What is a swollen finger?
A swollen finger is a sign of fluid buildup or inflammation of the tissues or joints of the finger. Finger swelling can result from infections, injury, and inflammatory conditions.
Overall fluid retention, an allergy, or circulation issues can sometimes cause swollen fingers.
Swelling can cause discomfort. It can reduce the mobility in your fingers and can affect your flexibility. Ongoing swelling can lead to stiffness.
In some instances, the swelling can be so severe that it causes reduced blood flow or nerve injuries. These complications are most common with fractures and infections.
Treatment for swollen fingers depends on the cause.
Because a swollen finger can be a sign of an infection or inflammatory condition, you should talk with your doctor about your symptoms.
Injury
An injury such as a broken, sprained, or dislocated finger can cause swelling. Swelling is a typical healing response. When you have an injury, your body sends extra fluid to the injured area in a process called inflammation. This inflammation causes the area to swell.
A broken, sprained, or dislocated finger may cause these symptoms:
- pain
- swelling
- bruising
- difficulty moving
It is generally difficult to tell whether an injury is from a break, sprain, or dislocation. Your doctor can order an X-ray to help determine the type of injury.
You should seek immediate medical care if your finger:
- is pointing at an odd angle
- looks blue
- feels numb
- is cut and you can see bone
- is cut and the bone is sticking out
Treatment for a broken, sprained, or dislocated finger includes:
- putting ice on it to reduce the swelling
- taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen for the pain
- removing any rings or jewelry from the affected hand
- wearing a splint or cast
- taping the finger to the one next to it to prevent movement
- attempting to straighten the finger, if required
- getting a tetanus shot or taking antibiotics if there is a cut
- undergoing surgery
You should follow all of your doctor’s instructions to ensure proper healing and recovery.
Infection
Any type of cut or open wound has the potential to become infected. Common signs of infection include:
- flushed skin around the wound
- increased swelling in the area
- increased pain at the cut
- white, yellow, or green liquid in the wound
- fever of 100.4oF (38oC) or higher
If you have a cut that is showing signs of infection, contact your doctor.
Other types of infection can cause swollen fingers as well.
Paronychia
Paronychia is a skin infection. It affects the cuticle or sides of fingernails and toenails.
There are two types of paronychia:
- Acute: This type comes on suddenly and usually does not last long. Acute paronychia is more common on the fingers.
- Chronic: This type tends to last longer. It either does not get better or it keeps coming back. Chronic paronychia can occur on either your fingers or toes.
Irritation or injury around the nail allows germs to get into the area and develop the paronychia infection.
Symptoms of paronychia include:
- pain
- swelling
- flushed skin around the nail
- abscess, or pus-filled pocket
Chronic paronychia can lead to the breakdown of the cuticles.
To treat acute paronychia, soak the infected nail in warm water 3–4 times per day. The infection should clear on its own in a few days. If it does not clear, gets worse, or develops an abscess, contact your doctor.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection
Different types of bacteria can cause cellulitis. One of the most common ones is Streptococcus. The bacteria sometimes enter your body through an open wound or injury. However, some people can develop cellulitis for unknown reasons.
Symptoms of cellulitis include:
Proper wound care is a key factor in preventing cellulitis from developing. It can occur anywhere on your body, but it is most common on the feet and legs.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of cellulitis, contact your doctor. They will need to prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
Visit our hub to learn more about infections.
Arthritis
Arthritis is any type of disorder that
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. This means that your immune system attacks healthy cells within your body. This
RA symptoms include:
Management of RA includes a combination of medications and self-care techniques. If you are experiencing symptoms of RA, contact your doctor.
Septic arthritis
Septic arthritis is a serious joint infection. Left untreated, it can become severe and damage the joint.
Bacteria and germs getting into your joints cause septic arthritis. The following can introduce bacteria and germs into your joints:
- injury, such as a bite or cut
- spread of infection from another part of your body
- complications from joint surgery
You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- severe joint pain that comes on suddenly
- swelling around the joint
- a change in color of the skin around the joint
- fever or general feeling of being unwell
If you develop septic arthritis, you will typically need to stay in the hospital for 2 weeks. While there, the healthcare team will treat you with antibiotics and possibly drain the fluid from around your joint. You may be required to continue to take antibiotics for several weeks after you leave the hospital.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA), also called degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis. With OA, the joint cartilage between your bones breaks down. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), OA affects more than
Symptoms of OA include:
- aches and pains
- stiffness
- decrease in range of motion and flexibility
- swelling
OA cannot be cured. Your doctor may recommend a combination of therapies to manage OA, including:
- increased physical activity
- physical therapy
- weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight
- medication
- supportive devices, such as a cane or crutches
- surgery
Talk with your doctor about the treatments that are best for your individual needs.
Learn more about arthritis by visiting our hub.
Benign growths
Benign, or noncancerous, growths may cause swelling in your fingers.
Ganglion cysts
A ganglion cyst occurs when the fluid leaks out of your tendon or joint and causes swelling beneath the skin. Typically harmless, ganglion cysts often go away on their own.
Most of the time, ganglion cysts do not have any symptoms. Sometimes the cysts can cause pain and possibly limit the movement in your joint. These symptoms generally settle over time.
About half of all ganglion cysts disappear without treatment. If the cysts do not go away on their own or become very painful, contact your doctor. Medication may ease the pain. If the ganglion cyst has not gone away after 6 months, your doctor may decide that surgical removal is the best option.
Enchondroma
An enchondroma is a benign bone tumor, likely formed from the overgrowth of cartilage. It is the most common type of tumor found on the hand.
Symptoms of enchondroma include:
- hand pain
- enlargement of the affected finger
- slow bone growth
Treatment generally includes surgery or bone grafting. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment for your individual needs.
Other possible causes of a swollen finger
Other possible causes of swollen fingers include:
- gout
- trigger finger
- allergies
- fluid retention
- mallet finger
- tendonitis
- circulation issues
- certain kinds of medications
- carpal tunnel syndrome
Summary
The most common causes of a swollen finger are injury and infection. Most causes of swelling are treatable.
