How to Treat Swollen Fingers
Swelling of the fingers is a common occurrence due to the frequent use of this part of the body in daily activities. Swollen fingers can be treated in various ways, but the treatment needs to be adjusted to the cause. Then, how to treat swollen fingers? Please read the following explanation until the end.
Swollen fingers may occur due to the enlargement of muscles, inflammation, or the buildup of fluid in the finger area. When the muscles or surrounding tissues expand, the fingers tend to exhibit a swollen appearance.
Swollen fingers can occur slowly or suddenly, and it may or may not be accompanied by symptoms.
Causes of Swollen Fingers
There are several factors that can cause to swollen fingers, including:
1. Uric acid
Swollen fingers can be a symptom of uric acid. Usually this condition is accompanied by sudden pain in the joints.
Uric acid can affect all joints throughout the body; however, it most commonly occurs in the joints of the fingers, knees, ankles, and toes. The pain and swelling arise from the accumulation and formation of uric acid crystals in the joints.
2. Infection
In numerous instances, swollen fingers are attributed to infections caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. These bacteria proliferate in the tissues within the injured finger, which may result from insect bites, puncture wounds, or cuts.
If treated too late, these bacteria can continue to spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream.
3. Paronychia (Ingrown Toenail)
Paronychia can lead to swelling of the fingers. This condition is typically caused by ingrown nails that injure the surrounding skin, making it susceptible to bacterial infection.
Paronychia can occur on both the fingers and toes. This condition results in wounds or swelling around the edges of the nails. The affected area is typically painful to the touch and may appear pus-filled, necessitating treatment with paronychia medication or medical intervention.
4. Hand injury
Swollen fingers can result from injuries such as fractures, sprains, pinches, or dislocations of the finger bones. This condition is often accompanied by bruising, a bluish appearance of the finger, and pain upon touch.
If the injury sustained is severe, this condition may also result in open wounds on the surface of the skin.
5. Clubbing finger
Clubbing is one of the symptoms of hypoxia or a condition of low oxygen levels in the blood that occurs over a long period of time. The characteristic of clubbing is enlarged or swollen fingertips.
This condition is frequently encountered by individuals suffering from heart and lung diseases, such as congenital heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, or cystic fibrosis.
How to Treat Swollen Fingers
Swollen fingers can be treated independently at home with a few simple steps, including:
- It is advisable to regularly clean the fingers with warm water, particularly if the condition is a result of an infection.
- Raising or elevating the hands above the level of the heart can assist in alleviating swollen fingers resulting from an injury.
- It is advisable to minimize movement of the swollen finger due to injury. If necessary, secure the injured finger to the nearest finger. Utilize a support tool such as a pen or a small stick to assist in keeping the finger straight.
- Compress the swollen finger with ice cubes. This method can assist in reducing swelling and alleviating pain.
- In the event of bleeding due to an open wound, it is essential to clean the wound thoroughly and promptly cover it with a bandage.
If the home treatment you are undertaking does not alleviate the swelling in your finger, it is advisable to consult a doctor. This is particularly important if the swelling is a result of a severe injury or is accompanied by persistent pain that does not subside, as it may necessitate hospital care.
The doctor will perform a physical examination to determine the cause of your swollen fingers and determine the appropriate treatment method.
Also read articles about: How to Treat a Swollen Wasp Sting
That is an explanation of how to treat swollen fingers, hopefully it can be useful.
