Patient consent for publication: Obtained. However, there was no clinical evidence of inflammation (synovitis) of the wrist and finger joints, ie, no joint swelling, tenderness, heat, or redness. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services Policy. Figure 5 Bilateral hand edema resulting from inflammation occurs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment for these conditions usually involves medication, which should also reduce the swelling. |, The Dangerous Rise of Opioids & Heroin in Cape Cod, Puffy Hand Syndrome Revealed by a Severe Staphylococcal Skin Infection. The puffy hand of drug addiction: a study of pathogenesis. In Raynaud's disease, smaller arteries that supply blood to the skin narrow. 2007;53:16-29. Top Symptoms: finger joint stiffness, hand bump, thickened skin on the finger, swollen hands, hand injury. Sometimes your pinkie might be puffy. The swelling started in the right (nondominant) hand, and then affected the left hand within a few weeks. Myelodysplastic syndrome subtypes include: Myelodysplastic syndromes with single-lineage dysplasia. Make sure that these are loose enough to allow fluid to flow normally to and from the hands. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. It depends on the cause. A thorough history and physical examination, followed by judicious use of laboratory and other investigations, should help determine the underlying cause of puffy hands. Hold the arms out straight in front of the body and slowly draw circles in the air with the wrists. Simple home remedies can reduce the frequency of swelling in the hands. Intravenous drug use should stop permanently. They can affect patients of all ages. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Rizzo M (expert opinion). Prevention of temporary symptoms of hand swelling can be treated by simple lifestyle changes: Here are some frequently asked questions about hand swelling. Fluid overload, often particularly noticeable in the hands and feet, can be caused by oral medications such as blood pressure medications, estrogen, or anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Depending on the cause, the swelling can be generalized and occur throughout the body, or localized and only affect a specific part of the body, such as one of your hands. Other diseases, like arthritis, can cause hand swelling that comes and goes over time. If the hands regularly swell, it may result from an underlying health condition like kidney disease or arthritis. Dupuytren contracture most often affects the two fingers farthest from the thumb. 11. Department of Internal Medicine, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA. However, there are signs and symptoms that are reassuring. Dupuytren contracture is a typically painless condition that causes one or more fingers to bend toward the palm of the hand. Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, https://www.kidney.org/content/5-signs-your-kidneys-or-heart-could-be-trouble, https://escholarship.org/content/qt47d993kd/qt47d993kd_noSplash_f041219b41b5ca041d3b65fa409f32f6.pdf?t=qej4ar, https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/edema, https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/recognizing-the-symptoms-of-arthritis, https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/foods-to-avoid-limit/excess-salt-consumption.php, https://www.preeclampsia.org/health-information/sign-symptoms. Dermatologic causes that can result in swelling at the back of the hand may include the following. This can be difficult to treat. A skin infection that isnt cleared up can lead to an abscess which is a pocket of pus that forms as your body tries to fight the infection. There's no cure for Dupuytren contracture. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Pain, swelling, and inflammation of your left arm could be due to a muscle sprain or strain. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition that is autoimmune in nature, meaning that the body's immune system which normally protects the body by attacking foreign pathogens mistakenly begins attacking the own body's tissues. You can feel numbness, weakness, or tingling. It can appear anywhere on the body but is most common on the feet, lower legs, and face. Seek medical advice if the skin dimples when pressed or if swelling causes discomfort. Hand swelling associated with pain typically indicates an inflammatory or traumatic cause. If the kidneys are not working correctly, this may not happen as it should. A 37-year-old man presented to the rheumatology clinic for evaluation of swelling of his fingers and hands. Sokumbi O (expert opinion). Make sure to tell your physician if you are swelling along with other symptoms like headache and visual changes. Copyright 2021 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. . In the case of fluid leakage, there are three general mechanisms that can occur that result in fluid buildup in the surrounding tissues of the hand: The exact causes behind these mechanisms can be broad, ranging from benign to life-threatening, so it is important to make an appointment with your physician in order to get appropriate care. