Common Causes Of Swollen Hands And Feet

Hot Weather

When the temperature rises outside, the body has mechanisms to keep the body cool. One mechanism is to send the blood to areas of the body where it can be cooled more effectively. The body will divert blood away from the core where temperatures are the highest to the extremities where exposure to the environment is greater. Surface blood vessels in the hands and feet are involved in this cooling process. To make cooling even more effective, when exposed to hot weather, the body dilates blood vessels in the hands and feet to allow more blood into these areas. As a result of increased blood flow, the increased fluid in the blood vessels of the hands and feet can leave the blood vessels and enter the surrounding tissue. This can cause swelling in the hands and feet.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is the swelling of arms or legs due to a blockage in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system consists of lymphatic fluid that circulates throughout the body through lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes. Lymph nodes act as filters to the lymphatic fluid. They destroy and remove things collected in the body by lymph fluid, like bacteria, toxins, viruses, and waste products. When lymph nodes are damaged or removed, lymphatic fluid can build up in tissues and cause swelling.

Lymph nodes can become damaged during radiation therapy for cancer treatment or removed during surgery to treat breast cancer. Swelling from lymph node blockage can cause pain. It can also cause infection in severe cases that are left untreated. Wrapping the arms or legs in a tight bandage or wearing compression garments can help force the fluid out of the swollen area. Contact a physician if the swelling does not resolve or gets worse.