Obrzęk kończyn górnych i dłoni
Etiologia i przyczyny

Obrzęk kończyn górnych i dłoni jest wynikiem zaburzenia równowagi między ciśnieniem hydrostatycznym, onkotycznym oraz funkcjonowaniem układu limfatycznego, prowadząc do nadmiernego gromadzenia się płynu w przestrzeni śródmiąższowej. Etiologia jest wieloczynnikowa i obejmuje zarówno czynniki fizjologiczne (np. unieruchomienie, wysoka temperatura, dieta bogata w sód, wysiłek fizyczny), jak i patologie układowe, takie jak niewydolność serca (z osłabioną siłą skurczu mięśnia sercowego i zwiększonym ciśnieniem żylnym), przewlekła niewydolność żylna, dysfunkcje nerek (w tym zespół nerczycowy z hipoalbuminemią), marskość wątroby, przewlekłe choroby płuc, a także zaburzenia układu limfatycznego (pierwotny i wtórny obrzęk limfatyczny). Dodatkowo, obrzęk może być manifestacją reakcji alergicznych, zapaleń stawów (np. RZS, łuszczycowe zapalenie stawów, zespół RS3PE), działań niepożądanych leków (blokery kanału wapniowego, kortykosteroidy, NLPZ, leki hormonalne) oraz powikłaniem ciąży, urazów, infekcji czy zespołu obrzękniętych rąk u osób z historią dożylnego przyjmowania narkotyków.

Obrzęk kończyn górnych i dłoni – Etiologia, przyczyny i mechanizmy powstawania

Obrzęk kończyn górnych i dłoni, określany medycznie jako obrzęk lub edema, jest wynikiem gromadzenia się nadmiernej ilości płynu w tkankach. Zjawisko to może dotyczyć zarówno całych kończyn górnych, jak i być ograniczone wyłącznie do obszaru dłoni. Mechanizm powstawania obrzęku wiąże się z zaburzeniami równowagi między płynem wewnątrznaczyniowym a pozanaczyniowym, prowadzącymi do zwiększenia objętości płynu w przestrzeni śródmiąższowej.12

Przyczyny fizjologiczne i środowiskowe

Wiele czynników fizjologicznych może prowadzić do obrzęku kończyn górnych i dłoni. Do najczęstszych należą:

  • Długotrwałe przebywanie w tej samej pozycji – unieruchomienie prowadzi do zalegania płynów z powodu braku naturalnego „pompowania” przez mięśnie34
  • Wysoka temperatura otoczenia – gwałtowna ekspozycja na wysokie temperatury powoduje rozszerzenie naczyń krwionośnych (wazodylatację), co może prowadzić do obrzęku rąk56
  • Dieta bogata w sód – nadmierne spożycie soli prowadzi do zatrzymywania wody w organizmie, co może skutkować obrzękiem78
  • Wysiłek fizyczny – podczas aktywności fizycznej może dochodzić do obrzęku rąk i palców, choć dokładny mechanizm tego zjawiska nie jest w pełni poznany. Istnieją teorie, że wynika to z wazodylatacji i zmian metabolicznych podczas wysiłku91011

Przyczyny chorobowe układowe

Obrzęki kończyn górnych mogą być objawem wielu schorzeń układowych, które zaburzają homeostazę płynową organizmu:

Choroby sercowo-naczyniowe

Niewydolność serca jest jedną z najczęstszych przyczyn obrzęków w organizmie, w tym w kończynach górnych. Serce niezdolne do efektywnego pompowania krwi powoduje zastój w żyłach i podwyższone ciśnienie hydrostatyczne, co prowadzi do przesączania płynu do tkanek.1213 Mechanizm obrzęku obejmuje:

  • Osłabioną siłę skurczu mięśnia sercowego
  • Zwiększone ciśnienie żylne
  • Przesączanie płynu z naczyń do przestrzeni międzykomórkowej14

Niewydolność żylna, szczególnie przewlekła niewydolność żylna (chronic venous insufficiency), może być przyczyną obrzęku rąk. W tym przypadku uszkodzone zastawki żylne utrudniają powrót krwi do serca, powodując zastój i obrzęk.1516

Zakrzepica żył głębokich (DVT) jest poważnym stanem, który może prowadzić do obrzęku kończyny. Chociaż częściej występuje w kończynach dolnych, może również dotyczyć ramion i rąk, szczególnie gdy zakrzep blokuje przepływ krwi w naczyniach górnej części ciała.1718

Choroby nerek

Dysfunkcja nerek jest istotnym czynnikiem przyczyniającym się do powstawania obrzęków, w tym w obrębie kończyn górnych. W przypadku chorób nerek dochodzi do:

  • Niewłaściwej filtracji krwi i retencji sodu i wody
  • Zaburzenia równowagi elektrolitowej
  • Zmniejszonego wydalania płynów, co prowadzi do ich gromadzenia się w tkankach1920

Zespół nerczycowy, charakteryzujący się uszkodzeniem kłębuszków nerkowych, może powodować obrzęki w różnych częściach ciała, w tym w rękach i wokół oczu. Głównym mechanizmem jest zmniejszone stężenie albumin we krwi, co obniża ciśnienie onkotyczne i sprzyja przesączaniu płynu do tkanek.2122

Choroby wątroby

Marskość wątroby i inne przewlekłe choroby tego narządu mogą powodować obrzęki poprzez kilka mechanizmów:

  • Zmniejszoną produkcję albumin, co obniża ciśnienie onkotyczne osocza
  • Zaburzenia w sekrecji hormonów i substancji regulujących gospodarkę płynową
  • Zwiększone ciśnienie w żyle wrotnej, co może prowadzić do obrzęków nie tylko w obrębie jamy brzusznej, ale także w kończynach2324
Choroby płuc

Przewlekłe choroby płuc, takie jak rozedma, mogą powodować obrzęki kończyn górnych i dolnych wskutek zwiększonego ciśnienia w naczyniach płucnych, co prowadzi do przeciążenia prawej komory serca i zastoju krwi w układzie żylnym.2526

Zaburzenia układu limfatycznego

Zaburzenia układu limfatycznego stanowią istotną grupę przyczyn obrzęku kończyn górnych. Obrzęk limfatyczny (limfedema) powstaje w wyniku uszkodzenia lub dysfunkcji układu limfatycznego, co prowadzi do nieprawidłowego odpływu limfy.27

Wyróżnia się dwa główne typy obrzęku limfatycznego:

  • Pierwotny obrzęk limfatyczny – uwarunkowany genetycznie, rzadszy, związany z nieprawidłowym rozwojem układu limfatycznego2829
  • Wtórny obrzęk limfatyczny – znacznie częstszy, nabyty w wyniku uszkodzenia układu limfatycznego przez:
    • Leczenie onkologiczne (usunięcie węzłów chłonnych, radioterapia)
    • Urazy i infekcje
    • Nowotwory blokujące naczynia limfatyczne3031

Obrzęk limfatyczny kończyn górnych najczęściej występuje jako powikłanie leczenia raka piersi, ale może być również związany z innymi nowotworami, takimi jak chłoniak, czerniak czy nowotwory narządów płciowych.3233

Reakcje alergiczne i stany zapalne

Reakcje alergiczne mogą prowadzić do obrzęku naczynioruchowego (angioedema), który często obejmuje twarz, usta, gardło, ale może również wystąpić w obrębie rąk. Mechanizm obejmuje uwalnianie histaminy i innych mediatorów zapalnych, co zwiększa przepuszczalność naczyń i prowadzi do obrzęku.3435

Ukąszenia owadów i inne alergie kontaktowe mogą powodować lokalne reakcje zapalne i obrzęk w miejscu ekspozycji.3637

Choroby reumatyczne i zapalne stawów

Różne formy zapalenia stawów mogą powodować obrzęk rąk i palców, w tym:

  • Reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów (RZS) – autoimmunologiczna choroba atakująca wyściółkę stawów, powodująca zapalenie, ból i obrzęk38
  • Łuszczycowe zapalenie stawów – występuje u osób z łuszczycą, może prowadzić do obrzęku palców (dactylitis) nadając im charakterystyczny wygląd „kiełbasek”39
  • Zespół RS3PE (Remitting Seronegative Symmetrical Synovitis with Pitting Edema) – rzadki zespół charakteryzujący się symetrycznym zapaleniem błony maziowej i obrzękiem z powstawaniem dołków, występujący głównie u mężczyzn powyżej 50. roku życia40

Przyczyny jatrogenne

Liczne leki mogą przyczyniać się do powstawania obrzęków, w tym obrzęku kończyn górnych, poprzez różne mechanizmy:

  • Leki przeciwnadciśnieniowe – szczególnie blokery kanału wapniowego mogą powodować obrzęki obwodowe41
  • Kortykosteroidy – mogą powodować retencję sodu i wody42
  • Niesteroidowe leki przeciwzapalne (NLPZ) – takie jak ibuprofen czy naproxen mogą prowadzić do zatrzymania płynów43
  • Leki hormonalne – w tym doustne środki antykoncepcyjne i leki stosowane w terapii hormonalnej44
  • Niektóre leki przeciwdepresyjne – szczególnie trójpierścieniowe i inhibitory monoaminooksydazy (IMAO)45

Stany specjalne

Ciąża

Obrzęk rąk i palców jest częstym objawem w ciąży, szczególnie w drugim i trzecim trymestrze. Mechanizmy obejmują:

  • Zwiększoną objętość płynów ustrojowych
  • Zmiany hormonalne sprzyjające retencji płynów
  • Ucisk powiększonej macicy na naczynia krwionośne4647

Nagły obrzęk rąk i twarzy w ciąży może być objawem stanu przedrzucawkowego (preeklampsji), poważnego powikłania ciąży wymagającego natychmiastowej interwencji medycznej.4849

Zespół obrzękniętych rąk (Puffy Hand Syndrome)

Jest to rzadki zespół występujący głównie u osób z historią dożylnego przyjmowania narkotyków. Charakteryzuje się przewlekłym obrzękiem rąk i palców, początkowym obrzękiem z tworzeniem dołków, który z czasem staje się twardy wskutek włóknienia tkanek podskórnych. Mechanizm obejmuje:

  • Uszkodzenie i zwłóknienie naczyń żylnych i limfatycznych w wyniku wielokrotnych iniekcji
  • Blokadę odpływu limfy
  • Miejscowe bliznowacenie w wyniku reakcji zapalnych w miejscach wstrzyknięć5051

Czynnikami ryzyka są wielokrotne wstrzyknięcia w powierzchowne żyły grzbietu dłoni oraz niestosowanie opaski uciskowej podczas iniekcji.5253

Obrzęk kończyny górnej po udarze mózgu

Obrzęk ręki i ramienia po udarze mózgu jest częstym powikłaniem związanym z niedowładem połowiczym (hemiparezą). Mechanizmy obejmują:

  • Ograniczoną ruchomość kończyny, co zaburza naturalny przepływ limfy
  • Grawitacyjne gromadzenie się płynu w opuszczonej kończynie
  • Zmniejszoną aktywność mięśni, które normalnie pełnią funkcję „pompy” wspomagającej przepływ limfy5455

Urazy i infekcje

Urazy mechaniczne kończyn górnych mogą prowadzić do lokalnego obrzęku jako część naturalnej odpowiedzi zapalnej organizmu. Do najczęstszych należą:

  • Złamania kości
  • Skręcenia i nadwyrężenia stawów
  • Stłuczenia56

Infekcje tkanek miękkich, takie jak zapalenie tkanki łącznej (cellulitis), mogą powodować lokalny obrzęk, zaczerwienienie i ból. Infekcje mogą również prowadzić do wtórnego obrzęku limfatycznego poprzez uszkodzenie naczyń limfatycznych.5758

Inne przyczyny obrzęku kończyn górnych

Istnieje szereg innych czynników, które mogą przyczyniać się do powstawania obrzęku kończyn górnych:

  • Idiopatyczny obrzęk – bez ustalonej przyczyny, najczęściej dotykający młode kobiety w wieku 20-30 lat59
  • Zaburzenia hormonalne – w tym zespół napięcia przedmiesiączkowego, menopauza czy choroby tarczycy60
  • Otyłość – może zwiększać ryzyko obrzęków poprzez zwiększony nacisk na naczynia limfatyczne i żylne61
  • Niedożywienie – szczególnie długotrwały niedobór białka może prowadzić do obniżenia stężenia albumin we krwi i obrzęków62
  • Zespół cieśni nadgarstka – może powodować obrzęk dłoni i palców z towarzyszącym drętwieniem i mrowieniem63
  • Lipedema – zaburzenie dystrybucji tkanki tłuszczowej, zazwyczaj dotykające kończyny dolne, ale mogące również wpływać na kończyny górne6465

Mechanizmy patofizjologiczne powstawania obrzęku kończyn górnych

Niezależnie od pierwotnej przyczyny, obrzęk kończyn górnych i dłoni powstaje w wyniku zaburzenia równowagi między ciśnieniem hydrostatycznym, ciśnieniem onkotycznym oraz funkcjonowaniem układu limfatycznego.66

Zaburzenia równowagi hydrostatyczno-onkotycznej

W warunkach fizjologicznych istnieje równowaga między siłami wypychającymi płyn z naczyń (ciśnienie hydrostatyczne) a siłami zatrzymującymi płyn w naczyniach (ciśnienie onkotyczne). Zaburzenie tej równowagi może prowadzić do obrzęku poprzez:

  • Zwiększenie ciśnienia hydrostatycznego – np. w niewydolności żylnej czy sercowej
  • Zmniejszenie ciśnienia onkotycznego – np. w hipoalbuminemii związanej z chorobami wątroby czy nerek
  • Zwiększenie przepuszczalności naczyń – np. w stanach zapalnych czy alergicznych6768

Dysfunkcja układu limfatycznego

Układ limfatyczny odgrywa kluczową rolę w utrzymaniu homeostazy płynowej, odprowadzając nadmiar płynu śródmiąższowego i białek z tkanek do krwiobiegu. Jego dysfunkcja może wynikać z:

  • Strukturalnych nieprawidłowości w rozwoju naczyń limfatycznych
  • Uszkodzenia naczyń limfatycznych w wyniku urazu, infekcji czy leczenia onkologicznego
  • Blokady naczyń limfatycznych przez guzy nowotworowe czy włóknienie6970

Rola aktywności mięśniowej

Aktywność mięśni odgrywa istotną rolę w przepływie limfy i żylnym powrocie krwi. Długotrwały brak ruchu, jak w przypadku unieruchomienia czy niedowładu po udarze, może prowadzić do zastoju płynów i obrzęku.7172

Podobnie, podczas wysiłku fizycznego dochodzi do redystrybucji przepływu krwi, z przekierowaniem jej do pracujących mięśni kosztem obszarów peryferyjnych, co może przyczyniać się do obrzęku rąk podczas aktywności fizycznej.7374

Zrozumienie złożonych mechanizmów patofizjologicznych leżących u podstaw obrzęku kończyn górnych i dłoni ma kluczowe znaczenie dla właściwej diagnostyki i skutecznego leczenia tego objawu. Odpowiednie postępowanie terapeutyczne powinno być ukierunkowane na przyczynę obrzęku, a nie tylko na jego objawowe leczenie.7576