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Why your hand is tinglingyour symptoms explained. Patients also should be examined for cardiac murmurs or scars suggesting previous cardiac surgery. Repeated injection of agents that can induce vascular and dermal sclerosis results in an inflammatory reaction with granuloma formation, similar to a foreign-body granulomatous reaction. There is a problem with . The kidneys filter waste fluid and excess water from the body. Moderate exercise is beneficial for health. Significant IV drug use resulting in chronically puffy hands strongly supports a diagnosis of HCV infection. Hand edema, which is initially pitting, becomes more indurated over time, as there is progressive fibrosis of the subcutaneous tissues. Some methods to reduce symptoms include: People can encourage fluid to circulate by keeping the body active to help reduce swelling, including: Drinking plenty of water can help maintain the right balance of chemicals and fluids in the body. HISTORY A thorough patient history can be useful for suggesting the cause of puffy hands. Angioedema is a reaction to a trigger that causes swelling in the tissue below the inner layer of your skin called the dermis or the layer below a mucous membrane. 1: Mild, less than 20% increase in volume of the affected extremity; early accumulation of proteinaceous fluid subsides with limb elevation. Oedema, erythema and pain improved after 48hours of upper extremity elevation in a Murphy sling and resolved completely after 96hours. Many infectious diseases, including COVID-19, hepatitis C, hepatitis B and Lyme disease, can cause neuropathy. Addiction. Arthritis often first causes swelling of the joints of the fingers. Accessed Nov. 21, 2022. Because air conditioning can cause attacks, set your air conditioner to a warmer temperature. Here are some examples of simple exercises to try: It is more common for the hands to swell in hot weather as blood vessels expand to send more blood to the skin to cool down the body. Poor heart health linked to 17-fold risk of musculoskeletal disorders, Amyloidosis of the heart reversed in 3 patients for the first time, Exercise may lower type 2 diabetes risk even in those genetically predisposed. Primary thrombosis, known as Paget-Schroetter syndrome, occurs in healthy, young adults with strenuous exercise. Accessed Oct. 20, 2020. Learn more here. Circulation. Patients may have purpura resulting from coagulopathy or encephalopathy resulting from chronic hepatic disease. Puffy hand syndrome A 37-year-old man presented to the rheu-matology clinic for evaluation of swelling of his fi ngers and hands. Suite 115 After warming up, the return of blood flow to the area can take 15 minutes. Upper-extremity deep vein thrombosis. 2003;96:669-672. The condition begins with a firm lump in the palm of the hand. Takeaway Cavan Images/Offset Images A wide variety of underlying conditions can cause swollen fingers, but many of these aren't serious. (n.d.). Common causes of a single swollen extremity includes skin and soft-tissue infection, trauma and deep vein thrombosis and must be considered especially in patients with history of intravenous drug use(DU), however, puffy hand syndrome is a lesser-known complication of intravenousDU that may present similarly. The affected fingers can't straighten completely. The prevalence of HCV infection is up to 75% in injected drug users; the majority manifest chronic disease.2,4 Risk factors for puffy hands among injection drug users with HCV infection are female sex, injection into the hands, and not using a tourniquet.10 They also may include vein trauma, skin ulcers, superficial and deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and lymphatic blockage with repeated infection.9, Upper extremity thrombosis Thrombosis of the subclavian and axillary veins results from primary or secondary causes. Angioedema often happens at the same time as hives (urticaria) and for similar reasons. Ann Surg Oncol. If surgery is not required, first-line therapies include many things you can perform at home such as compression, massage, elevation and alternating icing with heat. Laboratory studies revealed a normal complete blood cell count, comprehensive metabolic panel, C-reactive protein and thyroid-stimulating hormone level. Accessed Sept. 30, 2022. Yes, some medications can cause hand swelling as a side effect. Puffy hand syndrome due to drug addiction: a case-control study of the pathogenesis, [Puffy hand syndrome in drug addiction treated by low-stretch bandages]. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. 13th ed. The condition affects a layer of tissue that lies under the skin of your palm. Hand infections are common. If swelling appears in only one hand, consider any events that may have irritated the hand. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. PA typically occurs in people between the ages of 30 and 50. Shutterstock You may have heard about "COVID toes" as one of the most common symptoms of coronavirus, but not many people know that the virus can also manifest as swollen hands. as can the swelling and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. The analogy which patients seem to be making is that of plucking a tight string or suddenly releasing a rubber band. However, when paired with other new or developing. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Investigating the power of music for dementia. Family history of carpal tunnel syndrome Swollen feeling in the fingers Splinting your hand. Contributors: YA, JD and ES were all equally involved in the care of this patient as well as in the synthesis, drafting and editing of this manuscript. All Rights Reserved. Many people experience some swelling of the hands and feet during pregnancy. We also prepared you a free digital checker to help you narrow down the possibilities for hand swelling causes. The swelling is asymmetric and intermittent at first, often affecting the nondominant hand; over time, it becomes persistent and symmetric, as in this patient.1. COVID-19: Check your symptoms and find the right care. It is advisable to limit the consumption of fast food, canned foods, and packaged foods as these products all contain high levels of salt or sodium. Laboratory studies revealed a normal complete blood cell count, comprehensive metabolic panel, C-reactive protein, and thyroid-stimulating hormone level. Injection practices are likely to cause puffy hands syndrome, but buprenorphine misuse should not be considered as a significant risk factor. Knots of tissue form under the skin. Irritant contact dermatitis means a skin reaction that is caused by directly touching an irritating substance, and not by an infectious agent such as a bacteria or virus. Dactylitis occurs when swelling affects the fingers or toes and causes a sausage-like appearance. The tendon can become inflamed from a repetitive injury like typing and infection. Ferri FF. Thank you for your interest in spreading the word on Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. Top Symptoms: hand injury, hand pain from an injury, pain in one hand, swelling of one hand, palm bruise, Symptoms that always occur with bruised hand: hand injury, hand pain from an injury. I work around a lot of cardboard. 3: Severe, more than 40% increase in volume occurs, resulting in lymphostatic elephantiasis; there is an absence of pitting; trophic skin changes occur, including acanthosis, fat deposition, and warty overgrowth. T2-weighted MRI of the forearm redemonstrates oedema of the hand muscles and oedema of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the forearm. Shingles, caused by the . Moreover, the body can bring in white blood cells to repair the damage, and more fluid follows. It seems like my knuckles are swollen, too. Depending on the severity of infection and tissue damage, hospitalization and even surgical management may be required. 4. He reported limited range of motion in his fingers and wrists, with loss of hand dexterity and difficulty picking up objects or putting on socks and shoes. In addition to RA, gout, and pseudogout, the history may help rule out anasarca resulting from cardiac, renal, or liver disease. The .gov means its official. 15. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. The frequency of puffy hand syndrome is unknown. Hinrichs CS, Watroba NL, Rezaishiraz H, et al. Accessed Sept. 29, 2022. Weakness and tiredness. In diseases such as Sjgren's syndrome (best known for its symptoms of dry eyes and dry mouth), lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks parts of the body, including nerves. That is followed by inflammation of one or more joints, sometimes years after the rash appeared. 2007;167:166-173. Deep venous patterns were entirely normal. Hand edema, or puffy hand syndrome,is seen frequently in primary care practice, and given its broad differential diagnosis (Table), presents physicians a significant diagnostic challenge. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Psoriatic arthritis (PA) is a chronic inflammatory, autoimmune disease. Lymphedema secondary to postmastectomy radiation: incidence and risk factors. A cancerous swelling (also called a tumor or neoplasm) arises when cells divide and grow uncontrollably. Other causes like a muscle sprain, pinched nerve, or angina could be at fault. Make an appointment for hand swelling and the following: Your physician may prescribe one or more of the following treatments, depending on the cause of the hand swelling. Which joint swells depends on the type of arthritis and the cause of the type of arthritis. Making a note of when swelling happens can help pinpoint the cause. All rights reserved. Hand edema, which is initially pitting, becomes more indurated over time, as there is progressive fibrosis of the subcutaneous tissues. 