Common Causes Of Swollen Hands And Feet

Many factors can contribute towards swollen hands, ankles, legs, feet, and swelling elsewhere on the body. This swelling is formally known as edema, and the cause is due to a buildup of fluid within the body. The origins of this buildup and swelling vary on a case-by-case basis and can be due to an injury, arthritis, or a blood clot. Many factors contribute to swelling, but it usually comes down to sodium and water retention. Reducing salt intake and medication use can significantly reduce swelling. However, if a disease is the cause of swelling, the disease will need to be treated separately to ease the symptoms

Arthritis

Arthritis can be due to many different causes, all leading to inflammation of the joints, which can make daily activities more difficult. If arthritis is not treated over time, the bones that make up the joint may lose their regular shape, causing pain and less range of motion. The symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, difficulty moving the joints, and swelling of the affected area. Arthritis is most common in the hands, which results in many swollen fingers and wrists. This swelling is caused by an increase in fluids in the joints and joint lining. The patient may also feel a warm sensation as well.

Blood Clots

Blood clots are a natural method to stop bleeding, but they can pose a serious problem, especially during the recovery period after surgery. If blood doesn't clot, patients could die from bleeding from minor wounds, though too much or inappropriate clotting can result in many issues. For instance, blood clots can form in the veins, which often leads to swelling in the hands and feet.

There are two kinds of blood clots: arterial and venous. Some general symptoms of an arterial blood clot may include moderate to severe pain, pale skin in the vicinity of the clot, tingling, weakness, and swelling above the area of the blood clot. Similarly, the symptoms of a venous clot include warmth in the problem area, swelling, tenderness, and mild to moderate pain. While blood clots are a natural defense, as stated they can also cause swelling in the hands, feet, and other body parts, and should be tended to.