Czynniki ryzyka obrzęku kończyn górnych i dłoni

Identyfikacja czynników ryzyka obrzęku kończyn górnych jest kluczowa dla wdrożenia odpowiednich strategii prewencyjnych. Do najważniejszych czynników ryzyka należą:

Czynniki demograficzne i genetyczne

  • Wiek – osoby starsze są bardziej narażone na obrzęki z powodu naturalnych zmian związanych z procesem starzenia się układu sercowo-naczyniowego i limfatycznego7778
  • Płeć – kobiety częściej doświadczają obrzęków z powodu zmian hormonalnych związanych z cyklem miesiączkowym, ciążą czy menopauzą79
  • Predyspozycje genetyczne – szczególnie w przypadku pierwotnego obrzęku limfatycznego80

Czynniki zdrowotne i stylu życia

  • Nadwaga i otyłość – zwiększa ryzyko obrzęków poprzez zwiększony nacisk na naczynia i produkcję cytokin prozapalnych8182
  • Siedzący tryb życia – ograniczona aktywność fizyczna upośledza przepływ limfy i powrót żylny83
  • Dieta wysoko sodowa – nadmierne spożycie soli prowadzi do zatrzymywania wody w organizmie84
  • Niektóre choroby przewlekłe – jak nadciśnienie, cukrzyca, reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów85

Historia medyczna

  • Przebyte leczenie onkologiczne – szczególnie operacje z usunięciem węzłów chłonnych i radioterapia8687
  • Urazy kończyn górnych – w tym złamania, operacje, infekcje88
  • Historia dożylnego przyjmowania substancji – zwiększa ryzyko zespołu obrzękniętych rąk89
  • Przebyte epizody zapalenia tkanki łącznej – mogą prowadzić do uszkodzenia naczyń limfatycznych90

Przyjmowane leki

  • Leki przeciwnadciśnieniowe – szczególnie blokery kanału wapniowego
  • Niesteroidowe leki przeciwzapalne
  • Kortykosteroidy
  • Leki hormonalne – w tym doustne środki antykoncepcyjne i terapia estrogenowa9192

Identyfikacja tych czynników ryzyka pozwala na wdrożenie odpowiednich strategii prewencyjnych oraz wczesną interwencję, co może znacząco zmniejszyć nasilenie i częstość występowania obrzęków kończyn górnych.93

Obraz kliniczny obrzęku kończyn górnych i dłoni

Manifestacja kliniczna obrzęku kończyn górnych może być zróżnicowana w zależności od przyczyny, mechanizmu powstawania oraz czasu trwania. Dokładna ocena charakteru obrzęku ma kluczowe znaczenie dla ustalenia etiologii i wdrożenia odpowiedniego leczenia.94

Cechy charakterystyczne obrzęku

  • Lokalizacja – obrzęk może obejmować całą kończynę górną, przedramię, dłoń lub być ograniczony tylko do palców95
  • Symetria – obrzęk może być jednostronny (np. w przypadku obrzęku limfatycznego po mastektomii) lub obustronny (np. w chorobach układowych)96
  • Charakter obrzęku:
    • Ciastowaty (z tworzeniem dołków przy ucisku) – typowy dla obrzęków związanych z niewydolnością żylną, sercową czy nerkową
    • Twardy (bez tworzenia dołków) – charakterystyczny dla przewlekłego obrzęku limfatycznego z włóknieniem tkanek9798
  • Kolor skóry – może być prawidłowy, zaczerwieniony (w stanach zapalnych) lub blady99
  • Temperatura – podwyższona w przypadkach infekcji czy stanów zapalnych100

Objawy towarzyszące

W zależności od przyczyny, obrzękowi kończyn górnych mogą towarzyszyć różne objawy:

  • Ból – szczególnie w przypadkach zapalnych, urazowych czy zakrzepicy101
  • Uczucie ciężkości i dyskomfortu – typowe dla obrzęku limfatycznego102
  • Ograniczenie ruchomości – spowodowane zwiększoną objętością tkanek i napięciem skóry103
  • Parestezje (mrowienie, drętwienie) – mogą wystąpić przy ucisku na struktury nerwowe104
  • Zmiany skórne – w przewlekłych obrzękach może dochodzić do pogrubienia i zwłóknienia skóry105

Wzorce czasowe występowania obrzęku

  • Obrzęk ostry – o nagłym początku, często związany z urazem, infekcją czy reakcją alergiczną106
  • Obrzęk przewlekły – utrzymujący się przez dłuższy czas (powyżej 3 miesięcy), typowy dla chorób układowych czy obrzęku limfatycznego107
  • Obrzęk nawracający – występujący okresowo, np. związany z cyklem miesiączkowym czy ekspozycją na alergeny108

Obraz kliniczny w wybranych przypadkach

Obrzęk limfatyczny

Charakteryzuje się:

  • Początkowo miękkim obrzękiem z tworzeniem dołków, który z czasem staje się twardy wskutek włóknienia
  • Obrzękiem obejmującym całą kończynę lub jej część
  • Uczuciem ciężkości i dyskomfortu
  • Ograniczoną ruchomością
  • W zaawansowanych stadiach – zmianami troficznymi skóry109110
Obrzęk zastoinowy w niewydolności serca

Prezentuje się jako:

  • Obrzęk symetryczny, często obejmujący zarówno kończyny górne, jak i dolne
  • Nasilający się wieczorem i zmniejszający się po nocy
  • Ciastowaty, z tworzeniem dołków przy ucisku
  • Często towarzyszą mu inne objawy niewydolności serca, jak duszność, męczliwość111112
Obrzęk zapalny w artropatiach

Charakteryzuje się:

  • Obrzękiem stawów, szczególnie stawów śródręczno-paliczkowych i międzypaliczkowych
  • Towarzyszącym bólem i sztywnością
  • Zaczerwienieniem i ociepleniem okolicy zajętych stawów
  • W przypadku łuszczycowego zapalenia stawów – charakterystycznym obrzękiem całych palców (dactylitis)113114
Zespół obrzękniętych rąk (Puffy Hand Syndrome)

Prezentuje się jako:

  • Przewlekły, niebolesny obrzęk rąk i palców
  • Początkowo tworzący dołki, z czasem stający się twardy
  • Związany z historią dożylnego przyjmowania narkotyków
  • Może być jednostronny lub obustronny115116

Dokładna ocena obrazu klinicznego, w połączeniu z wywiadem i badaniami dodatkowymi, jest kluczowa dla ustalenia etiologii obrzęku kończyn górnych i wdrożenia odpowiedniego leczenia.117

Diagnostyka różnicowa obrzęku kończyn górnych i dłoni

Diagnostyka różnicowa obrzęku kończyn górnych i dłoni jest złożona ze względu na mnogość potencjalnych przyczyn. Właściwe rozpoznanie wymaga systematycznego podejścia uwzględniającego zarówno objawy podmiotowe, przedmiotowe, jak i wyniki badań dodatkowych.118

Wywiad medyczny

Kluczowe elementy wywiadu obejmują:

  • Początek i przebieg obrzęku – ostry czy przewlekły, stały czy fluktuujący
  • Czynniki prowokujące i łagodzące – związek z pozycją ciała, porą dnia, aktywnością fizyczną
  • Objawy towarzyszące – ból, zaczerwienienie, gorączka, ograniczenie ruchomości
  • Historia medyczna – choroby przewlekłe, przebyte operacje (szczególnie onkologiczne), urazy
  • Przyjmowane leki – szczególnie te mogące powodować retencję płynów
  • Historia rodzinna – choroby układowe, obrzęk limfatyczny119120

Badanie fizykalne

Ocena obejmuje:

  • Wygląd obrzęku – symetria, rozległość, charakter (ciastowaty czy twardy)
  • Test uciskowy – ocena tworzenia dołków po ucisku
  • Ocena skóry – kolor, temperatura, zmiany troficzne
  • Badanie układu sercowo-naczyniowego – tętno, ciśnienie, objawy niewydolności serca
  • Ocena układu limfatycznego – palpacja węzłów chłonnych
  • Badanie stawów – bolesność, ograniczenie ruchomości, deformacje121122

Badania dodatkowe

W zależności od podejrzewanej przyczyny, mogą obejmować:

  • Badania laboratoryjne:
    • Morfologia krwi
    • Parametry nerkowe (kreatynina, mocznik, GFR)
    • Parametry wątrobowe
    • Poziom albumin
    • Markery zapalne (CRP, OB)
    • Elektrolity
    • Badania immunologiczne (w podejrzeniu chorób autoimmunologicznych)123
  • Badania obrazowe:
    • USG dopplerowskie naczyń – do oceny przepływu w naczyniach krwionośnych
    • Limfoscyntygrafia – w diagnostyce obrzęku limfatycznego
    • MRI – do oceny struktur tkanek miękkich i stawów
    • RTG – w ocenie zmian kostnych i stawowych
    • CT – w diagnostyce guzów i innych przyczyn strukturalnych124
  • Inne badania specjalistyczne:
    • Biopsja skóry – w przypadkach niejasnych lub podejrzeniu chorób skóry
    • Badania elektrofizjologiczne – w podejrzeniu zespołu cieśni nadgarstka
    • Próby czynnościowe układu krążenia125

Różnicowanie głównych przyczyn obrzęku kończyn górnych

Obrzęk limfatyczny vs. Obrzęk żylny
Cecha Obrzęk limfatyczny Obrzęk żylny
Początek Powolny, postępujący Często nagły lub podostry
Lokalizacja Obejmuje całą kończynę lub jej segment Często koncentruje się dystalnie
Tworzenie dołków przy ucisku We wczesnej fazie, późnej nie Zwykle obecne
Zmiany skórne Pogrubienie skóry, włóknienie Przebarwienia, teleangiektazje
Historia Leczenie onkologiczne, usunięcie węzłów chłonnych Zakrzepica, niewydolność serca
Obrzęk zapalny vs. Obrzęk niezapalny
Cecha Obrzęk zapalny Obrzęk niezapalny
Ból Często obecny Zwykle nieobecny lub niewielki
Zaczerwienienie Obecne Zwykle nieobecne
Temperatura Podwyższona Prawidłowa
Markery zapalne Podwyższone Prawidłowe
Przyczyny Infekcje, artropatie zapalne, reakcje alergiczne Niewydolność żylna, limfatyczna, sercowa
Obrzęk jednostronny vs. Obrzęk obustronny
Obrzęk jednostronny Obrzęk obustronny
Obrzęk limfatyczny po mastektomii Niewydolność serca
Zakrzepica żył głębokich Niewydolność nerek
Uraz, złamanie Hipoalbuminemia
Infekcja miejscowa Reakcje na leki
Zespół cieśni nadgarstka Choroby autoimmunologiczne

Prawidłowa diagnostyka różnicowa obrzęku kończyn górnych wymaga kompleksowego podejścia i często współpracy interdyscyplinarnej. Wczesne i trafne rozpoznanie przyczyny jest kluczowe dla wdrożenia odpowiedniego leczenia i zapobiegania powikłaniom.126127

Znaczenie kliniczne wczesnego rozpoznania przyczyny obrzęku kończyn górnych

Wczesne rozpoznanie przyczyny obrzęku kończyn górnych i dłoni ma kluczowe znaczenie z kilku powodów, wpływających na przebieg choroby i rokowanie pacjenta:128

Zapobieganie powikłaniom

Nieleczony obrzęk, niezależnie od przyczyny, może prowadzić do szeregu powikłań, w tym:

  • Upośledzenia funkcji kończyny – przewlekły obrzęk może ograniczać ruchomość, zmniejszać siłę chwytną i upośledzać codzienne funkcjonowanie129
  • Zwiększonego ryzyka infekcji – zastój limfy sprzyja namnażaniu się bakterii i rozwojowi zapalenia tkanki łącznej (cellulitis)130
  • Zmian troficznych skóry – przewlekły obrzęk może prowadzić do pogrubienia, włóknienia i innych zmian skórnych131
  • Przewlekłego bólu i dyskomfortu – negatywnie wpływających na jakość życia132

Identyfikacja poważnych chorób podstawowych

Obrzęk kończyn górnych może być pierwszym objawem poważnych chorób układowych, których wczesne rozpoznanie jest kluczowe dla skutecznego leczenia:

  • Niewydolności serca – obrzęki mogą być wczesnym objawem dekompensacji133
  • Chorób nerek – w tym zespołu nerczycowego134
  • Chorób wątroby – jak marskość wątroby135
  • Zakrzepicy żył głębokich – stanu wymagającego natychmiastowej interwencji136
  • Chorób autoimmunologicznych – jak reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów137
  • Nowotworów złośliwych – obrzęk może być wynikiem bezpośredniego ucisku guza na naczynia lub jako powikłanie leczenia138

Optymalizacja leczenia

Wczesna identyfikacja przyczyny umożliwia:

  • Wdrożenie leczenia przyczynowego – zamiast jedynie objawowego139
  • Zapobieganie progresji obrzęku – szczególnie istotne w przypadku obrzęku limfatycznego140
  • Modyfikację farmakoterapii – w przypadku obrzęku wywołanego lekami141
  • Wdrożenie kompleksowej fizjoterapii – w przypadkach obrzęku limfatycznego142

Poprawa jakości życia

Skuteczne leczenie obrzęku kończyn górnych prowadzi do:

  • Zmniejszenia dyskomfortu i bólu143
  • Poprawy funkcji ręki – w tym siły chwytnej i precyzji ruchów144
  • Redukcji obciążenia psychicznego – związanego z widocznym defektem kosmetycznym145
  • Zwiększenia niezależności w codziennych czynnościach146

Aspekty ekonomiczne

Wczesna diagnoza i interwencja w przypadku obrzęku kończyn górnych ma również wymiar ekonomiczny:

  • Redukcja kosztów leczenia powikłań – które często są wyższe niż koszty wczesnej interwencji147
  • Zmniejszenie absencji zawodowej – związanej z upośledzeniem funkcji ręki148
  • Ograniczenie potrzeby długotrwałej rehabilitacji – w przypadkach zaawansowanego obrzęku149

Podsumowując, wczesne rozpoznanie przyczyny obrzęku kończyn górnych i dłoni pozwala na wdrożenie odpowiedniego leczenia, zapobieganie powikłaniom oraz poprawę rokowania i jakości życia pacjentów. Wymaga to świadomości klinicznej, dokładnej diagnostyki różnicowej i często podejścia interdyscyplinarnego.150151

Kolejne rozdziały

Zapraszamy do dalszego czytania naszego leksykonu.

Wybierz kolejny rozdział z menu poniżej, aby otworzyć nową podstronę kompedium wiedzy i uzyskać szczegółowe informację o leku, substancji lub chorobie.

