.

4. Compression Gloves

If you tend to have swollen fingers very often and they bother you, you can resort to compression gloves. They are very useful for these cases and you can find them in pharmacies. These gloves put proper pressure on your hands and fingers, which releases excess fluids.