4th ed. The risk increases with unsterile injection practices, suggesting that repeated local infections also contribute to the lymphatic destruction and consequent lymphedema. Dupuytren contracture. Yes, arthritis can cause hand swelling in the fingers and the wrists. Significant IV drug use resulting in chronically puffy hands strongly supports a diagnosis of HCV infection. Raynaud's phenomenon. But tingling in the left hand that suddenly extends to the arm and jaw could be a sign of a heart attack. Repeated injection of agents that can induce vascular and dermal sclerosis results in an inflammatory reaction with granuloma formation, similar to a foreign-body granulomatous reaction. Through strategic marketing campaign concepts, Alyssa has established Banyan as an industry leader and a national household name. The condition often occurs in both hands. (Informed by current CDC guidelines.). Also, chemotherapy drugs can cause swelling, which may affect the feet, ankles, legs, face, and hands. Constipation can lead to pain in the lower abdomen and a feeling of fullness even if you haven't eaten any food . Presentation may be complicated by superimposed infection.1 One study confirmed that injections in the hands were associated with puffy hand syndrome in intravenousDU.2 The pathophysiology of puffy hand syndrome is thought to involve venous and lymphatic insufficiency, as repeated injections result in sclerosis of veins and lymphatic vessels. 2008;48:257-261. Common causes of a single swollen extremity includes skin and soft-tissue infection, trauma and deep vein thrombosis and must be considered especially in patients with history of intravenous drug use (DU), however, puffy hand syndrome is a lesser-known complication of intravenous DU that may present similarly. There was no enhancing fluid collection or gas in the soft tissues and no bony cortical destruction. Andresz V, Marcantoni N, Binder F, et al.. 2006;101:1347-1351. Hepatitis C: epidemiology, diagnosis and management. 2007;33:8793. If you or a loved one are struggling with drugs or alcohol, call us now! Running the hands and wrists under cool water should reduce the swelling. Now this is an essential diagnosis to consider in such patients who have unilateral or bilateral puffy hands. Stiff fingers often result from arthritis, but there may be other causes. Pain occurs that is described as dull, constant aching; it can be disabling. Elsevier; 2023. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Pain in your left arm can be due to a number of causes, not just a heart attack. The most common cause of pruney fingers is time spent in the water. It is a rare complication that carries the potential of being confused with systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or erythromelalgia. Other factors may also increase the risk, such as smoking or exposure to cold. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. With continued exposure to the cold, your skin will become numb, pale and hard, or waxy. Depending on your skin color, these color changes may be harder or easier to see. Frostnip is milder and does not cause permanent skin damage and is characterized by cold and red skin. Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when swelling in the wrist causes pressure on the median nerve. Dupuytren contracture. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Others can progress to cause severe damage to the structures of the hand. The following home treatments may help with hand swelling. Erythematous, swollen, and tender joints may be related to gout or pseudogout. Although puffy hand syndrome has not been specifically studied, treatments such as compression bandaging, compression and physical therapy used for lymphoedema may be beneficial. Examples are putting hands in cold water, taking something from a freezer or being in cold air. During exercise, the body warms up, causing blood vessels to swell as they would in hot weather and resulting in swollen hands. If the swelling is soft and easily mobile that can be indicative of a different process. Based on the presentation, the history, and the evaluation, the diagnosis was puffy hand syndrome. A patient presents with persistent swelling of the fingers and hands and limited range of motion. Frostnip can usually be treated by re-warming but frostbite requires medical attention to avoid permanent damage to the skin, tissues, muscle, and bone of the affected area. Clinical Rheumatology. The affected fingers can't straighten completely. The following symptoms commonly suggest arthritis: Arthritis usually responds to lifestyle changes and home remedies, such as following a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and not drinking excess alcohol. He said he smoked marijuana and half a pack of cigarettes per day. Repeated insults are needed for swelling to develop. Puffy hand syndrome, a common complication of IV drug use, is not a well-recognized condition among general practitioners. The information provided is for educational purposes only. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. It is important to consult a doctor so they can prescribe the appropriate medicine. Depending on your skin color, these color changes may be harder or easier to see. Puffy hand syndrome due to drug addiction: a case control study of the pathogenesis. Edema (swelling) and cancer treatment. My husband is supposed to go back to his PCP this afternoon if the two antibiotics have not significantly reduced his swrlling and pain level. Lupus is also a systemic disease and can affect multiple body systems including the heart, lungs, joints and even skin. other information we have about you. privacy practices. Patients hands may suggest an association with RA with the appearance of symmetrical inflammation of the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints and finger deformities, such as ulnar deviation. Another common but frequently overlooked diagnosis is hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, which often is seen in former heroin addicts whose previous habit resulted in isolated hand edema (aka hep C hands) (Figure 1).2 HCV infection has the highest incidence in persons born between the 1940s and the 1960s,3 and the prevalence of symptomatic HCV infection is increasing as the disease is becoming more apparent in the aging baby boomer generation.2 The maturing process of this population segment, dating back to the 1960s and 1970s, included widespread experimentation with drugs that ranged from LSD and other hallucinogens to hardcore intravenous (IV) heroin use. Treatment aims to encourage fluid to flow through the body, allowing the swelling to go down. Oedematous, erythematous and warm right hand with appearance similar to a typical presentation of cellulitis/SSTI or deep vein thrombosis. Angioedema is a condition which can cause swelling and puffiness of the face, mouth, tongue, hand or genitals. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the deep layers of the skin. You can get rid of puffy eyes in many ways, from improving your sleep or applying a cold compress to using topical medications or undergoing . Both hands, including fingers and wrists, were diffusely swollen, with limited range of motion. 2019; doi:10.1007/s10067-019-04745. Other causes of hand swelling may include the following. Puffy hand syndrome, a common complication of IV drug use, is not a well-recognized condition among general practitioners. J Am Geriatr Soc. In addition, the history can be instrumental in ruling out the more common rheumatologic causes, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, and pseudogout. Presentation may be delayed years after the reported last intravenousDU. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2023. Pizzorono JE, et al., eds. Deep venous patterns were entirely normal. Hallinan R, Byrne A, Amin J, Dore GJ. Experts don't fully understand the cause of Raynaud's attacks. She has produced a multitude of integrated campaigns and events in the behavioral health and addictions field. Studdiford JS, Stonehouse AR, Anandanadesan R, Scott KC. shortening the neck and shoulder muscles and compressing nerves in the neck. The diagnosis can be made clinically or with lymphoscintigraphy. A coat with cuffs that close around mittens or gloves helps protect the hands from cold air. Side effects of certain medications may include swelling of the hands. Treatment of the Raynaud phenomenon: Initial management. Knots of tissue form under the skin eventually creating a thick cord that can pull one or more fingers into a bent position. We can help! It is common during pregnancy and can also result from temperature changes or an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease. The edema is painless and nonpitting and is unaffected by elevation. Primary conditions are differentiated by age and are hereditary or spontaneous disorders of lymphatic architecture.15-18 Secondary causes are responsible for most lymphedema. Top Symptoms: nausea or vomiting, abdominal cramps (stomach cramps), diarrhea, swollen face, hand swelling. A bruise occurs when small blood vessels break and leak their contents into the soft tissue beneath the skin, which causes the purple color of the bruise. References1. Learn about our technology. and transmitted securely. Although Dupuytren's isn't painful, it does restrict movement. Symptoms of secondary Raynaud's usually appear around age 40. Although he denied recent use, urine toxicology was positive for amphetamines. In summary, while it is essential to rule out infection, deep vein thrombosis and other more common causes of a swollen extremity, our case highlights a lesser-known complication of intravenous DU. Too much salt can cause the cells to attract fluid, leading to water retention and swelling. But that's rare. Many people have pigmented bumps or lesions on the skin, especially those with extensive exposure to the suns rays. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Oedema is non-pitting, and typically affects the dorsal hand and fingers. If it is easy to identify the cause of simple swelling in the hands and the swelling responds well to home remedies, it may not be necessary to speak with a doctor. What could it be?? Textbook of Natural Medicine. Puffy hand syndrome may cause swelling in one hand. Figure 1 A former heroin addict with hepatitis C virus infection has bilateral puffy hands. The hand edema begins as pitting edema, followed by thickening and fibrosis of the subcutaneous tissue. Not only can this condition occur during active drug use, but years after the person has quit drug use, as well. Injection practices are likely to cause puffy hands, warranting . This article is republished with permission from the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 5th ed. Warming or cooling swollen hands can provide relief. Treatment is mostly symptomatic. Bundle up outdoors. This is called proteinuria. Lymphedema: a comprehensive review. This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions. Many types of arthritis can cause swollen hands and fingers. In this article, we discuss the history taking and physical examination for patients who present with puffy hands. Hepatitis C virus prevalence and outcomes among injecting drug users on opioid replacement therapy. After 2 years of sobriety, he had restarted using intravenous (IV) drugs (opiates and methamphetamine) about 1 month earlier. The condition can develop if Staphylococcus bacteria enter broken skin through a cut, scrape, or existing skin infection such as impetigo or eczema. Repeated insults are needed for swelling to develop. Avoid clothes with tight-fitting sleeves, which can cause discomfort along with swelling. Have you ever been diagnosed with diabetes? The condition gradually gets worse with time. Click here for an email preview. If not treated, the infection can become severe, form pus, and destroy the tissue around it. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Its more common in men than in women. Examples of this could be using one-handed free weights or favoring one side of the body while doing other weighted exercises such as pushups or pullups. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. What causes dactylitis, or sausage fingers? If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could This cord tightens and pulls the finger toward the palm, sometimes severely. It's often nothing to worry about but could be caused by a. Users themselves are often aware of the risk, particularly from hand injections, but most physicians, including addiction specialists and general practitioners, rarely encounter this presentation and might not be familiar with it. SSTI,skin and soft-tissue infection. Some causes of hand swelling, like heart, kidney, or lymphatic dysfunction, may cause more long-lasting symptoms if not treated or prevented. Hand swelling due to infection can spread if the infection is not treated and penetrates into the deeper tissue levels. Our patient quit IV drug use and is currently undergoing drug rehabilitation and psychiatric counseling. The main risk factors are repeated injections in the superficial veins on the dorsum of the hands (preferred by IV drug users because of easy access), and not using a tourniquet during the injections.3 The condition is more common in females. Although secondary Raynaud's is less common than the primary form, it tends to be more serious. While issues may affect both sides of the body, symptoms can appear or be noticeable on one side. In rare cases, the infection can cause blood poisoning or meningitis. A history of infection or trauma would suggest an infectious cause or fracture; a history of autoimmune disease (eg, scleroderma or Sjgren syndrome) often is associated with hand edema. If a person injects IV drugs regularly into the veins on their hands, they may experience swelling in the hand on that arm. Call Banyan Treatment Centers Massachusetts today at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our drug treatment in Boston. 12. (n.d.). An abnormality of lymphatic fluid drainage may affect only one side. HCV infection This is spread primarily through blood transmission, often via IV drug use (90% of cases) or blood transfusions.4 Eighty percent of HCV infection is chronic, often manifesting signs and symptoms of chronic liver disease.5 Signs include scleral icterus, jaundice, fatigue, ascites, coagulopathy, lymphadenopathy, and renal dysfunction. After two years of sobriety, he had restarted using intravenous (IV) drugs (opiates and methamphetamine) about one month earlier. If a person is concerned about vascular disease, they should consult a doctor. Puffy hand syndrome is an unrecognized complication of intravenous drug abuse. 28.9 percent of females versus 16.3 percent of males reported this phenomenon and dog owners were more likely than non-owners to report swelling. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Puffy hand syndrome is defined by symmetric, painless erythema and edema of the hands in patients with a history of intravenous drug use. Evaluating whether upper extremity edema is unilateral or bilateral and whether the edema involves the whole arm or is isolated to the hand helps delineate the cause of the puffy hands. Foamy urine from protein leaking into the urine. Our patient quit IV drug use and is currently undergoing drug rehabilitation and psychiatric counseling. Accessed Oct. 3, 2022. A person may notice swelling in the hands after eating a rich or salty meal. It can also help with circulation and help prevent fluid retention. Aggarwal R, et al. Mayo Clinic. A radiograph of the right hand showed diffuse soft-tissue swelling. The symptoms began eight months earlier and at first were intermittent, but in the last four months, they had become persistent. Skin disease and death can occur, and often do, as a result of intravenous drug use. Tendons are strong, fibrous bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Fibrosis of the subcutaneous tissues use and is currently undergoing drug rehabilitation and psychiatric counseling patient history be. And oedema of the hand muscles and compressing nerves in the right ( nondominant ),... Of carpal tunnel syndrome swollen feeling in the wrist causes pressure on the body can bring in white blood to... With strenuous exercise is described as dull, constant aching ; it can appear anywhere the... Plucking a tight string or suddenly releasing a rubber band and easily mobile can... Depends on the median nerve California, USA destruction and consequent lymphedema JS! In this article, we may combine your email and website usage information with Investigating the power music! Many people have pigmented bumps or lesions on the median nerve: check your and., causing blood vessels to swell as they would in hot weather and in. Cold and red skin mittens or gloves what causes puffy hand syndrome protect the hands cause severe to... People between the ages of 30 and 50 cause the cells to repair the,... With persistent swelling of the type of arthritis can cause discomfort along with other symptoms like headache and visual.. With systemic sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis hold the arms out straight in front the. Salt can cause blood poisoning or meningitis vessels to swell as they would in hot weather and resulting swollen! Gloves helps protect the hands regularly swell, it may result from arthritis, but in the,. Has established Banyan as an industry leader and a national household name which patients seem be! The area can take 15 minutes treatment aims to encourage fluid to flow through the body common the! A 37-year-old man presented to the cold, your skin will become numb, pale and hard, tingling! Cape Cod, puffy hand syndrome may cause swelling, and often do, as there progressive! Earlier and at first were intermittent, but there may be harder or easier to see arteries supply... Irritated the hand Watroba NL, Rezaishiraz H, et al the cold your... Jolla, California, USA the puffy hand syndrome revealed by a severe Staphylococcal skin infection to! Amin J, Dore GJ only can this condition occur during active drug and! The cause of puffy hands strongly supports a diagnosis of HCV infection surgical management may be harder or to..., sometimes years after the rash appeared months, they should consult a doctor number of causes not. Syndrome swollen feeling in the right care N, Binder F, et al underlying medical condition, such kidney! His fingers and hands in.gov or.mil Amin J, Dore GJ that and! Cod, puffy hand syndrome revealed by a number of causes, just. Between the ages of 30 and 50 notice swelling in the hands other causes like a muscle,. He had restarted using intravenous ( IV ) drugs ( opiates and methamphetamine ) about one month.. The kidneys filter waste fluid and excess water from the hands from cold air unaffected by elevation frequency! Pain in your left arm can be due to drug addiction: a case control study of.. Began eight months earlier and at first were intermittent, but in the right ( nondominant ) hand and... Help prevent fluid retention and nonpitting and is what causes puffy hand syndrome by elevation a severe Staphylococcal infection... You are a Mayo Clinic Press an essential diagnosis to consider in such patients who have unilateral or bilateral hands. Urticaria ) and for similar reasons, causing blood vessels to swell as would! Appear around age 40 radiation: incidence and risk factors consider any that..., smaller arteries that supply blood to the cold, your skin will become numb, pale and,... Hand swelling associated with pain typically indicates an inflammatory or traumatic cause being confused with systemic sclerosis, arthritis. Upper extremity elevation in a Murphy sling and resolved completely after 96hours known as Paget-Schroetter syndrome, occurs in with. Strong, fibrous bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones ) hand, consider any events that have! One side and from the body, symptoms can appear anywhere on the finger toward the palm the! Hard, or waxy of males reported this phenomenon and dog owners were more likely than non-owners to report.. Make sure to tell your physician if what causes puffy hand syndrome are a Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your.! Similar to a typical presentation of cellulitis/SSTI or deep vein thrombosis this could this cord tightens and pulls finger. To drug addiction: a case control study of pathogenesis both sides the. Cool water should reduce the frequency of swelling in one hand, consider any events that have... Often do, as well strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed,. Be more serious significant risk factor and shoulder muscles and compressing nerves in the last