  1. 11.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Swollen Hands: 7 Causes and Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/swollen-hands
    Exercise, pregnancy, heat, and certain dietary and lifestyle habits may cause hand swelling. […] Edema is the medical term for swelling. It happens when extra fluid is trapped in the bodys tissues. […] It most commonly occurs in the hands and feet but may also affect your legs, ankles, and arms. […] Sometimes, the causes of hand swelling may be more obvious. For instance, receiving an injury to a hand may cause it to swell. […] However, hand swelling may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that could require medical attention. […] Heat edema may occur when youre suddenly exposed to unusually hot temperatures. […] Eating too much salt could make it harder for your kidneys to remove unwanted fluid. This allows fluid to build up in your system, where it may collect in certain areas, including your hands.
  • #2 Edema: Types, causes, symptoms, and treatment
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159111
    Edema refers to swelling due to fluid buildup in bodily tissues. It is common in the skin but can affect the brain, lungs, and other organs. […] There are different causes and types of edema. For example, pulmonary edema affects the lungs, while pedal edema causes swelling in the feet. […] Edema can result from circulatory problems, infection, tissue death, malnutrition, total body fluid overload, and electrolyte problems. […] If one or both of the lower chambers of the heart cannot pump blood properly, blood can accumulate in the limbs, causing edema. […] The body of a person with a kidney disorder may not be able to eliminate enough fluid and sodium from the blood. This puts pressure on the blood vessels, which causes some of the liquid to leak out. Swelling can occur around the legs and eyes.
  • #3 Swollen arms and hands (oedema) | NICS Well
    https://www.nicswell.co.uk/conditions-and-treatments/swollen-arms-and-hands-oedema
    Swelling in the arms and hands is often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas, called oedema. […] Oedema is usually caused by: staying in the same position for too long, eating too much salty food, being overweight, being pregnant, taking certain medicines such as some blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, antidepressants or steroids. […] Oedema can also be caused by: an injury such as a strain or sprain, sudden changes in temperature such as very hot weather, an insect bite or sting, problems with your kidneys, liver or heart, a blood clot, an infection. […] Treatment for swelling or oedema that does not go away on its own will depend on the cause.
  • #4 Edema: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12564-edema
    Edema occurs when fluid builds up in your tissues, often in your feet, legs and ankles. Edema can affect anyone, especially pregnant women and adults age 65 and older. […] Edema is swelling caused by fluid trapped in your body’s tissues, most often in your feet and ankles. […] Edema can affect anyone, but the condition most often affects pregnant women and adults who are 65 years or older. […] Edema is common because there are many causes associated with the condition. […] After your healthcare provider makes an edema diagnosis, their next step is to identify what caused fluid to build up in your tissues. There are several possible causes for an edema diagnosis including: Gravity: If you spend a lot of time sitting or standing in one place for too long, water naturally pulls down into your arms, legs and feet (dependent edema). Weakened valves of your veins (venous insufficiency): When the valves in your veins are weak, it is hard for your veins to push blood back up to your heart, and leads to varicose veins and a buildup of fluid in the legs. Underlying medical conditions: Conditions like heart failure and lung, liver, kidney and thyroid diseases have edema as a symptom. Side effects from medication: Some drugs, like blood pressure or pain management medications, have edema as a side effect. Poor nutrition: If you aren’t eating a well-balanced diet or if you eat a lot of foods high in salt (sodium), fluid could build up in different parts of your body. Pregnancy: Swelling in your legs during pregnancy occurs as the uterus puts pressure on your blood vessels in the lower trunk of your body. Compromised immune system: An allergic reaction, infection, burns, trauma or clots can lead to edema.
  • #5 Swollen Hands: 7 Causes and Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/swollen-hands
    Exercise, pregnancy, heat, and certain dietary and lifestyle habits may cause hand swelling. […] Edema is the medical term for swelling. It happens when extra fluid is trapped in the bodys tissues. […] It most commonly occurs in the hands and feet but may also affect your legs, ankles, and arms. […] Sometimes, the causes of hand swelling may be more obvious. For instance, receiving an injury to a hand may cause it to swell. […] However, hand swelling may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that could require medical attention. […] Heat edema may occur when youre suddenly exposed to unusually hot temperatures. […] Eating too much salt could make it harder for your kidneys to remove unwanted fluid. This allows fluid to build up in your system, where it may collect in certain areas, including your hands.
  • #6 What Is Edema? – Causes and Treatment | familydoctor.org
    https://familydoctor.org/condition/edema/
    Edema is swelling or puffiness of parts of the body. Edema usually happens in the feet, ankles, and legs. It also can affect the face and hands. Pregnant women and older adults often get edema, but it can happen to anyone. […] If you have swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet not related to an injury, it could be edema. It can cause puffiness of your face and hands, too. […] Edema is caused by extra fluid that builds up in the tissues of your body. Many things can cause fluid to build up, including: Gravity pulling fluid down into your legs and feet. Sitting or standing still for too long, especially in hot weather. Eating food with too much salt. Taking certain medicines, such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Some health problems, such as congestive heart failure, liver disease, and kidney disease. […] However, as you age, the veins in your legs often don’t work as well against gravity and to push the fluid back up. That is why this condition is more common as you get older.
  • #7 Swollen Hands: 7 Causes and Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/swollen-hands
    Exercise, pregnancy, heat, and certain dietary and lifestyle habits may cause hand swelling. […] Edema is the medical term for swelling. It happens when extra fluid is trapped in the bodys tissues. […] It most commonly occurs in the hands and feet but may also affect your legs, ankles, and arms. […] Sometimes, the causes of hand swelling may be more obvious. For instance, receiving an injury to a hand may cause it to swell. […] However, hand swelling may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that could require medical attention. […] Heat edema may occur when youre suddenly exposed to unusually hot temperatures. […] Eating too much salt could make it harder for your kidneys to remove unwanted fluid. This allows fluid to build up in your system, where it may collect in certain areas, including your hands.
  • #8 Edema: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12564-edema
    Treatment for edema varies based on the cause, especially if the cause relates to an underlying health condition. […] In some cases, the cause of edema could be too much salt in your diet. Salt causes your body to retain water, which could leak into your tissues and cause swelling. […] Sometimes, you can’t prevent what caused edema if it is the result of an underlying health condition like heart failure, liver or kidney disease, but you can work with your healthcare provider to manage symptoms.
  • #9 Swollen Hands: 7 Causes and Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/swollen-hands
    Some people report experiencing finger and hand swelling after exercising. […] Limited research has examined how exercise may cause hand swelling and edema, but the effects may be caused by vasodilation. […] Its common to experience swelling during pregnancy, especially in your hands and feet. However, swelling associated with pregnancy may lead to conditions that could require medical attention. […] Lymphedema is swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid. […] There are two types of lymphedema: Primary: This is caused by genetics and is much rarer. Secondary: This is more common and is acquired, which means its caused by trauma to the lymphatic system. […] Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis that affects people with psoriasis, a skin condition marked by raised, scaly plaques. […] Angioedema is very similar to hives, but swelling occurs just beneath your skins surface. […] Swelling of the legs and feet may be a symptom of heart failure. Sometimes, edema may affect your hands, but there are many other causes of hand swelling.
  • #10 Hand swelling during exercise: A concern?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/edema/expert-answers/hand-swelling/faq-20058255
    Hand swelling during exercise is common. The cause isn’t completely clear. It appears to result from the way your body and blood vessels react to the higher energy needs of your muscles during exercise. […] Swollen fingers and hands may be a sign of hyponatremia. Other signs, such as confusion and throwing up, may stand out more than the swelling. Hyponatremia is a serious condition that needs medical treatment right away. […] There’s no proven way to prevent or reduce most exercise-related hand swelling.
  • #11 Why Fingers and Hands Swell When Walking or Running
    https://www.verywellfit.com/walking-swollen-hands-fingers-3432851
    Authors of the 2011 study mention another potential cause of hand swelling during walking: exercise-altered metabolic rates. Walking and running increase your metabolic rate even when your body mechanics are efficient. […] During exercise, your working muscles demand more oxygen, so blood flow is directed away from the extremities (like fingers and toes) to the muscles that need it such as your quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings. […] When blood flow is directed away from your hands and fingers, they get colder. As a result, the blood vessels in your hands may start to open wider, causing them to swell, especially if you are exercising in cold weather. […] Research has shown that when you do dynamic exercise in a hot environment, skin blood flow and circulation are compromised and body temperature regulation suffers, even during light exercise.
  • #12 In brief: Causes and signs of edema – InformedHealth.org – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279409/
    Edema can have various causes. To make sure its treated properly, its important to see a doctor and find out what is causing it. Edema can be: […] Heart failure (cardiac insufficiency) can cause edema in the arms and legs (peripheral edema) as well as in the abdomen (ascites). This is because the heart is too weak to pump blood around the body properly, so the blood gathers in front of the heart. As a result, and due to the increased blood pressure in the veins, fluid seeps out into the surrounding tissue. This may cause swelling in the legs or a build-up of fluid in the abdomen. […] Kidney disease can cause edema in the legs and around the eyes. This is because the pressure in the blood vessels starts building up if the kidneys dont remove enough sodium and water from the body, and that can lead to edema.
  • #13 Edema: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
    https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/edema-overview
    Edema can also come from other conditions or from when the balance of substances in your blood is off. […] Low albumin. Your doctor may call this hypoalbuminemia. Albumin and other proteins in the blood act like sponges to keep fluid in your blood vessels. Low albumin may contribute to edema, but its not usually the only cause. […] Congestive heart failure. When the heart weakens and pumps blood less effectively, fluid can slowly build up, creating leg edema. If fluid builds up quickly, you can get fluid in the lungs. If your heart failure is on the right side of your heart, edema can develop in the abdomen. […] Kidney disease. A kidney condition called nephrotic syndrome can cause severe leg edema and sometimes whole-body edema. […] Pregnancy. Mild leg edema is common during pregnancy. But serious complications of pregnancy like deep vein thrombosis and preeclampsia can also cause edema. […] Medications. Many medicines can cause edema, including: NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen), Calcium channel blockers, Corticosteroids (like prednisone and methylprednisolone), Pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, Pramipexole. When they cause swelling, usually it’s mild leg edema.
  • #14 Lymphedema: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8353-lymphedema
    Lymphedema is swelling that happens when something affects your lymphatic system. Lymphedema often affects your arms and legs, but may also affect other areas of your body. When your lymphatic system doesn’t work well, your body accumulates fluid and may begin to swell. The swelling typically affects your arms and legs, but it can affect other areas of your body, too. This can happen after certain surgeries or because you have certain medical conditions or genetic conditions. Several things may cause lymphedema, including: Breast cancer surgery: Sometimes, breast cancer surgery includes removing lymph nodes under your arms and possibly damaging nearby lymph vessels. Pelvic surgery: Surgery to remove pelvic lymph nodes may cause lymphedema. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may cause scarring and damage to your lymphatic system, inflaming your skin and placing pressure on your lymphatic circulation system. Trauma: Your lymphatic system is a rich network of vessels that are directly under your skin, as well as deep. Sometimes, trauma to an area of your body may damage lymphatic vessels under your skin, causing lymphedema. Infection: An infection may increase lymphatic system damage. Having obesity: People who have obesity may have excess fat (adipose tissue) that puts pressure on lymph nodes and vessels. That extra pressure may affect lymphatic drainage. Lack of activity: Your leg muscles pump up lymphatic circulation. If you’re not active, you may have swelling in your legs. Tumors: Tumors may block lymphatic drainage. Heart conditions: People who have heart issues, particularly congestive heart failure, may develop lymphedema. Your lymphatic ducts empty lymph back into your heart. If your heart isn’t working as well as it should, you may notice you’re gaining weight or your legs are swollen. Blood vessel issues: Your blood vessels carry between 80% and 90% of fluid throughout your body. When something affects your blood vessels (vascular system), you may develop chronic blood vessel issues. Chronic blood vessel issues may cause lymphedema. Kidney disease: Your kidneys work to remove extra fluid and waste products from your body. If your kidneys don’t function as they should, your body may have trouble removing fluid. Excess fluid may cause swelling that leads to lymphedema. […] Lymphedema treatments vary depending on your condition’s cause and stage. Treatments may include physical therapy or other treatment to keep lymphatic fluid moving and reduce swelling and pain. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe antibiotics for infections or pain medication.
  • #15 Edema: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12564-edema
    Edema occurs when fluid builds up in your tissues, often in your feet, legs and ankles. Edema can affect anyone, especially pregnant women and adults age 65 and older. […] Edema is swelling caused by fluid trapped in your body’s tissues, most often in your feet and ankles. […] Edema can affect anyone, but the condition most often affects pregnant women and adults who are 65 years or older. […] Edema is common because there are many causes associated with the condition. […] After your healthcare provider makes an edema diagnosis, their next step is to identify what caused fluid to build up in your tissues. There are several possible causes for an edema diagnosis including: Gravity: If you spend a lot of time sitting or standing in one place for too long, water naturally pulls down into your arms, legs and feet (dependent edema). Weakened valves of your veins (venous insufficiency): When the valves in your veins are weak, it is hard for your veins to push blood back up to your heart, and leads to varicose veins and a buildup of fluid in the legs. Underlying medical conditions: Conditions like heart failure and lung, liver, kidney and thyroid diseases have edema as a symptom. Side effects from medication: Some drugs, like blood pressure or pain management medications, have edema as a side effect. Poor nutrition: If you aren’t eating a well-balanced diet or if you eat a lot of foods high in salt (sodium), fluid could build up in different parts of your body. Pregnancy: Swelling in your legs during pregnancy occurs as the uterus puts pressure on your blood vessels in the lower trunk of your body. Compromised immune system: An allergic reaction, infection, burns, trauma or clots can lead to edema.
  • #16 Edema – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/edema/symptoms-causes/syc-20366493
    Edema can affect any part of the body. But it’s more likely to show up in the legs and feet. […] Medicines and pregnancy can cause edema. It also can be the result of a disease, such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, venous insufficiency or cirrhosis of the liver. […] Congestive heart failure or the vein not working well, also known as venous insufficiency, is often the cause. […] Edema occurs when tiny blood vessels in the body, also known as capillaries, leak fluid. The fluid builds up in nearby tissues. The leak leads to swelling. […] Edema also can be a side effect of some medicines. […] Sometimes edema can be a sign of a more serious condition. Illnesses that can cause edema include: […] Congestive heart failure causes one or both of the heart’s lower chambers stop pumping blood well. As a result, blood can back up in the legs, ankles and feet, causing edema.
  • #17 Edema – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/edema/symptoms-causes/syc-20366493
