What is Causing My Fingers to Swell?

What is Causing My Fingers to Swell?

It happens to the best of us, but it can still be annoying, especially when your finger is swollen around a ring. There are several causes of finger swelling, most of which are fairly harmless. In many cases, swelling is caused by water retention, and there are many different triggers. One common reason for this water retention is eating too much salt. Weather and other body changes can also contribute to the problem.

If swelling happens frequently and you can't identify a clear cause, it's important to listen to what your body may be telling you. Swollen fingers could also be a sign of more serious health conditions that should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Let’s explore some of the reasons for swollen fingers, how to avoid them, and how to remove a ring when necessary.

Common Reasons for Swollen Fingers

Exercise

The changes in your circulation as you exercise for prolonged periods can encourage swelling in your hands. This swelling will slowly go down again after you cool down.

Hormones

Changes in female hormones can cause swelling as they shift and cycle. The most noticeable time is just before menstruation.

Pregnancy

Some fluid retention, weight gain, and swelling during pregnancy are normal. However, pregnant women should pay particular attention to swelling. While some bloating is common, excessive or sudden swelling could indicate preeclampsia, a potentially fatal condition.

Medication

Certain medications that you might take for pain, those your doctor might prescribe for diabetes, high blood pressure, deeper nerve pain, and hormone therapies can lead to swelling and water retention.

Arthritis

Both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis can cause joints to swell regularly as the cartilage breaks down with the wear and tear that comes with age. It is the most common cause of swollen fingers in adults over 65.

Edema

If your kidneys struggle to clear wastes or your heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, persistent finger swelling can result. 

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a source of compromised circulation caused by damaged or dysfunctional lymph nodes. This is common among breast cancer patients and others.

Raynaud’s Disease

People with Raynaud’s experience poor circulation and finger swelling because of differences in the blood vessels in their fingers. It is most commonly a reaction to cold temperatures and causes both swelling and pain. 

Weight Fluctuations

Changes in your weight, either weight gain or loss, can cause finger sizes to change. 

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons that results from repetitive hand movements, such as trigger finger or gamer’s thumb. This inflammation can cause painful swelling. 

Injury or Infection

Any trauma to your hand from an infection, injury, or surgery will result in swelling that will reduce as the injury heals.

Gout

Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the joints. This acid causes joint inflammation and swelling, often affecting fingers. A steady diet of red meat, seafood, and alcohol can worsen this condition.

Temperature Sensitivity

People sensitive to temperature changes or extremes might experience finger swelling, particularly when exposed to heat.

Sleep Position

It is possible that certain positions, like sleeping on your side, can constrict the circulation in your arm and hand. This is more likely to happen if you have another condition that also causes swelling.

Risks of Finger Swelling

Swollen fingers can be a serious annoyance, but the swelling isn’t typically dangerous on its own. Where it can get more complicated is if your finger is swelling around a ring you are wearing. What happens when you are unable to remove it?

The ring can pinch your finger and possibly make you more vulnerable to ring avulsion, a traumatic injury that can result in permanent damage to, and even amputation of, your finger.

How to Treat Finger Swelling

If your doctor has ruled out one of the more serious medical problems, there are a few things you can do to reduce occasional finger swelling:

  1. Remove your rings and bracelets, if you haven’t done so already. Jewelry that is already too tight can promote swelling as well. Rings on swollen fingers can get stuck and, in some cases, result in serious injury.

  2. Soak your hands in cool water. Pour out a basin of cool water and soak your hands for a bit. Do not use ice water, as very low water temperatures can damage the skin.

  3. Avoid foods that cause water retention. High-sodium foods can cause bloating, leading to swollen fingers. Soy sauce (and dishes containing it) is a frequent culprit, as are many processed foods. Fennel, dandelion greens, and celery, on the other hand, can help address swelling. Drinking fluids, including tea, can also help.

  4. Use compression braces or wraps to help fluid leave your hands.

  5. Exercise your hands by gripping and expanding your fist.

Tips for Ring Removal

Removing a stuck ring can be difficult, which is why there are so many DIY options for how to get a ring off a finger with swollen knuckles or tissue.

If you need to remove a metal ring, try the following:

  • A cold pack and anti-inflammatory medicine like Advil can help reduce the swelling.

  • Hold your hand up in the air with your fingers straight for 10 minutes so the fluid flows downward. 

  • Coat the finger with hand lotion, oil, lubricant, or soap to make it easier to ease the ring off. (Always clean the ring thoroughly after exposure to these substances to prevent damage.)

  • Use dental floss. Slip one end under the ring facing your wrist. On the finger side, wrap the floss close to your ring several times. Then, gently pull the end of the string near your wrist down toward your finger to guide the ring over the rest of the floss.

  • Go to a jewelry store or emergency room to get the ring cut off.

Once you’ve removed the ring, check your finger and hand for any scrapes, scratches, or injuries. When in doubt, see a doctor for an examination and treatment. Don’t put a ring back on until the finger has healed and the swelling is gone.

Better Ring Options

Wearing a ring can be challenging if you suffer from fingers that frequently swell around your rings. Fortunately, there are options. One of the best alternatives to metal rings made from hard materials is the Enso Ring. 

Enso silicone rings are beautiful, practical, and affordable. Silicone is durable, flexible, comfortable, and safe. It can give slightly to accommodate swelling. It’s also easier to remove and less likely to injure your finger in case of swelling around your ring.

The affordability also means you can purchase a few in different sizes to accommodate times of swelling or weight changes.

Choose Enso Silicone Rings

  • Flexible and expands with mild swelling.

  • Lightweight and won’t irritate swollen joints.

  • Stretches to prevent restricted blood flow.

  • Comfort without cutting into or damaging your finger.

  • Soft and safe to wear during injury recovery.

Our selection of silicone rings is as varied and unique as your style and needs. No matter your tastes, you'll find a great fit for your swollen fingers and your personality.

Isn’t it time to check out our best-selling collections? We recommend taking a look at the Elements Collection.