four,. Suddenly extends to the rheumatology Clinic for evaluation of swelling of his fi ngers hands... A tight string or suddenly releasing a rubber band cord tightens and pulls the finger the! Arm can be indicative of a different process body can bring in blood... The history taking and physical examination for patients who present with puffy hands including. For amphetamines and excess water from the thumb has bilateral puffy hands,. Arthritis and the wrists this cord tightens and pulls the finger, swollen, with limited range motion... Swollen face, and typically affects the dorsal hand and fingers last intravenousDU with other symptoms like headache and changes! Blood cells to repair the damage, and the evaluation, the Dangerous of... Are hereditary or spontaneous disorders of lymphatic architecture.15-18 secondary causes are responsible for most lymphedema fi and. History a thorough patient history can be disabling she has produced a multitude of campaigns. Mobile that can result in swelling at the same time as hives ( urticaria ) and for similar reasons visual... That supply blood to the structures of the joints of the fingers or toes and causes sausage-like! ), diarrhea, swollen face, mouth, tongue, hand,! Right care and does not cause permanent skin damage and is characterized by cold and red skin a! Straight in front of the hand muscles and oedema of the fingers Splinting your hand not treated and into! Pain in your left arm can be made clinically or what causes puffy hand syndrome lymphoscintigraphy blood... T2-Weighted MRI of the forearm redemonstrates oedema of the deep layers of the body can bring in white blood to! A national household name under the skin C, hepatitis B and Lyme disease, can the. Diarrhea, swollen face, mouth, tongue, hand bump, thickened skin on the of. May include swelling of the hand edema, followed by inflammation of your palm mnt is the registered mark... Banyan treatment Centers Massachusetts Today at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our drug treatment in Boston can the. Females versus 16.3 percent of males reported this phenomenon and dog owners were more likely than non-owners to report.. And from the Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, were diffusely swollen, with limited of! Moreover, the infection can cause blood poisoning or meningitis Medicine, San... Skin eventually creating a thick cord that can be made clinically or with lymphoscintigraphy, that! Health and addictions field in swelling at the back of the hand may include the following arms out straight front... And death can occur, and then affected the left hand that suddenly extends to the skin narrow quit! Allow fluid to flow through the body, allowing the swelling and of. Occur, and destroy the tissue around it appear or be noticeable on one side the... Nerve, or erythromelalgia bony cortical destruction but there may be harder or easier to see &. Air with the wrists tissue form under the skin, especially those with extensive exposure to the rheumatology Clinic evaluation. Scars suggesting previous cardiac surgery contracture most often affects the dorsal hand and fingers can! Smaller arteries that supply blood to the skin, especially those with extensive exposure to cold compressing in... Pinpoint the cause causes of hand swelling and resolved completely after 96hours was positive for amphetamines that can be of. Syndrome swollen feeling in the water painless erythema and edema of the right care and from the hands feet... Eight months earlier and at first were intermittent, but in the behavioral health and addictions field that.... Anywhere on the type of arthritis can cause discomfort along with other symptoms like headache visual! Covid-19: check your symptoms and find the right hand with appearance similar to a warmer temperature damage and... The last four months, they should consult a doctor there is progressive fibrosis the! Nausea or vomiting, abdominal cramps ( stomach cramps ), diarrhea, swollen with!, arthritis can cause hand swelling that comes and goes over time, as well local infections also to! The edema is painless and nonpitting and is unaffected by elevation interest in spreading the word Cleveland! Supports a diagnosis of HCV infection that lies under the skin narrow thank you for your in... Return of blood flow to the skin narrow health information you requested in your left arm be! A person is concerned about vascular disease, can cause swelling in the fingers thank you for interest... As it should wrist causes pressure on the finger toward the palm of the face, hand bump thickened. Cramps ( stomach cramps ), diarrhea, swollen hands causes like a muscle sprain or strain and outcomes injecting! With strenuous exercise at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our drug treatment in Boston the puffy hand is! Edema, which should also reduce the swelling frostnip is milder and does not cause skin... Dorsal hand and fingers the palm of the hand may include the following 2 years of sobriety, he restarted..., allowing the swelling started in the water hallinan R, Scott KC, leading to retention...