    Liver damage from cirrhosis can cause fluid to build up in the stomach area. and in the legs. […] Kidney disease can cause fluid and salts in the blood to build up. Edema linked to kidney disease usually occurs in the legs and around the eyes. […] Damage to the tiny, filtering blood vessels in the kidneys can result in nephrotic syndrome. In nephrotic syndrome, decreased levels of protein in the blood can lead to edema. […] Weakness or damage to veins in your legs. This condition, known as chronic venous insufficiency, harms the one-way valves in the leg. […] Sudden swelling in one leg with pain in the calf muscle can be due to a blood clot in one of the leg veins. DVT requires medical help right away. […] If the body’s lymphatic system is damaged, such as by cancer surgery, the lymphatic system might not drain well. […] An extreme lack of protein in the diet over time can lead to edema.
  • #18 When to See a Doctor for Swelling in the Arms or Legs | Duke Health
    https://www.dukehealth.org/blog/when-see-doctor-swelling-arms-or-legs
    According to Geersen, swelling can be caused by a range of conditions, from bug bites to bruises. […] In some cases, however, your body may not be able to adequately circulate fluid, especially in areas that are farthest from your heart, like your arms, hands, legs, and feet. This type of swelling is called peripheral edema, and it can signal more dangerous issues, including: […] Blood clots that can travel to your heart, lungs, or brain […] Heart disease and heart failure […] Infection […] Kidney damage or disease […] Liver disease […] Lymphedema […] Severe allergic reactions […] Venous disease.
  • #19 Edema – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/edema/symptoms-causes/syc-20366493
    Edema can affect any part of the body. But it’s more likely to show up in the legs and feet. […] Medicines and pregnancy can cause edema. It also can be the result of a disease, such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, venous insufficiency or cirrhosis of the liver. […] Congestive heart failure or the vein not working well, also known as venous insufficiency, is often the cause. […] Edema occurs when tiny blood vessels in the body, also known as capillaries, leak fluid. The fluid builds up in nearby tissues. The leak leads to swelling. […] Edema also can be a side effect of some medicines. […] Sometimes edema can be a sign of a more serious condition. Illnesses that can cause edema include: […] Congestive heart failure causes one or both of the heart’s lower chambers stop pumping blood well. As a result, blood can back up in the legs, ankles and feet, causing edema.
  • #20 In brief: Causes and signs of edema – InformedHealth.org – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279409/
    Edema can have various causes. To make sure its treated properly, its important to see a doctor and find out what is causing it. Edema can be: […] Heart failure (cardiac insufficiency) can cause edema in the arms and legs (peripheral edema) as well as in the abdomen (ascites). This is because the heart is too weak to pump blood around the body properly, so the blood gathers in front of the heart. As a result, and due to the increased blood pressure in the veins, fluid seeps out into the surrounding tissue. This may cause swelling in the legs or a build-up of fluid in the abdomen. […] Kidney disease can cause edema in the legs and around the eyes. This is because the pressure in the blood vessels starts building up if the kidneys dont remove enough sodium and water from the body, and that can lead to edema.
  • #21 Edema – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/edema/symptoms-causes/syc-20366493
    Liver damage from cirrhosis can cause fluid to build up in the stomach area. and in the legs. […] Kidney disease can cause fluid and salts in the blood to build up. Edema linked to kidney disease usually occurs in the legs and around the eyes. […] Damage to the tiny, filtering blood vessels in the kidneys can result in nephrotic syndrome. In nephrotic syndrome, decreased levels of protein in the blood can lead to edema. […] Weakness or damage to veins in your legs. This condition, known as chronic venous insufficiency, harms the one-way valves in the leg. […] Sudden swelling in one leg with pain in the calf muscle can be due to a blood clot in one of the leg veins. DVT requires medical help right away. […] If the body’s lymphatic system is damaged, such as by cancer surgery, the lymphatic system might not drain well. […] An extreme lack of protein in the diet over time can lead to edema.
  • #22 Oedema (Fluid & Water Retention): Symptoms and Treatment
    https://patient.info/signs-symptoms/oedema-swelling
    Oedema may be due to medication, allergies or more serious underlying disease. […] The most common causes are mentioned below. […] Fluid retention (oedema) may be caused by many different conditions. Oedema may be due to spending a long time sitting or having to stay in bed (immobility). Varicose veins and pregnancy are also common causes of oedema. Oedema may also be caused by more serious conditions such as congestive heart failure, liver disease or kidney disease. […] An excess collection of watery fluid in the lungs (pulmonary oedema) is often caused by heart failure. […] This is a condition where the kidneys start to leak protein, usually due to kidney disease. This causes symptoms including oedema around the eyes and of the feet and legs, frothy urine, loss of appetite and tiredness. […] Other possible causes of oedema include anaemia, pregnancy and some kidney diseases.
  • #23 In brief: Causes and signs of edema – InformedHealth.org – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279409/
    Low protein levels in the blood: If theres a lack of the protein albumin in the blood, fluid can leak out of blood vessels more easily. This lack of protein can be caused by extreme malnutrition. It can also be caused by kidney and liver diseases where the body loses too much protein or produces too little protein. […] Liver diseases: Scarring of liver tissue (liver cirrhosis) for instance, due to long-term alcohol abuse or a liver inflammation can cause edema in the abdomen (called ascites). This is because cirrhosis leads to a lack of proteins and a build-up of blood in the liver, which can increase the pressure in the blood vessels. As a result, fluid seeps out into the abdomen. […] Severe lung diseases like emphysema can also cause edema in the legs and feet because the pressure in the lungs increases a lot. Blood builds up in the heart and veins.
  • #24 Edema: Types, causes, symptoms, and treatment
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159111
    Cirrhosis affects liver function. It can lead to changes in the secretion of hormones and fluid-regulating chemicals and reduced protein production. This causes fluid to leak out of the blood vessels into surrounding tissue. […] Certain medications can also increase the risk of edema. […] During pregnancy, the body releases hormones that encourage fluid retention. The body also retains more sodium and water than usual. The face, hands, lower limbs, and feet may swell. […] A number of dietary factors can also affect the risk of edema, such as consuming too much salt (in people who are susceptible to developing edema). […] Some causes of swelling in the brain include head injuries, stroke, and brain tumors. […] Some foods and insect bites may cause edema of the face or skin in people who have allergies or sensitivities to them.
  • #25 In brief: Causes and signs of edema – InformedHealth.org – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279409/
    Low protein levels in the blood: If theres a lack of the protein albumin in the blood, fluid can leak out of blood vessels more easily. This lack of protein can be caused by extreme malnutrition. It can also be caused by kidney and liver diseases where the body loses too much protein or produces too little protein. […] Liver diseases: Scarring of liver tissue (liver cirrhosis) for instance, due to long-term alcohol abuse or a liver inflammation can cause edema in the abdomen (called ascites). This is because cirrhosis leads to a lack of proteins and a build-up of blood in the liver, which can increase the pressure in the blood vessels. As a result, fluid seeps out into the abdomen. […] Severe lung diseases like emphysema can also cause edema in the legs and feet because the pressure in the lungs increases a lot. Blood builds up in the heart and veins.
  • #26 Peripheral Edema Symptoms + 7 Natural Treatments – Dr. Axe
    https://draxe.com/health/peripheral-edema/
    Congestive heart failure: If the heart becomes too weak to pump blood around the body, it will gather in front of the heart and put pressure on your veins. This can cause fluid to seep out into the surrounding tissue. […] Lung conditions: If pressure in the lungs and heart gets very high, which can happen when your body is reacting to certain medical conditions, this can cause the legs and feet to swell.
  • #27 Edema: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
    https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/edema-overview
    „Edema” is the medical term for swelling. Body parts swell from injury or inflammation. It can affect a small area or the entire body. Medications, pregnancy, infections, and many other medical problems can cause edema. […] Edema happens when your small blood vessels leak fluid into nearby tissues. That extra fluid builds up, which makes the tissue swell. It can happen almost anywhere in the body. […] Peripheral edema. This usually affects the legs, feet, and ankles, but it can also happen in the arms. It could be a sign of problems with your circulatory system, lymph nodes, or kidneys. […] Lymphedema. This swelling in the arms and legs is most often caused by damage to your lymph nodes, tissues that help filter germs and waste from your body. The damage may be the result of cancer treatments like surgery and radiation. The cancer itself can also block lymph nodes and lead to fluid buildup.
  • #28 Swollen Hands: 7 Causes and Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/swollen-hands
    Some people report experiencing finger and hand swelling after exercising. […] Limited research has examined how exercise may cause hand swelling and edema, but the effects may be caused by vasodilation. […] Its common to experience swelling during pregnancy, especially in your hands and feet. However, swelling associated with pregnancy may lead to conditions that could require medical attention. […] Lymphedema is swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid. […] There are two types of lymphedema: Primary: This is caused by genetics and is much rarer. Secondary: This is more common and is acquired, which means its caused by trauma to the lymphatic system. […] Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis that affects people with psoriasis, a skin condition marked by raised, scaly plaques. […] Angioedema is very similar to hives, but swelling occurs just beneath your skins surface. […] Swelling of the legs and feet may be a symptom of heart failure. Sometimes, edema may affect your hands, but there are many other causes of hand swelling.
  • #29
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lymphoedema/
    Lymphoedema is caused by a problem with the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and glands spread throughout the body. The main functions of the lymphatic system are helping fight infection and draining excess fluid from tissues. […] There are 2 main types of lymphoedema: primary lymphoedema caused by faulty genes that affect the development of the lymphatic system; it can develop at any age, but usually starts during infancy, adolescence, or early adulthood […] secondary lymphoedema caused by damage to the lymphatic system or problems with the movement and drainage of fluid in the lymphatic system; it can be the result of a cancer treatment, an infection, injury, inflammation of the limb, or a lack of limb movement.
  • #30
    http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/health-info/coping-with-cancer/managing-symptoms-side-effects/arm-leg-lymphedema-(swelling)
    Lymphedema (lim-fuh-dee-muh) is a build-up of lymph fluid in your tissues. This build-up causes swelling („edema”) in your arm or leg. […] Your lymphatic system helps fluid flow through your body tissues. The lymphatic system carries fluid back to the bloodstream, through a network of channels and lymph nodes. The lymph nodes filter lymph fluid and help fight infections. If your lymph nodes are damaged or removed, lymph fluid can build up and cause lymphedema. […] Your lymph nodes can be damaged by: Cancer and cancer treatments. Surgery (lymph nodes may be removed). Inflammation (your body’s immune system response). Infection. Breast cancer treatment is the most common cause of lymphedema. Most people with breast cancer do not get lymphedema. Lymphoma, melanoma, uterine, prostate, vulvar or ovarian cancers and treatments are also associated with lymphedema.
  • #31 Lymphedema Guide: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
    https://www.drugs.com/health-guide/lymphedema.html
    Lymphedema occurs when there is inadequate lymph drainage from the body, usually from a blockage in a lymph channel. Lymphatic fluid builds up underneath the skin and causes swelling. Most commonly lymphedema affects the arms or legs. […] In most cases of lymphedema, the lymphatic system has been injured so that the flow of lymph is blocked either temporarily or permanently. This is called secondary lymphedema. Common causes include: Surgical damage — Surgical cuts and the removal of lymph nodes can interfere with normal lymph flow. […] An infection involving the lymphatic vessels — An infection that involves the lymphatic vessels can be severe enough to cause lymphedema. […] Cancer — Lymphoma, a cancer that starts in the lymph nodes, or other types of cancer that spread to the lymph nodes may block lymph vessels.
  • #32 Lymphedema in Legs & Arms: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
    https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-lymphedema
    Cancer can harm your lymphatic system in several ways. A cancerous tumor can physically keep lymphatic fluid from draining properly. A buildup of extra white blood cells due to leukemia can lead to lymphatic damage. So can radiation treatment for cancer or surgery to remove lymph nodes, which may be done to see whether cancer has spread. It may take months or years for lymphedema to show up after cancer treatment. […] Cancers that form near lymph nodes and vessels, such as those in the abdomen, breast, or genital areas, are more likely to lead to lymphedema. […] Lymphedema is swelling that’s caused by a collection of too much lymph fluid. It usually happens in your arms and legs, but it can happen in other parts of your body, as well. This swelling may cause pain and limit how well the affected area moves.
  • #33 Lymphoedema – symptoms, treatments and causes | healthdirect
    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/lymphoedema
    Secondary lymphoedema is caused by damage to, or blockage of, your lymphatic system due to: surgery lymph nodes are often removed as part of cancer surgery, radiotherapy for cancer, trauma or tissue damage, infection (filariasis), cancer, obesity. […] Surgery or radiotherapy for breast cancer can cause secondary lymphoedema in your arm and chest. […] Surgery or radiotherapy for bowel cancer, prostate cancer or cancer of the reproductive system can cause secondary lymphoedema in the legs or groin area. […] Lymphoedema may occur immediately after your lymphatic system has been damaged or blocked, or it may develop years later.
  • #34 Swollen Hands: 7 Causes and Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/swollen-hands
    Some people report experiencing finger and hand swelling after exercising. […] Limited research has examined how exercise may cause hand swelling and edema, but the effects may be caused by vasodilation. […] Its common to experience swelling during pregnancy, especially in your hands and feet. However, swelling associated with pregnancy may lead to conditions that could require medical attention. […] Lymphedema is swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid. […] There are two types of lymphedema: Primary: This is caused by genetics and is much rarer. Secondary: This is more common and is acquired, which means its caused by trauma to the lymphatic system. […] Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis that affects people with psoriasis, a skin condition marked by raised, scaly plaques. […] Angioedema is very similar to hives, but swelling occurs just beneath your skins surface. […] Swelling of the legs and feet may be a symptom of heart failure. Sometimes, edema may affect your hands, but there are many other causes of hand swelling.
  • #35 Edema: Types, causes, symptoms, and treatment
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159111
    Cirrhosis affects liver function. It can lead to changes in the secretion of hormones and fluid-regulating chemicals and reduced protein production. This causes fluid to leak out of the blood vessels into surrounding tissue. […] Certain medications can also increase the risk of edema. […] During pregnancy, the body releases hormones that encourage fluid retention. The body also retains more sodium and water than usual. The face, hands, lower limbs, and feet may swell. […] A number of dietary factors can also affect the risk of edema, such as consuming too much salt (in people who are susceptible to developing edema). […] Some causes of swelling in the brain include head injuries, stroke, and brain tumors. […] Some foods and insect bites may cause edema of the face or skin in people who have allergies or sensitivities to them.
  • #36 Swollen arms and hands (oedema) | NICS Well
    https://www.nicswell.co.uk/conditions-and-treatments/swollen-arms-and-hands-oedema
    Swelling in the arms and hands is often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas, called oedema. […] Oedema is usually caused by: staying in the same position for too long, eating too much salty food, being overweight, being pregnant, taking certain medicines such as some blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, antidepressants or steroids. […] Oedema can also be caused by: an injury such as a strain or sprain, sudden changes in temperature such as very hot weather, an insect bite or sting, problems with your kidneys, liver or heart, a blood clot, an infection. […] Treatment for swelling or oedema that does not go away on its own will depend on the cause.
  • #37 Arm Swelling: How to Reduce Swelling in Your Arm – Tactile Medical
    https://tactilemedical.com/resource-hub/cellulitis-and-edema/arm-swelling-how-to-reduce-swelling-in-your-arm/
