Hand swelling can be caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues and joints of the wrist and hand. There are a variety of reasons why this condition can occur and some of them are relatively benign, however it could also be a sign of something more serious, such as an underlying disease. For this reason, a person experiencing sudden swelling and swelling of the hand should always see a doctor, especially if the condition is accompanied by a high fever and hot or red skin. Depending on the cause of the hand swelling, if left untreated, it could lead to hand weakness and deformity, spread of infection, and even amputation. Swelling and inflammation of the hand will often be noticed after an injury such as a sprained wrist.
There are a number of potential factors that can cause a hand to become inflamed. Less serious reasons may include a broken or sprained bone. Repetitive stress can also create swelling in the wrist and hand. More serious factors can include Kawasaki disease, septic arthritis, and a blocked lymphatic system. Kawasaki disease is a condition in which the blood vessels become inflamed and is relatively rare.
Symptoms related to hand swelling may include numbness or tingling in the general area, reduced movement, and weakness. Other more serious symptoms may present with fever and chills, excessively high temperature, fatigue, and sudden weight gain due to fluid buildup. People should seek immediate medical help if any of these symptoms are present, as they could be life-threatening. Shortness of breath is also a serious symptom when it occurs along with this condition.
Hand swelling can occur during exercise and is relatively common. The reasons for this are not entirely clear, however, it is believed that due to reduced blood flow to the extremities it can cause them to cool down and in turn cause the blood vessels to expand. Low sodium levels can be another reason for exercise impairment, especially during marathon events. Drinking too much water can dilute the sodium in your system and create swelling in your hands and feet.
Tendinitis is another condition that can cause inflammation in the hands. This is when the tendon that connects the bone and muscles becomes inflamed due to trauma or overuse. Men are more likely to develop this condition, and sustained heavy lifting and vibration can cause it to progress over time. Tendinitis is usually treated with ice and rest, while chronic tendinitis that is ongoing can be treated with various anti-heat remedies and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.