The first time I remember anything about swollen fingers was when I was about 4. My father’s wedding band was too tight and he had to cut the ring off. I was scared he was going to need to cut the finger off, which is probably why I remember it.
Some of the reasons your fingers swell are not life threatening. As an example, most of us have some swelling at the end of the day, especially if we’ve spent some time walking. This is caused by gravity, and will right itself by morning.
Others are not so simple, nor are they always easy to fix. Here are a few examples:
Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause fingers to swell. In fact, swollen fingers are one of the first signs of RA. It’s fairly easy to say “It’s just arthritis,” but if you have undiagnosed rheumatoid arthritis, it can do a lot of damage to your body. This damage can be prevented by an early diagnosis and treatment plan.
Injuries: Because we do so many things with our hands, injury is the most frequent cause (outside of gravity) for finger swelling. The severity of the injury will dictate whether or not you need to see the doctor. If it doesn’t heal in an appropriate amount of time, looks broken or has a deep cut, you’ll need medical help.
Kidney Disease: High concentrations of uric acid can cause swelling throughout the body, including in the hands and fingers. If you have or are at risk for this problem, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as you notice this sign. It may be time for a different treatment approach.
Medications: Some medications can cause swelling. These include certain blood pressure medications and corticosteroids. Those undergoing hormone replacement therapy may also notice some swelling.
PMS: Like HRT, the hormones released during a woman’s menstrual cycle can cause swelling and bloating. This isn’t necessarily harmful, but it can be uncomfortable. If any of your PMS symptoms are interfering with your day-to-day life, talk to your doctor. There are medicines that can help.
As you can see, constant swelling in the fingers may be something simple or something life threatening. If you don’t know why yours are swollen, it’s important to make an appointment with your doctor. It may be the sign that saves your life.