    Allergic reaction: When an allergic reaction occurs, the immune system releases histamines, increasing fluid in tissues and causing swelling. Allergic reactions can range anywhere from a bug bite to a food allergy or reaction to a topical cream. […] Heart, liver, or kidney condition: Conditions related to your heart, liver, or kidney can disrupt fluid balance, as these organs help circulate various types of fluid throughout the body, leading to fluid buildup in extremities like the arms. […] Lymphedema: Damage to the lymphatic system can prevent proper drainage, causing lymphedema, or fluid accumulation in the arm. […] Blood clot: Blood clots, also known as deep vein thrombosis, can obstruct blood flow, leading to swelling, pain, and discoloration in the affected area. […] Pregnancy: When pregnant, the body increases fluid retention to help soften the body as the baby expands, which can lead to swelling in areas like the arms, legs, ankles, and feet.
  • #38
    https://www.prevention.com/health/a20512787/why-your-fingers-swell/
    Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that attacks the lining of the joints, can also cause swelling. […] Infections in your fingers, known as felons, cause your fingers (particularly around the tip, pad, or nail) to fill up with pus. […] During exercise, your fingers and hands might swell because the blood vessels in your body are responding to the increased energy demands on your muscles. […] Certain medications can also cause swelling in the fingers and hands. […] When the nerve that runs from the forearm to the palm of the hand is pinched or squeezed at the wrist, thats when carpal tunnel syndrome develops, Dr. Utset explains. […] Some swelling is typical for expectant moms. […] Raynauds disease is a rare condition characterized by narrowing of your arteries, which limits blood circulation.
  • #39 Swollen Hands: 7 Causes and Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/swollen-hands
    Some people report experiencing finger and hand swelling after exercising. […] Limited research has examined how exercise may cause hand swelling and edema, but the effects may be caused by vasodilation. […] Its common to experience swelling during pregnancy, especially in your hands and feet. However, swelling associated with pregnancy may lead to conditions that could require medical attention. […] Lymphedema is swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid. […] There are two types of lymphedema: Primary: This is caused by genetics and is much rarer. Secondary: This is more common and is acquired, which means its caused by trauma to the lymphatic system. […] Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis that affects people with psoriasis, a skin condition marked by raised, scaly plaques. […] Angioedema is very similar to hives, but swelling occurs just beneath your skins surface. […] Swelling of the legs and feet may be a symptom of heart failure. Sometimes, edema may affect your hands, but there are many other causes of hand swelling.
  • #40 A patient with recurrent oedema of the hands and a collapse
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5873809/
    RS3PE presents mainly in men over 50 years old with bilateral hand and foot synovitis and pitting oedema. […] There are possible associations with malignancy and other rheumatological conditions, especially polymyalgia rehumetica. […] First described by McCarty et al. in 1985, RS3PE is a condition which presents with acutely swollen hands and often feet. Classically, there is synovitis and tenosynovitis with pitting oedema of the dorsum of the hand. It occurs mainly in men over the age of 50 years old. […] A number of cases of RS3PE are associated with malignancy. […] There are also reports of RS3PE in association with most other rheumatological conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, psoriatic arthritis and PMR. […] RS3PE is a rare diagnosis and remains only partially understood.
  • #41 Edema: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
    https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/edema-overview
    Edema can also come from other conditions or from when the balance of substances in your blood is off. […] Low albumin. Your doctor may call this hypoalbuminemia. Albumin and other proteins in the blood act like sponges to keep fluid in your blood vessels. Low albumin may contribute to edema, but its not usually the only cause. […] Congestive heart failure. When the heart weakens and pumps blood less effectively, fluid can slowly build up, creating leg edema. If fluid builds up quickly, you can get fluid in the lungs. If your heart failure is on the right side of your heart, edema can develop in the abdomen. […] Kidney disease. A kidney condition called nephrotic syndrome can cause severe leg edema and sometimes whole-body edema. […] Pregnancy. Mild leg edema is common during pregnancy. But serious complications of pregnancy like deep vein thrombosis and preeclampsia can also cause edema. […] Medications. Many medicines can cause edema, including: NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen), Calcium channel blockers, Corticosteroids (like prednisone and methylprednisolone), Pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, Pramipexole. When they cause swelling, usually it’s mild leg edema.
  • #42 Swollen arms and hands (oedema) | NICS Well
    https://www.nicswell.co.uk/conditions-and-treatments/swollen-arms-and-hands-oedema
    Swelling in the arms and hands is often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas, called oedema. […] Oedema is usually caused by: staying in the same position for too long, eating too much salty food, being overweight, being pregnant, taking certain medicines such as some blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, antidepressants or steroids. […] Oedema can also be caused by: an injury such as a strain or sprain, sudden changes in temperature such as very hot weather, an insect bite or sting, problems with your kidneys, liver or heart, a blood clot, an infection. […] Treatment for swelling or oedema that does not go away on its own will depend on the cause.
  • #43 Swollen Hands: Causes, Treatment, and Seeking Care
    https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/bones-joints-and-muscles/swollen-hands
    Hand swelling, also called edema, is a sign of fluid buildup or inflammation of the tissues or joints of the hand. Hand swelling can also result from serious infections, trauma, and other conditions. […] Chronic hand swelling, or swelling that increases over time, is often an indication of an inflammatory condition, such as arthritis. Hand swelling can also be caused by orthopedic conditions, such as a bone fracture or a cast that is too tight. […] These are the most likely causes of hand swelling according to the National Health Service (NHS): remaining in the same position for a long period of time, eating too much salt, pregnancy, some medications. […] The following medications may cause hand swelling: antidepressants, such as tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), diabetes medications, high blood pressure medications, medications used in hormone therapy, steroids.
  • #44 Fluid retention | healthdirect
    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fluid-retention
    Fluid retention is also called oedema or water retention. […] There are many causes of fluid retention, including heart failure and kidney disease. […] Fluid retention can be caused by: heart failure, kidney problems, cirrhosis of the liver, pregnancy, or as a complication of pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome (in females), thyroid problems, malnutrition. […] Peripheral oedema (most often, swelling of your legs) can also be caused by: deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot, usually in your leg), problems with the veins in your legs, lymphoedema (a problem with your lymphatic system, which drains fluid from your tissues). […] Some medicines that can cause fluid retention are: some heart and blood pressure medicines, some diabetes medicines, corticosteroids, the pill, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), some hormone replacement therapies, some antidepressants.
  • #45 Swollen Hands: Causes, Treatment, and Seeking Care
    https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/bones-joints-and-muscles/swollen-hands
    Hand swelling, also called edema, is a sign of fluid buildup or inflammation of the tissues or joints of the hand. Hand swelling can also result from serious infections, trauma, and other conditions. […] Chronic hand swelling, or swelling that increases over time, is often an indication of an inflammatory condition, such as arthritis. Hand swelling can also be caused by orthopedic conditions, such as a bone fracture or a cast that is too tight. […] These are the most likely causes of hand swelling according to the National Health Service (NHS): remaining in the same position for a long period of time, eating too much salt, pregnancy, some medications. […] The following medications may cause hand swelling: antidepressants, such as tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), diabetes medications, high blood pressure medications, medications used in hormone therapy, steroids.
  • #46 Swollen Hands: 7 Causes and Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/swollen-hands
    Some people report experiencing finger and hand swelling after exercising. […] Limited research has examined how exercise may cause hand swelling and edema, but the effects may be caused by vasodilation. […] Its common to experience swelling during pregnancy, especially in your hands and feet. However, swelling associated with pregnancy may lead to conditions that could require medical attention. […] Lymphedema is swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid. […] There are two types of lymphedema: Primary: This is caused by genetics and is much rarer. Secondary: This is more common and is acquired, which means its caused by trauma to the lymphatic system. […] Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis that affects people with psoriasis, a skin condition marked by raised, scaly plaques. […] Angioedema is very similar to hives, but swelling occurs just beneath your skins surface. […] Swelling of the legs and feet may be a symptom of heart failure. Sometimes, edema may affect your hands, but there are many other causes of hand swelling.
  • #47 Edema: Types, causes, symptoms, and treatment
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/159111
    Cirrhosis affects liver function. It can lead to changes in the secretion of hormones and fluid-regulating chemicals and reduced protein production. This causes fluid to leak out of the blood vessels into surrounding tissue. […] Certain medications can also increase the risk of edema. […] During pregnancy, the body releases hormones that encourage fluid retention. The body also retains more sodium and water than usual. The face, hands, lower limbs, and feet may swell. […] A number of dietary factors can also affect the risk of edema, such as consuming too much salt (in people who are susceptible to developing edema). […] Some causes of swelling in the brain include head injuries, stroke, and brain tumors. […] Some foods and insect bites may cause edema of the face or skin in people who have allergies or sensitivities to them.
  • #48 Swollen Hands, Ankles and Feet in Pregnancy | Tommy’sCloseleft-arrowleft-arrowleft-arrowleft-arrowleft-arrowleft-arrowCloseReconfirm cookies choice
    https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/pregnancy-symptom-checker/swollen-hands-and-feet-pregnancy
    It’s normal to get some swelling in pregnancy, particularly in your legs, ankles, feet and fingers. This is because your body holds more water than usual when you are pregnant. However, swelling can be a sign of a pregnancy condition called pre-eclampsia, which is serious and needs immediate treatment. […] You should call your midwife or hospital maternity unit immediately if you have: a sudden increase in swelling in your face, hands or feet […] These could be symptoms of pre-eclampsia, which is a very serious condition that needs immediate treatment. Most cases of pre-eclampsia happen after 24 to 26 weeks and usually towards the end of pregnancy. […] If you had high blood pressure before pregnancy you should report any swelling to a GP or midwife. This is because people with high blood pressure are more likely to develop pre-eclampsia.
  • #49 Peripheral Edema: Definition, Causes, and Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/peripheral-edema
    When the right side of your heart isn’t pumping effectively, blood can pool in your lower legs, causing edema. […] Peripheral edema in your hands and feet is a symptom of preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy. […] When your liver is damaged by scarring, it can cause peripheral edema by putting pressure on the veins in your legs. […] Renal failure is also called chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. Peripheral edema is one of the symptoms. […] When your lymph system is damaged, fluid builds up in your tissues, causing peripheral edema. […] Lipedema is an abnormal enlargement of both legs resulting from a misdistribution of fat under the skin. […] A diet lacking in protein over a long period can result in fluid accumulation and peripheral edema in both legs. […] Pelvic and other cancerous tumors may increase pressure on veins, leading to edema. […] Obstructive sleep apnea may cause peripheral edema, even without the presence of pulmonary hypertension. […] Several other diseases are associated with peripheral edema, including Cushing syndrome, Graves disease, and Kaposi sarcoma.
  • #50 Puffy hand syndrome | Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
    https://www.ccjm.org/content/88/4/210
    A 37-year-old man presented to the rheumatology clinic for evaluation of swelling of his fingers and hands. The symptoms began 8 months earlier and at first were intermittent, but in the last 4 months, they had become persistent. The swelling started in the right (nondominant) hand, and then affected the left hand within a few weeks. […] Puffy hand syndrome, a common complication of IV drug use, is not a well-recognized condition among general practitioners. […] The precise pathogenesis of puffy hand syndrome remains unknown. Hand edema, which is initially pitting, becomes more indurated over time, as there is progressive fibrosis of the subcutaneous tissues. […] 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.
  • #51 Mysteriously puffy hand: puffy hand syndrome | BMJ Case Reports
    https://casereports.bmj.com/content/11/1/e227578
    A 59-year-old man with a history of intravenous drug use (DU) presented with a 3-day history of right-hand swelling, redness, warmth and pain. […] Given the lack of serum inflammatory/infectious markers, lack of clinical improvement on antibiotics, the diagnosis of puffy hand syndrome was made. […] Puffy hand syndrome is a lesser-known complication of long-term intravenous DU and may affect about 7%16% of intravenous drug users. […] 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. […] 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.
  • #52 Puffy hand syndrome | Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
    https://www.ccjm.org/content/88/4/210
    A 37-year-old man presented to the rheumatology clinic for evaluation of swelling of his fingers and hands. The symptoms began 8 months earlier and at first were intermittent, but in the last 4 months, they had become persistent. The swelling started in the right (nondominant) hand, and then affected the left hand within a few weeks. […] Puffy hand syndrome, a common complication of IV drug use, is not a well-recognized condition among general practitioners. […] The precise pathogenesis of puffy hand syndrome remains unknown. Hand edema, which is initially pitting, becomes more indurated over time, as there is progressive fibrosis of the subcutaneous tissues. […] 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.
  • #53 Evaluating edema of the hands
    https://www.hcplive.com/view/evaluating-edema-hands
    Risk factors for puffy hands among injection drug users with HCV infection are female sex, injection into the hands, and not using a tourniquet. […] Thrombosis of the subclavian and axillary veins results from primary or secondary causes. […] The cause of lymphedema can be primary or secondary. […] Worldwide, the most common cause of lymphedema is filariasis caused by infection with Wuchereria bancrofti, a nematode. […] In the United States, lymphedema most often is related to malignancy or treatments of malignancy. […] Risk factors for the development of edema resulting from lymphatic disruption include trauma from previous surgeries, infection, and obesity. […] Lymphedema often presents clinically as unilateral, soft, pitting edema that, over time, progresses to fibrosis.
  • #54 Swollen Arm After Stroke: Why It Occurs & How to Treat It
    https://www.flintrehab.com/swollen-arm-after-stroke/?srsltid=AfmBOoq-8cwbryY1eYWsQz5VyXDLWrlv50RHltXvIqY_DTOPPU7SG8kK
    A swollen arm after stroke can lead to discomfort, pain, and difficulty with completing daily activities. […] Lack of movement in the affected limb is often the primary cause of swelling, although other causes are plausible. […] Fluid buildup in the arms or legs is referred to as peripheral edema. While there are many causes of peripheral edema, hemiparesis (one-sided weakness) is the most common cause among stroke survivors. […] Because individuals with hemiparesis often do not move their affected arm regularly, the lymphatic system cannot rely on muscle and joint movement to help pump lymphatic fluid out of the arm effectively. This can cause fluid to pool in the arm and hand, which is outwardly apparent as swelling. […] Other potential causes of edema after stroke include: Physical inactivity, Side effects of new medication, Being overweight, High sodium intake, Blood clotting, Infection, Hot and humid weather.
  • #55 Swollen Arm and Hand (Edema) Following Stroke – Neurorehabdirectory.comNeurorehabdirectory.com
    https://www.neurorehabdirectory.com/swollen-arm-hand-edema-following-stroke/
    Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the bodys tissues. Although edema can affect any part of your body, its most commonly noticed in the hands, arms, feet, ankles and legs. Edema occurs from a variety of reasons. […] Hand edema following stroke with hemiparesis is associated with pain and stiffness, which can lead to a decrease in active motion and disuse. The etiology of the development of hand edema is unclear. The most widely accepted explanation is that of increased venous congestion related to prolonged dependency and loss of muscle pumping function in the paretic limb (Leibovitz et al. 2007). […] Significant predictors of hand function following stroke included the degree of motor impairment, hypertonia, tactile inattention, and edema. […] The authors concluded that the theory suggesting that disuse in the paretic limb is the major cause of the development of hand edema is unlikely to be true. […] Treatment approaches to aid in the reduction of hand edema following stroke include passive range of motion exercises, neuromuscular stimulation, intermittent pneumatic compression, hot/cold therapy and compression garments.
