Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning
• What you need

Fingers can become swollen from trauma or edema, a common condition that causes fluid to build up in several areas of the body, including the hands, feet, ankles and lower legs. Edema can be caused by pregnancy, eating too much salt, taking medications or having certain medical conditions, such as kidney problems, complications related to the lymphatic system, or congestive heart failure. Here are tips for reducing swelling in your fingers.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Diagnosing swelling

1. 

   Consider your diet and sodium intake. Eating too many salty foods can cause the swollen finger. Some of the foods with the highest sodium content are processed foods, including:
   • Canned soup
   • Ham
   • Frozen pizza
   • Soy
   • Fresh cheese
   • Olive

2. 

   
   
   Identify injuries that may cause swelling. Injury is one of the most common culprits in finger swelling. Fluids such as blood collect in the damaged area and cause swelling. You should treat the wound first with a cold compress (which will constrict blood vessels), then a hot compress (to help push excess fluid out of the affected area).
   • If the bruise or injury persists for more than 2 weeks, symptoms get worse or often occur, or show signs of skin infection, you should notify your doctor soon.

3. 

   
   
   Determine if you have an allergy. When dealing with an allergen, the body releases histamine into the bloodstream. To reduce swelling, you can take an antihistamine. If you develop difficulty breathing after an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away.

4. 

   Check your weight to see if obesity is the cause of the swelling. Obesity can slow down the body's lymphatic system, leading to edema in the hands and feet. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to make a weight loss plan if you believe your finger swelling is caused by obesity.

5. 

   
   
   Tell your doctor if you suspect you may have an infection. You may have carpal tunnel syndrome or cellulitis. Some infections of the hands spread into the blood and lymph nodes, so you need to tell your doctor if you have any doubts about an infection. advertisement

Part 2 of 2: Explore treatment options

1. 

   Exercise for swollen fingers. Move your fingers to help pump excess fluid back into your heart. This movement causes blood to flow to the affected area and creates the necessary pressure to push excess fluid away. Finger exercises can be as simple as typing, stretching your fingers, or using your hands to dress or prepare breakfast. Any movement of the finger helps reduce swelling.
   • If you don't have time to do regular exercises, consider taking a brisk 15-minute walk once a day. A 10-15 minute walk is a great way to increase blood circulation throughout the body. Remember to swing your arms or move your hands up and down while walking.
   • People who are obese are more likely to develop edema because the lymphatic system works more slowly. The swelling can be relieved if the lymphatic system is reactivated. You should exercise more often, eat a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables and protein, and drink more water to help your body keep the lymphatic system working at its maximum.

2. 

   Raise your hand and fingers. Swollen fingers may be caused by poor blood circulation or a hematoma in the hands. Raising the hand will help the blood flow back to the body.
   • Raise the swollen hand above heart level for about 30 minutes, at least 3-4 times a day to treat severe edema. Your doctor may also recommend that you keep your hands above your heart while you sleep.
   • Briefly raise your hands and fingers to reduce swelling.
   • Try raising your hands above your head, clasping your hands together, and bringing them behind your head. Tilt your head back and create some resistance. After 30 seconds, remove your hand, stretch it, and repeat several times.

3. 

   Rub the swollen fingers. Massage the tissue in the swollen fingers toward the heart. Use a firm and strong massage. Hand massage will stimulate the muscles and blood flow to the fingers, helping to remove excess fluid that causes swelling.
   • Consider finding a massage therapist for hands and feet. This service is usually very affordable.
   • Massage your own hands. Use the thumb and index finger of one hand to gently but firmly grip the other hand. Slide your index finger and thumb from the bottom of your palm to the tip of your finger. Repeat for each finger, then switch hands.

4. 

   Wear pressure gloves. These gloves put pressure on hands and fingers, preventing excess fluid from accumulating.

5. 

   Limit salt in your diet. Salt causes the body to retain water and fluids and can affect your fingers. By limiting your salt intake, you can reduce the risk of excess fluid build up. If you find that low-salt foods are too bland, you should use other spices to add flavor to the dish.

6. 

   Keep a moderate temperature in the home or office. The moderate temperature will stimulate better blood circulation. You should maintain a stable temperature to reduce finger swelling caused by sudden temperature changes.
   • Studies have shown that hot showers, hot baths, and hot compresses cause more severe swelling, including fingers.
   • The swelling can also worsen when exposed to extreme cold. If the swelling is caused by a bruise, you can use moderate cold (like an ice pack wrapped in a cloth) to reduce the swelling.

7. 

   Take medicines. Diuretics often reduce fluid retention in patients with swelling and swelling. The swelling of your fingers can be reduced when you are using the diuretic prescribed toad by your doctor. advertisement

Advice

• Apply cold to the swollen area. If the condition doesn't subside, you may have a sprain or fracture.
• Do not apply hot compresses if the swelling has not gone away. Applying it too soon can make the fingers swollen more and worse.
• One effective method to reduce swelling can be as follows: Drag the second, third, index and last, little fingers. Finish with a thumb pull. This can help relieve finger pain, including pain from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Warning

• Pregnant women should always consult their doctor before taking any medicine to reduce swelling of their hands or fingers. Diuretics are not recommended for pregnant women.
• If the swelling persists and does not go away or gets worse, contact your doctor immediately. Severe or persistent edema can be a sign of a more serious medical condition, such as a tumor, heart failure, or other problems that require urgent care.

What you need

• Pressure gloves
• Diuretic