A swollen finger can be caused for a number of reasons, including injury, infection, or even repetitive motion. Of course, if a finger is swollen because it is broken, it is necessary to visit a doctor to receive treatment and an immobilizing finger cast until it heals. Otherwise, there are some at-home treatments to remedy a swollen finger.
If the finger is swollen because it has been jammed or twisted, but is not broken, remember the rule of RICE. This stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest the hand and apply ice to the swollen area; only apply ice for approximately ten minutes at a time, then take a break.
Next, wrap the finger with medical tape or a bandage. Apply the bandage tightly enough to reduce movement, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation. Finally, elevate the hand on a pillow. This process should only be necessary for a day or two. Some people find success by soaking the finger or hand in a mixture of warm water and epsom salts as well, for approximately 20 to 30 minutes twice a day. If the swollen finger does not improve, and is painful, warm, or tender to the touch, it may be necessary to visit a doctor to rule out infection, a break, or tendon damage.
Another cause of a swollen finger is a cut or damage to the cuticle. If this is the case, it is important to properly clean the finger to prevent infection. Cleansing the cut with soap and water, or applying peroxide and rinsing thoroughly, are both good ways to clean a cut and prevent infection. Apply an antibiotic ointment to the cut or the cuticle, and cover it with a sterile bandage.
Be sure to check the swollen finger regularly to be sure it is healing. If the cut appears to become infected, the finger continues to swell, or red streaks appear down the finger or the hand, visit a doctor immediately; these are all warning signs of infection, which has the potential to spread. The doctor will need to prescribe antibiotics.
Swollen fingers caused by arthritis or repetitive motion injuries may have difficulty healing. Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can provide some relief. Otherwise, resting the hand may be the best course of action. Do not spend all day typing at the computer; be sure to get up occasionally, take a break, and do some hand stretches.
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anon154702
Post 7 |
This just happened to me, but it has never happened before. it was really cold (snow) outside and my fingers got really cold (no gloves). Of course when I got inside, I got that intense tingly feeling and my fingers started to warm up pretty fast (typical). The atypical part is that one of my fingers started to swell. I was pulling a suitcase with that hand so maybe that had something to do with it, but still I've lived through cold and colder weather before and nothing like this has ever happened to me, that I can remember. |
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anon137688
Post 6 |
I'm a seventh grader who plays piano and basketball, but can't do either of them because of my swollen index finger. I'm going to try this out and come back in two days. Wish me luck! |
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anon131754
Post 5 |
I have noticed that my fingers get swollen after i wear other people's gloves. I always forget this and borrow my friend's gloves. Is this strange? |
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Charlie89
Post 3 |
Unfortunately, most of the time the only thing you can do about a swollen finger is just wait for it to heal -- it's a bummer, but that's the way it is. |
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gregg1956
Post 2 |
If you only have swollen fingers in the morning, it could simply be that you have poor circulation while sleeping, or sleep in a position that limits blood flow to your hands.
However, if this is the case, the swelling should go down quickly.
If it doesn't, it could be a sign of something more serious, like edema or a side effect to a medication, and you should see a doctor. |
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TunaLine
Post 1 |
A swollen finger can also be a sign of an infection under the nail, particularly if the swelling is around the cuticles, or near the end of the nail.
Luckily, most nail infections respond quickly to treatment, so if you've got that kind of swelling, see your doctor ASAP.
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