  • #56 Swollen Fingers: Causes and Treatment | The Hand Society
    https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/swollen-fingers
    Swollen fingers and general swelling in the hands and arms is common with many injuries and medical conditions. It is important to identify the cause so that appropriate treatment can be started, and complications can be avoided. […] Swelling can occur because of an injury to the hand or arm or a medical condition. Traumatic injuries, such as a crushing injury or broken bones, result in a lot of fluid rushing to the injured area. This is part of the bodys natural healing response. […] Medical conditions can cause swollen fingers and general swelling as well. Arthritis commonly results in swelling of the hands, often in the morning upon waking up. Infections can also result in swelling, and these should be treated right away. […] Swollen fingers and general swelling occurs mostly because of the buildup of fluid in spaces within the hand and wrist. This fluid typically collects in areas that cannot be pumped out by the blood vessels.
  • #57 When to See a Doctor for Swelling in the Arms or Legs | Duke Health
    https://www.dukehealth.org/blog/when-see-doctor-swelling-arms-or-legs
    According to Geersen, swelling can be caused by a range of conditions, from bug bites to bruises. […] In some cases, however, your body may not be able to adequately circulate fluid, especially in areas that are farthest from your heart, like your arms, hands, legs, and feet. This type of swelling is called peripheral edema, and it can signal more dangerous issues, including: […] Blood clots that can travel to your heart, lungs, or brain […] Heart disease and heart failure […] Infection […] Kidney damage or disease […] Liver disease […] Lymphedema […] Severe allergic reactions […] Venous disease.
  • #58 Caring for Edema in the Elderly | Senior Health Care Solutions
    https://seniorhealthpa.com/caring-for-edema-in-the-elderly-senior-health-care-solutions/
    When caring for senior loved ones, it is important to familiarize yourself with common ailments to know whether or not you should be concerned. […] However, for older adults, especially those with chronic health conditions, swelling in certain body areas may be a sign of edema. […] Edema is a condition that occurs when fluid gets trapped in the bodys tissues, causing swelling. […] Edema has many different causes. […] Regarding edema in the elderly, physical inactivity, surgery, and hereditary predisposition are among the most common causes. […] General symptoms of edema in seniors include the following: The swelling of body parts, such as legs, arms, hands, or feet. […] Peripheral edema: This affects the extremities and causes swollen legs, ankles, feet, hands, and arms. […] It is important to seek medical treatment if you believe your loved one is experiencing edema.
  • #59 Peripheral Edema: Definition, Causes, and Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/peripheral-edema
    Peripheral edema has a wide variety of causes. […] Here are some common causes of peripheral edema, both temporary and systemic. […] A fracture, sprain, strain, or bad bruise in your leg, ankle, foot, or hand can result in swelling and pain. […] Eighty percent of pregnant women develop edema, usually in the hands, feet, and face. […] Allergies may cause swelling in your arms and legs, although it more often affects other parts of your body. […] Idiopathic means that the cause isn’t known. Idiopathic edema is most common in young women in their 20s and 30s. […] Venous insufficiency means that the veins in your legs are damaged or weak, and don’t adequately pump blood up toward the heart. […] If edema occurs suddenly in one leg and your leg becomes painful, it could be caused by a blood clot in that leg.
  • #60 Swollen Hands: 13 Common Causes (& What to Do) – Tua Saúde
    https://www.tuasaude.com/en/swollen-hands/
    Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the hands and fingers. […] Tendonitis is characterized by inflammation in the tendons, including those in the hands and fingers. […] Gout is a condition that occurs due to an accumulation of uric acid in the joints. […] Hormonal changes, particularly fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, occur with a normal menstrual cycle, PMS or pregnancy. […] Heart failure is characterized by the hearts inability to pump blood efficiently. This can lead to blood accumulation in the arms, causing swollen hands and fingers. […] Kidney failure is a condition characterized by insufficient kidney function, in which the kidneys are unable to eliminate excess fluid through the urine.
  • #61
    http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/health-info/coping-with-cancer/managing-symptoms-side-effects/arm-leg-lymphedema-(swelling)
    Your chance of getting lymphedema will also go up if you have: More than one treatment in the same area (for example, surgery and radiation). Extra body weight. Repeated infections in the same arm or leg. […] We cannot cure lymphedema, but it can be managed. By getting treatment early, you will increase the likelihood of successful treatment. Do not wait to start treatment. […] Talk to your health care team if you notice any signs of lymphedema or if your lymphedema gets worse despite treatment. Lymphedema is easiest to treat when it is mild. […] By managing your lymphedema, you can: Reduce swelling. Improve movement. Lessen pain. Prevent infection. Stop your lymphedema from getting worse. […] These are sleeves, stockings or gauntlets (gloves). They are made of elasticized fabric that put pressure on your arm or leg. This pressure helps drain lymph fluid and stop it from building up.
  • #62 In brief: Causes and signs of edema – InformedHealth.org – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279409/
    Low protein levels in the blood: If theres a lack of the protein albumin in the blood, fluid can leak out of blood vessels more easily. This lack of protein can be caused by extreme malnutrition. It can also be caused by kidney and liver diseases where the body loses too much protein or produces too little protein. […] Liver diseases: Scarring of liver tissue (liver cirrhosis) for instance, due to long-term alcohol abuse or a liver inflammation can cause edema in the abdomen (called ascites). This is because cirrhosis leads to a lack of proteins and a build-up of blood in the liver, which can increase the pressure in the blood vessels. As a result, fluid seeps out into the abdomen. […] Severe lung diseases like emphysema can also cause edema in the legs and feet because the pressure in the lungs increases a lot. Blood builds up in the heart and veins.
  • #63
    https://www.prevention.com/health/a20512787/why-your-fingers-swell/
    Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that attacks the lining of the joints, can also cause swelling. […] Infections in your fingers, known as felons, cause your fingers (particularly around the tip, pad, or nail) to fill up with pus. […] During exercise, your fingers and hands might swell because the blood vessels in your body are responding to the increased energy demands on your muscles. […] Certain medications can also cause swelling in the fingers and hands. […] When the nerve that runs from the forearm to the palm of the hand is pinched or squeezed at the wrist, thats when carpal tunnel syndrome develops, Dr. Utset explains. […] Some swelling is typical for expectant moms. […] Raynauds disease is a rare condition characterized by narrowing of your arteries, which limits blood circulation.
  • #64 Peripheral Edema: Definition, Causes, and Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/peripheral-edema
    When the right side of your heart isn’t pumping effectively, blood can pool in your lower legs, causing edema. […] Peripheral edema in your hands and feet is a symptom of preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy. […] When your liver is damaged by scarring, it can cause peripheral edema by putting pressure on the veins in your legs. […] Renal failure is also called chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. Peripheral edema is one of the symptoms. […] When your lymph system is damaged, fluid builds up in your tissues, causing peripheral edema. […] Lipedema is an abnormal enlargement of both legs resulting from a misdistribution of fat under the skin. […] A diet lacking in protein over a long period can result in fluid accumulation and peripheral edema in both legs. […] Pelvic and other cancerous tumors may increase pressure on veins, leading to edema. […] Obstructive sleep apnea may cause peripheral edema, even without the presence of pulmonary hypertension. […] Several other diseases are associated with peripheral edema, including Cushing syndrome, Graves disease, and Kaposi sarcoma.
  • #65 Lipoedema | Better Health Channel
    https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/Lipoedema
    Lipoedema occurs because of the abnormal accumulation of fat and other tissues under the skin. […] Lipoedema may occur because of changes in female hormones. […] The causes of lipoedema are still not clear, but may be related to female hormonal changes. […] You also have a greater risk of developing the condition if other earlier generations of women in your family are affected by lipoedema. […] Lipoedema may develop or get worse at puberty, when you are pregnant, after trauma as it can be a trigger for lipoedema, during menopause.
  • #66 Edema: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
    https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/edema-overview
    „Edema” is the medical term for swelling. Body parts swell from injury or inflammation. It can affect a small area or the entire body. Medications, pregnancy, infections, and many other medical problems can cause edema. […] Edema happens when your small blood vessels leak fluid into nearby tissues. That extra fluid builds up, which makes the tissue swell. It can happen almost anywhere in the body. […] Peripheral edema. This usually affects the legs, feet, and ankles, but it can also happen in the arms. It could be a sign of problems with your circulatory system, lymph nodes, or kidneys. […] Lymphedema. This swelling in the arms and legs is most often caused by damage to your lymph nodes, tissues that help filter germs and waste from your body. The damage may be the result of cancer treatments like surgery and radiation. The cancer itself can also block lymph nodes and lead to fluid buildup.
  • #67 Patient education: Edema (swelling) (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/edema-swelling-beyond-the-basics/print
    Edema is the medical term for swelling caused by a collection of fluid in the spaces that surround the body’s tissues and organs. Edema can occur nearly anywhere in the body. Some of the most common sites are: […] A number of different problems can cause edema. […] Chronic venous disease — A common cause of edema in the lower legs is chronic venous disease, a condition in which the veins in the legs cannot pump enough blood back up to the heart because the valves in the veins are damaged. […] Edema can also develop as a result of a blood clot in the deep veins of the lower leg (called deep vein thrombosis [DVT]). […] Pregnancy — Pregnant women retain extra fluid. Swelling commonly develops in the hands, feet, and face, especially near the end of a normal pregnancy. […] Monthly menstrual periods — Edema in women that occurs in a cyclic pattern (usually once per month) can be the result of hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle.
  • #68 Patient education: Edema (swelling) (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/edema-swelling-beyond-the-basics/print
    Drugs — Edema can be a side effect of a variety of medications, including some oral diabetes medications, high blood pressure medications, nonprescription pain relievers (such as ibuprofen), and estrogens. […] Kidney disease — The edema of kidney disease can cause swelling in the lower legs and around the eyes. […] Heart failure — Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is due to a weakened heart, which impairs its pumping action. […] Cirrhosis — Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver from various causes, which can obstruct blood flow through the liver. […] Angioedema — Reactions to some medications and some inherited disorders can cause fluid to leak out of the blood vessels into surrounding tissues (angioedema). […] Lymphedema — Surgical removal of lymph nodes for the treatment of cancer (most commonly breast cancer) can cause swelling of a limb or limbs with thickening of the skin on the side of the surgery.
  • #69 Edema: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
    https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/edema-overview
    „Edema” is the medical term for swelling. Body parts swell from injury or inflammation. It can affect a small area or the entire body. Medications, pregnancy, infections, and many other medical problems can cause edema. […] Edema happens when your small blood vessels leak fluid into nearby tissues. That extra fluid builds up, which makes the tissue swell. It can happen almost anywhere in the body. […] Peripheral edema. This usually affects the legs, feet, and ankles, but it can also happen in the arms. It could be a sign of problems with your circulatory system, lymph nodes, or kidneys. […] Lymphedema. This swelling in the arms and legs is most often caused by damage to your lymph nodes, tissues that help filter germs and waste from your body. The damage may be the result of cancer treatments like surgery and radiation. The cancer itself can also block lymph nodes and lead to fluid buildup.
  • #70 Lymphedema: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8353-lymphedema
    Lymphedema is swelling that happens when something affects your lymphatic system. Lymphedema often affects your arms and legs, but may also affect other areas of your body. When your lymphatic system doesn’t work well, your body accumulates fluid and may begin to swell. The swelling typically affects your arms and legs, but it can affect other areas of your body, too. This can happen after certain surgeries or because you have certain medical conditions or genetic conditions. Several things may cause lymphedema, including: Breast cancer surgery: Sometimes, breast cancer surgery includes removing lymph nodes under your arms and possibly damaging nearby lymph vessels. Pelvic surgery: Surgery to remove pelvic lymph nodes may cause lymphedema. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may cause scarring and damage to your lymphatic system, inflaming your skin and placing pressure on your lymphatic circulation system. Trauma: Your lymphatic system is a rich network of vessels that are directly under your skin, as well as deep. Sometimes, trauma to an area of your body may damage lymphatic vessels under your skin, causing lymphedema. Infection: An infection may increase lymphatic system damage. Having obesity: People who have obesity may have excess fat (adipose tissue) that puts pressure on lymph nodes and vessels. That extra pressure may affect lymphatic drainage. Lack of activity: Your leg muscles pump up lymphatic circulation. If you’re not active, you may have swelling in your legs. Tumors: Tumors may block lymphatic drainage. Heart conditions: People who have heart issues, particularly congestive heart failure, may develop lymphedema. Your lymphatic ducts empty lymph back into your heart. If your heart isn’t working as well as it should, you may notice you’re gaining weight or your legs are swollen. Blood vessel issues: Your blood vessels carry between 80% and 90% of fluid throughout your body. When something affects your blood vessels (vascular system), you may develop chronic blood vessel issues. Chronic blood vessel issues may cause lymphedema. Kidney disease: Your kidneys work to remove extra fluid and waste products from your body. If your kidneys don’t function as they should, your body may have trouble removing fluid. Excess fluid may cause swelling that leads to lymphedema. […] Lymphedema treatments vary depending on your condition’s cause and stage. Treatments may include physical therapy or other treatment to keep lymphatic fluid moving and reduce swelling and pain. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe antibiotics for infections or pain medication.
  • #71 Swollen Arm After Stroke: Why It Occurs & How to Treat It
    https://www.flintrehab.com/swollen-arm-after-stroke/?srsltid=AfmBOoq-8cwbryY1eYWsQz5VyXDLWrlv50RHltXvIqY_DTOPPU7SG8kK
    A swollen arm after stroke can lead to discomfort, pain, and difficulty with completing daily activities. […] Lack of movement in the affected limb is often the primary cause of swelling, although other causes are plausible. […] Fluid buildup in the arms or legs is referred to as peripheral edema. While there are many causes of peripheral edema, hemiparesis (one-sided weakness) is the most common cause among stroke survivors. […] Because individuals with hemiparesis often do not move their affected arm regularly, the lymphatic system cannot rely on muscle and joint movement to help pump lymphatic fluid out of the arm effectively. This can cause fluid to pool in the arm and hand, which is outwardly apparent as swelling. […] Other potential causes of edema after stroke include: Physical inactivity, Side effects of new medication, Being overweight, High sodium intake, Blood clotting, Infection, Hot and humid weather.
  • #72 Arm Swelling and Pain Post Stroke – Neurolutions
    https://www.neurolutions.com/after-stroke/arm-swelling-and-pain-post-stroke/
    Swelling, or dependent edema, usually appears on the top or sides of the hand. Fluid gradually collects under the extensor tendons due to absent or reduced movement of the hand and upper limb. Pooling of fluid begins to block both passive and active movement, restricting the ability to fully make a fist or straighten the fingers. Pooling of fluid worsens when the hand and upper limb remain in the same position for prolonged periods of time. When the arm hangs towards the floor, gravity promotes fluid to drain down to the fingertips, the hand, from the rest of the arm. […] For swelling, techniques used to lessen gravity’s pull on the weak hand aims to mobilize the fluid from pocketing in the hand. They are as follows: […] Compression works by helping to control swelling by placing a boundary to which the swelling can reach and then sending the fluid back toward the heart. Many stroke survivors may have heard the term Isotoner glove. These tend to remain popular, however, unfortunately, Isotoner gloves may not provide the required level of medical-grade compression needed to support fluid once it has begun to fill the hand and wrist area.
  • #73 Why Fingers and Hands Swell When Walking or Running
    https://www.verywellfit.com/walking-swollen-hands-fingers-3432851
    Authors of the 2011 study mention another potential cause of hand swelling during walking: exercise-altered metabolic rates. Walking and running increase your metabolic rate even when your body mechanics are efficient. […] During exercise, your working muscles demand more oxygen, so blood flow is directed away from the extremities (like fingers and toes) to the muscles that need it such as your quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings. […] When blood flow is directed away from your hands and fingers, they get colder. As a result, the blood vessels in your hands may start to open wider, causing them to swell, especially if you are exercising in cold weather. […] Research has shown that when you do dynamic exercise in a hot environment, skin blood flow and circulation are compromised and body temperature regulation suffers, even during light exercise.
  • #74 Why Hands and Fingers Swell When Walking or Running
    https://www.verywellhealth.com/fingers-swell-when-walking-8714355
    Experiencing swollen fingers or hands while walking or running is a relatively common issue. While this condition is still being studied, the initial evidence suggests that it may be caused by heat, metabolic changes, or arm movement while working out. […] Movement of your arms while walking or running may be to blame for finger or hand swelling. […] One study hypothesizes that this repetitive arm swinging may create a centrifugal force that pushes fluid into your hands and fingers. […] When you exercise (especially in warm environments), your muscles emit heat. Your body responds to this temperature elevation by increasing blood flow to the vessels near your skin. […] Some people are unable to efficiently regulate their internal temperature by sweating. In these cases, the individual may notice fluid buildup in areas like their hands or fingers.
  • #75 Edema: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12564-edema
    Treatment for edema varies based on the cause, especially if the cause relates to an underlying health condition. […] In some cases, the cause of edema could be too much salt in your diet. Salt causes your body to retain water, which could leak into your tissues and cause swelling. […] Sometimes, you can’t prevent what caused edema if it is the result of an underlying health condition like heart failure, liver or kidney disease, but you can work with your healthcare provider to manage symptoms.
  • #76 Edema Bruising: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Tactile Medical
    https://tactilemedical.com/resource-hub/cellulitis-and-edema/edema-bruising-causes-symptoms-treatment/
    If you have edema, it’s important that you work with your doctor to figure out the best treatment plan. Whether you have a lymphatic disorder or edema caused by an acute injury, your doctor or specialist can help you create a plan to manage your symptoms and reduce the risk of your edema from progressing.
  • #77 Caring for Edema in the Elderly | Senior Health Care Solutions
    https://seniorhealthpa.com/caring-for-edema-in-the-elderly-senior-health-care-solutions/
    When caring for senior loved ones, it is important to familiarize yourself with common ailments to know whether or not you should be concerned. […] However, for older adults, especially those with chronic health conditions, swelling in certain body areas may be a sign of edema. […] Edema is a condition that occurs when fluid gets trapped in the bodys tissues, causing swelling. […] Edema has many different causes. […] Regarding edema in the elderly, physical inactivity, surgery, and hereditary predisposition are among the most common causes. […] General symptoms of edema in seniors include the following: The swelling of body parts, such as legs, arms, hands, or feet. […] Peripheral edema: This affects the extremities and causes swollen legs, ankles, feet, hands, and arms. […] It is important to seek medical treatment if you believe your loved one is experiencing edema.
  • #78 Edema: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12564-edema
    Edema occurs when fluid builds up in your tissues, often in your feet, legs and ankles. Edema can affect anyone, especially pregnant women and adults age 65 and older. […] Edema is swelling caused by fluid trapped in your body’s tissues, most often in your feet and ankles. […] Edema can affect anyone, but the condition most often affects pregnant women and adults who are 65 years or older. […] Edema is common because there are many causes associated with the condition. […] After your healthcare provider makes an edema diagnosis, their next step is to identify what caused fluid to build up in your tissues. There are several possible causes for an edema diagnosis including: Gravity: If you spend a lot of time sitting or standing in one place for too long, water naturally pulls down into your arms, legs and feet (dependent edema). Weakened valves of your veins (venous insufficiency): When the valves in your veins are weak, it is hard for your veins to push blood back up to your heart, and leads to varicose veins and a buildup of fluid in the legs. Underlying medical conditions: Conditions like heart failure and lung, liver, kidney and thyroid diseases have edema as a symptom. Side effects from medication: Some drugs, like blood pressure or pain management medications, have edema as a side effect. Poor nutrition: If you aren’t eating a well-balanced diet or if you eat a lot of foods high in salt (sodium), fluid could build up in different parts of your body. Pregnancy: Swelling in your legs during pregnancy occurs as the uterus puts pressure on your blood vessels in the lower trunk of your body. Compromised immune system: An allergic reaction, infection, burns, trauma or clots can lead to edema.
  • #79 Swollen Hands: 13 Common Causes (& What to Do) – Tua Saúde
    https://www.tuasaude.com/en/swollen-hands/
    Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the hands and fingers. […] Tendonitis is characterized by inflammation in the tendons, including those in the hands and fingers. […] Gout is a condition that occurs due to an accumulation of uric acid in the joints. […] Hormonal changes, particularly fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, occur with a normal menstrual cycle, PMS or pregnancy. […] Heart failure is characterized by the hearts inability to pump blood efficiently. This can lead to blood accumulation in the arms, causing swollen hands and fingers. […] Kidney failure is a condition characterized by insufficient kidney function, in which the kidneys are unable to eliminate excess fluid through the urine.
  • #80 Lymphoedema – symptoms, treatments and causes | healthdirect
    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/lymphoedema
    Lymphoedema is a long-term condition where a build-up of lymph fluid in your body’s soft tissues causes swelling. […] There are 2 main types of lymphoedema: primary lymphoedema and secondary lymphoedema. […] Lymphoedema can occur anywhere in your body but is usually seen in the arms and legs. […] Lymphoedema cannot be cured, but it can be managed. […] There are 2 main types of lymphoedema: primary lymphoedema and secondary lymphoedema. […] Each type of lymphoedema has a different cause. […] Primary lymphoedema is rare, while secondary lymphoedema is more common. Lymphoedema can also be a mix of the primary and secondary types. […] Primary lymphoedema can be due to a genetic condition. People affected by this form of lymphoedema are born with an abnormality of their lymphatic system.
  • #81 Swollen Arms And Hands Oedema | Symptoms, Diagnosis & Causes | Conditions | Healthera
    https://healthera.co.uk/conditions-a-z/swollen-arms-and-hands-oedema/
    Oedema can happen to many people at some point in their lives. It can affect people of all ages and is particularly common in older adults or those with certain health problems. […] Some factors can increase the chance of developing oedema, such as: Being overweight, Having certain medical conditions, like diabetes or heart disease, Being pregnant, Taking specific medications, such as those for high blood pressure. […] For many people, oedema is manageable and can improve with treatment and lifestyle changes. However, if its linked to a more serious condition, ongoing care and monitoring may be necessary. […] Oedema can cause swelling in the arms and hands for various reasons. If you have concerns about swelling or its causes, its important to speak to your GP or healthcare provider for further advice.
  • #82 Lymphedema: That Swelling in Your Arm or Leg Could Be Serious
    https://www.orlandohealth.com/content-hub/lymphedema-that-swelling-in-your-arm-or-leg-could-be-serious/
    Lymphedema may have a hereditary component in which faulty genes are passed along that interrupt development of the lymphatic system. This is called primary lymphedema. […] Secondary lymphedema can be triggered by injury to the lymphatic system from an infection or trauma including surgical removal of lymph nodes or radiation therapy to treat cancer. […] Additionally, certain physical conditions appear to raise the risk of developing lymphedema, including rheumatoid arthritis, increased age and obesity.
  • #83 7 Surprising Causes of Your Swollen Hands & Feet
    https://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/1140409/causes-swollen-hands-and-feet/
    Swelling in the limbs might be caused by something as simple as what you eat, or could be a sign of an underlying health condition. […] Swelling happens for a variety of reasons, from diet to how much you sit at work to certain health conditions. […] According to Danoff, sitting or standing for hours on end can contribute to a temporary decrease in your body’s ability to have quality circulation. […] This in turn causes the blood flow to and from your feet, ankles and legs to slow down. As a result, a temporary pooling of blood and fluid happens in those areas, leading to some swelling. […] Exercise or simply being out in the heat can also lead to some puffiness. […] Salty foods are yummy, but overindulging may be contributing to your swelling problems, says Danoff. […] Its chock-full of all sorts of fun symptoms, including irritability, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, sore breasts and swelling, caused by water retention especially in the hands, feet or legs, according to Mayo Clinic.
  • #84 Hand Edema: Water Retention in Your Hands | livestrong
    https://www.livestrong.com/article/154456-causes-of-water-retention-in-hands/
    According to the Mayo Clinic, other causes of edema include: Having too much salt in your diet, Pregnancy, Medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), high blood pressure medications, some diabetes medications, steroids and estrogen, A severe lack of protein in your blood, Weak veins or a damaged lymphatic system, which returns fluid to your blood vessels. […] „If hand or feet edema is getting worse or does not respond to movement and elevation, let your doctor know,” says Dr. Mahajan. „Swelling that affects your whole hand is more likely to be edema. Swelling that affects just the joints of your fingers and causes pain may be inflammation, [and] this type of swelling may be a sign of arthritis. Always let your doctor know if you have painful joint swelling.”
  • #85 Edema in Seniors | DispatchHealth
    https://www.dispatchhealth.com/conditions/edema/geriatric/
    Edema is not normal, nor is it comfortable to live with. […] Edema affects more than four million people in the United States and is frequently a symptom of an underlying condition in seniors, such as kidney damage, congestive heart failure, COPD, or even arthritis. […] Causes of edema in seniors are wide ranging, minor to extreme. Most cases of mild edema in seniors are side effects of medications for high blood pressure, steroids, diabetes, or estrogens. Other mild causes of edema could include sitting or staying in one position for too long or eating too much salty food. While the pull of gravity could be to blame, edema in seniors could also be caused by or a sign of a much more serious underlying medical condition like: Congestive heart failure, Kidney damage or kidney disease, Liver disease, Chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), Poor lymphatic system function.
  • #86 Lymphedema Guide: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
    https://www.drugs.com/health-guide/lymphedema.html
    Radiation therapy for cancer — This treatment can cause scar tissue to develop and block the lymphatic vessels. […] When lymphedema occurs without any known injury or infection, it is called primary lymphedema. […] All three types of primary lymphedema are probably related to the abnormal development of lymph channels before birth.
  • #87 Edema (Swelling) and Cancer – Side Effects – NCI
    https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/edema
    What causes peripheral edema? […] Peripheral edema may be caused by cancer, cancer treatments, or medicines you are taking. Peripheral edema can also be caused by health conditions that are not related to cancer. […] Peripheral edema may be a sign or symptom of some types of cancer. For instance, cancers located near the pelvic veins, such as kidney cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer are most likely to cause edema in your leg or foot. […] Chemotherapy may cause a buildup of fluid in the extremities, as can some types of hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. […] Some medicines, such as blood pressure medicine, corticosteroids, birth control pills, and NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) can cause your body to hold on to salt and water, leading to swelling in your arms, legs, and feet.
  • #88 Swollen Fingers: Causes and Treatment | The Hand Society
    https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/swollen-fingers
    Swollen fingers and general swelling in the hands and arms is common with many injuries and medical conditions. It is important to identify the cause so that appropriate treatment can be started, and complications can be avoided. […] Swelling can occur because of an injury to the hand or arm or a medical condition. Traumatic injuries, such as a crushing injury or broken bones, result in a lot of fluid rushing to the injured area. This is part of the bodys natural healing response. […] Medical conditions can cause swollen fingers and general swelling as well. Arthritis commonly results in swelling of the hands, often in the morning upon waking up. Infections can also result in swelling, and these should be treated right away. […] Swollen fingers and general swelling occurs mostly because of the buildup of fluid in spaces within the hand and wrist. This fluid typically collects in areas that cannot be pumped out by the blood vessels.
  • #89 Mysteriously puffy hand: puffy hand syndrome | BMJ Case Reports
    https://casereports.bmj.com/content/11/1/e227578
    A 59-year-old man with a history of intravenous drug use (DU) presented with a 3-day history of right-hand swelling, redness, warmth and pain. […] Given the lack of serum inflammatory/infectious markers, lack of clinical improvement on antibiotics, the diagnosis of puffy hand syndrome was made. […] Puffy hand syndrome is a lesser-known complication of long-term intravenous DU and may affect about 7%16% of intravenous drug users. […] 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. […] 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.
  • #90 Causes & Treatment – Lymphoedema / Oedema of Legs & Feet
    https://legsmatter.org/information-and-support/health-concerns/oedema-and-lymphoedema/
    Any form of swelling which does not reduce and has been present for longer than 3 months suggests there is a problem with the lymphatic system and could be called lymphoedema. […] Swelling often happens when our veins are not working as well as they should. […] When this happens, our veins become swollen (varicose veins) that blood is forced into the tissue of our skin making it swell and overburdening the lymphatic system. […] Swelling in the lower legs can also be caused by right-sided congestive heart failure. […] If treatment for a cardiac problem does not resolve chronic foot or ankle swelling, this is a strong indication that the lymphatic system has not been able to cope with the chronic overload of fluid and lymphoedema has developed. […] The treatment for swollen legs depends on what has caused the swelling.
  • #91 Edema: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
    https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/edema-overview
    Edema can also come from other conditions or from when the balance of substances in your blood is off. […] Low albumin. Your doctor may call this hypoalbuminemia. Albumin and other proteins in the blood act like sponges to keep fluid in your blood vessels. Low albumin may contribute to edema, but its not usually the only cause. […] Congestive heart failure. When the heart weakens and pumps blood less effectively, fluid can slowly build up, creating leg edema. If fluid builds up quickly, you can get fluid in the lungs. If your heart failure is on the right side of your heart, edema can develop in the abdomen. […] Kidney disease. A kidney condition called nephrotic syndrome can cause severe leg edema and sometimes whole-body edema. […] Pregnancy. Mild leg edema is common during pregnancy. But serious complications of pregnancy like deep vein thrombosis and preeclampsia can also cause edema. […] Medications. Many medicines can cause edema, including: NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen), Calcium channel blockers, Corticosteroids (like prednisone and methylprednisolone), Pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, Pramipexole. When they cause swelling, usually it’s mild leg edema.
  • #92 Swollen Hands: Causes, Treatment, and Seeking Care
    https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/bones-joints-and-muscles/swollen-hands
    Hand swelling, also called edema, is a sign of fluid buildup or inflammation of the tissues or joints of the hand. Hand swelling can also result from serious infections, trauma, and other conditions. […] Chronic hand swelling, or swelling that increases over time, is often an indication of an inflammatory condition, such as arthritis. Hand swelling can also be caused by orthopedic conditions, such as a bone fracture or a cast that is too tight. […] These are the most likely causes of hand swelling according to the National Health Service (NHS): remaining in the same position for a long period of time, eating too much salt, pregnancy, some medications. […] The following medications may cause hand swelling: antidepressants, such as tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), diabetes medications, high blood pressure medications, medications used in hormone therapy, steroids.
  • #93
    http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/health-info/coping-with-cancer/managing-symptoms-side-effects/arm-leg-lymphedema-(swelling)
    Your chance of getting lymphedema will also go up if you have: More than one treatment in the same area (for example, surgery and radiation). Extra body weight. Repeated infections in the same arm or leg. […] We cannot cure lymphedema, but it can be managed. By getting treatment early, you will increase the likelihood of successful treatment. Do not wait to start treatment. […] Talk to your health care team if you notice any signs of lymphedema or if your lymphedema gets worse despite treatment. Lymphedema is easiest to treat when it is mild. […] By managing your lymphedema, you can: Reduce swelling. Improve movement. Lessen pain. Prevent infection. Stop your lymphedema from getting worse. […] These are sleeves, stockings or gauntlets (gloves). They are made of elasticized fabric that put pressure on your arm or leg. This pressure helps drain lymph fluid and stop it from building up.
  • #94 Swollen arms and hands (oedema) | Health Information from Winer Chemist
    https://winerchemist.co.uk/nhs_conditions_swollen-arms-and-hands-oedema
    Swelling in the arms or hands (oedema) often goes away on its own. See a GP if it does not get better in a few days. […] Swelling in the arms and hands is often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas. […] It’s usually caused by staying in the same position for too long, eating too much salty food, being pregnant, taking certain medicines such as some blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, antidepressants and steroids. […] It can also be caused by an injury such as a strain or sprain, sudden changes in temperature such as very hot weather, an insect bite or sting, a skin allergy such as angioedema, problems with your kidneys, liver or heart, a blood clot, an infection, some conditions such as lymphoedema or psoriatic arthritis. […] Treatment for swelling or oedema that does not go away on its own will depend on the cause. […] Possible treatments include changing your medicine if this is the cause of the swelling, treating any condition that is causing the swelling, diuretics (water pills) to help reduce the swelling, wearing special gloves or sleeves to stop any swelling from coming back (compression aids).
  • #95 Swollen Arms And Hands Oedema | Symptoms, Diagnosis & Causes | Conditions | Healthera
    https://healthera.co.uk/conditions-a-z/swollen-arms-and-hands-oedema/
    Oedema is a condition where certain parts of the body, such as the arms and hands, swell due to excess fluid. This can happen for various reasons and may be temporary or more serious. […] Oedema refers to swelling caused by fluid building up in the body’s tissues. It can occur in different parts of the body, including the arms and hands. The swelling can be painless or may cause discomfort. […] The main symptom of oedema is noticeable swelling in the arms and hands. Other symptoms can include: Tightness in the skin, A feeling of heaviness in the affected areas, Difficulty moving the fingers or wrists, Skin that may look shiny or stretched. […] There are several reasons why oedema may occur, including: Injury or trauma to the arm or hand, Heart problems, which can affect blood flow, Kidney issues, affecting fluid balance, Certain medications that may cause fluid retention, Aside from this, conditions like pregnancy or standing or sitting for long periods can also lead to swelling.
  • #96 A patient with recurrent oedema of the hands and a collapse
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5873809/
    RS3PE presents mainly in men over 50 years old with bilateral hand and foot synovitis and pitting oedema. […] There are possible associations with malignancy and other rheumatological conditions, especially polymyalgia rehumetica. […] First described by McCarty et al. in 1985, RS3PE is a condition which presents with acutely swollen hands and often feet. Classically, there is synovitis and tenosynovitis with pitting oedema of the dorsum of the hand. It occurs mainly in men over the age of 50 years old. […] A number of cases of RS3PE are associated with malignancy. […] There are also reports of RS3PE in association with most other rheumatological conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathies, psoriatic arthritis and PMR. […] RS3PE is a rare diagnosis and remains only partially understood.
  • #97 Edema Bruising: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Tactile Medical
    https://tactilemedical.com/resource-hub/cellulitis-and-edema/edema-bruising-causes-symptoms-treatment/
    Lymphedema is swelling caused by a buildup of fluid in your tissues, resulting in less fluid being processed by the lymphatic system. It can be hereditary, from a secondary source like cancer or cancer treatment, chronic venous disease, obesity, or infection. […] Serious diseases can lead to edema, including congestive heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, and certain lung conditions. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), also known as a blood clot, can cause edema and is a medical emergency. […] Edema and bruising have a close relationship because of their effects on your body. Not only can edema make you bruise easily, but bruises can also cause edema. […] When you have excess fluid in your body’s tissue as a result of edema, it puts more pressure on your blood vessels. This increase in pressure makes it easier for tiny blood vessels to rupture, which is how bruises occur.
  • #98 Puffy hand syndrome | Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
    https://www.ccjm.org/content/88/4/210
    A 37-year-old man presented to the rheumatology clinic for evaluation of swelling of his fingers and hands. The symptoms began 8 months earlier and at first were intermittent, but in the last 4 months, they had become persistent. The swelling started in the right (nondominant) hand, and then affected the left hand within a few weeks. […] Puffy hand syndrome, a common complication of IV drug use, is not a well-recognized condition among general practitioners. […] The precise pathogenesis of puffy hand syndrome remains unknown. Hand edema, which is initially pitting, becomes more indurated over time, as there is progressive fibrosis of the subcutaneous tissues. […] 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.
  • #99 Arm Swelling causes and Relief: Vegas Vascular Medicine
    https://vegas-veins.com/arm-swelling/
    Arm swelling, also known as edema, occurs when excess fluid builds up in the tissues of your arm, making it feel heavy and look puffy. While sometimes temporary, frequent or severe arm swelling could signify an underlying medical condition. […] Causes of Arm Swelling: Lymphedema: Damage or removal of lymph nodes (often due to cancer treatment) can disrupt the lymphatic system, a vital part of your immune system that drains excess fluid. Blood Clot: A clot in a vein of the arm can block blood flow, leading to swelling. Infection: An infection in the arm can cause inflammation and localized swelling. Kidney or Liver Disease: Issues impacting these organs can disrupt overall fluid balance in the body. Medication Side Effects: Some medications can contribute to fluid retention. Prolonged Inactivity: Lack of arm movement can affect fluid drainage. Injury: Trauma to the arm can result in swelling as part of the healing process. […] Important: Timely evaluation of arm swelling is essential for determining the underlying cause and initiating appropriate treatment to prevent complications.
  • #100 Swollen Fingers: Causes and Treatment | The Hand Society
    https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/swollen-fingers
    Swollen fingers and general swelling in the hands and arms is common with many injuries and medical conditions. It is important to identify the cause so that appropriate treatment can be started, and complications can be avoided. […] Swelling can occur because of an injury to the hand or arm or a medical condition. Traumatic injuries, such as a crushing injury or broken bones, result in a lot of fluid rushing to the injured area. This is part of the bodys natural healing response. […] Medical conditions can cause swollen fingers and general swelling as well. Arthritis commonly results in swelling of the hands, often in the morning upon waking up. Infections can also result in swelling, and these should be treated right away. […] Swollen fingers and general swelling occurs mostly because of the buildup of fluid in spaces within the hand and wrist. This fluid typically collects in areas that cannot be pumped out by the blood vessels.
  • #101 Top 11 Causes of Hand Swelling | Buoy
    https://www.buoyhealth.com/learn/hand-swelling
    Dependent edema is caused by your hand being held lower than the heart for a prolonged amount of time. […] Hand injuries include fractures (broken bones), dislocations (bones no longer aligned properly), sprains (overstretched ligament), and strains (overstretched tendon/muscles). […] Infections can involve the skin, nail, tissue, joints, and/or tendons. […] The swelling associated with lymphedema is caused by abnormal drainage of lymph nodes, which are part of your immune system. […] Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction caused by touching an irritating substance, such as soap, bleach, cleaning agents, or other chemicals. […] Scleroderma is a connective tissue disease leading to thickening of skin. It causes swelling and stiffness of skin and joints of the fingers and hands. […] Thoracic outlet syndrome is caused by compression of nerves and/or blood vessels in the area between your collarbone and first rib. It causes pain, swelling, and numbness.
  • #102 Hand Edema: Causes and Treatments – Able Hands Rehabilitation
    https://www.ablehandsrehab.com/hand-edema-causes-and-treatments/
    If youve had your lymph nodes removed during cancer treatment, the lymph fluid can accumulate in different body parts leading to lymphedema. Other symptoms of lymphedema include numbness and a heavy feeling in the arm and decreased ability to move your arms and hands. […] When a sudden increase in blood pressure harms other organs, the condition is known as preeclampsia. Perhaps the most alarming fact about preeclampsia is that it can occur during early pregnancy and postpartum, posing life-threatening problems. A certain level of swelling is expected during pregnancy. However, if you feel abdominal pain, severe headaches, bloody urine, and excessive vomiting, you should quickly see medical attention.
  • #103 Swollen Hands: 7 Causes and Treatment
    https://www.healthline.com/health/swollen-hands
    Exercise, pregnancy, heat, and certain dietary and lifestyle habits may cause hand swelling. […] Edema is the medical term for swelling. It happens when extra fluid is trapped in the bodys tissues. […] It most commonly occurs in the hands and feet but may also affect your legs, ankles, and arms. […] Sometimes, the causes of hand swelling may be more obvious. For instance, receiving an injury to a hand may cause it to swell. […] However, hand swelling may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition that could require medical attention. […] Heat edema may occur when youre suddenly exposed to unusually hot temperatures. […] Eating too much salt could make it harder for your kidneys to remove unwanted fluid. This allows fluid to build up in your system, where it may collect in certain areas, including your hands.
  • #104 More About Why do I have swelling in my hand?
    https://www.midwesthand.com/mhs-blogs/why-do-i-have-swelling-in-my-hand
    If youre experiencing sudden pain, numbness and tingling, or swelling in the hand, there could be a variety of causes including an injury, carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome. […] A broken bone, pulled muscle, torn ligament, or tendon injury can cause hand pain and swelling. […] Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused from compression on the median nerve, which runs down your arm and goes through a narrow passageway in your wrist. […] Cubital tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the ulnar nerve which passes through a tunnel on the inside of the elbow. […] Cubital tunnel syndrome can cause numbness or tingling in the hand, ring and little finger, especially when the elbow is bent. […] Alternatively, conditions such as bone spurs, arthritis or previous injuries to the elbow may cause cubital tunnel syndrome.
  • #105 Swollen Arms And Hands Oedema | Symptoms, Diagnosis & Causes | Conditions | Healthera
    https://healthera.co.uk/conditions-a-z/swollen-arms-and-hands-oedema/
    Oedema is a condition where certain parts of the body, such as the arms and hands, swell due to excess fluid. This can happen for various reasons and may be temporary or more serious. […] Oedema refers to swelling caused by fluid building up in the body’s tissues. It can occur in different parts of the body, including the arms and hands. The swelling can be painless or may cause discomfort. […] The main symptom of oedema is noticeable swelling in the arms and hands. Other symptoms can include: Tightness in the skin, A feeling of heaviness in the affected areas, Difficulty moving the fingers or wrists, Skin that may look shiny or stretched. […] There are several reasons why oedema may occur, including: Injury or trauma to the arm or hand, Heart problems, which can affect blood flow, Kidney issues, affecting fluid balance, Certain medications that may cause fluid retention, Aside from this, conditions like pregnancy or standing or sitting for long periods can also lead to swelling.
  • #106 Swollen Fingers: Causes and Treatment | The Hand Society
    https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/swollen-fingers
    Swollen fingers and general swelling in the hands and arms is common with many injuries and medical conditions. It is important to identify the cause so that appropriate treatment can be started, and complications can be avoided. […] Swelling can occur because of an injury to the hand or arm or a medical condition. Traumatic injuries, such as a crushing injury or broken bones, result in a lot of fluid rushing to the injured area. This is part of the bodys natural healing response. […] Medical conditions can cause swollen fingers and general swelling as well. Arthritis commonly results in swelling of the hands, often in the morning upon waking up. Infections can also result in swelling, and these should be treated right away. […] Swollen fingers and general swelling occurs mostly because of the buildup of fluid in spaces within the hand and wrist. This fluid typically collects in areas that cannot be pumped out by the blood vessels.
  • #107 Causes & Treatment – Lymphoedema / Oedema of Legs & Feet
    https://legsmatter.org/information-and-support/health-concerns/oedema-and-lymphoedema/
    Sometimes our legs or feet become swollen and feel uncomfortable. This is known as oedema and it happens when fluid in our lower legs or feet has trouble returning back up through the body. […] If swelling of the feet, ankles or legs persists for more than 3 months it is called chronic oedema. […] All chronic oedema, regardless of initial cause, indicates a degree of lymphoedema. […] The lymphatic system can be thought of as a waste disposal system that takes tissue fluid and waste products away from the tissues around your skin, fat, muscle and bone. […] However, it may arise for many other reasons which cause the lymphatic system to find it difficult to work properly such as problems with our veins, repeated infections (cellulitis), cancer treatment involving surgery or radiotherapy in the pelvis or lower limbs.
  • #108 Patient education: Edema (swelling) (Beyond the Basics) – UpToDate
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/edema-swelling-beyond-the-basics/print
    Edema is the medical term for swelling caused by a collection of fluid in the spaces that surround the body’s tissues and organs. Edema can occur nearly anywhere in the body. Some of the most common sites are: […] A number of different problems can cause edema. […] Chronic venous disease — A common cause of edema in the lower legs is chronic venous disease, a condition in which the veins in the legs cannot pump enough blood back up to the heart because the valves in the veins are damaged. […] Edema can also develop as a result of a blood clot in the deep veins of the lower leg (called deep vein thrombosis [DVT]). […] Pregnancy — Pregnant women retain extra fluid. Swelling commonly develops in the hands, feet, and face, especially near the end of a normal pregnancy. […] Monthly menstrual periods — Edema in women that occurs in a cyclic pattern (usually once per month) can be the result of hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle.
  • #109 Lymphedema: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8353-lymphedema
    Lymphedema is swelling that happens when something affects your lymphatic system. Lymphedema often affects your arms and legs, but may also affect other areas of your body. When your lymphatic system doesn’t work well, your body accumulates fluid and may begin to swell. The swelling typically affects your arms and legs, but it can affect other areas of your body, too. This can happen after certain surgeries or because you have certain medical conditions or genetic conditions. Several things may cause lymphedema, including: Breast cancer surgery: Sometimes, breast cancer surgery includes removing lymph nodes under your arms and possibly damaging nearby lymph vessels. Pelvic surgery: Surgery to remove pelvic lymph nodes may cause lymphedema. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may cause scarring and damage to your lymphatic system, inflaming your skin and placing pressure on your lymphatic circulation system. Trauma: Your lymphatic system is a rich network of vessels that are directly under your skin, as well as deep. Sometimes, trauma to an area of your body may damage lymphatic vessels under your skin, causing lymphedema. Infection: An infection may increase lymphatic system damage. Having obesity: People who have obesity may have excess fat (adipose tissue) that puts pressure on lymph nodes and vessels. That extra pressure may affect lymphatic drainage. Lack of activity: Your leg muscles pump up lymphatic circulation. If you’re not active, you may have swelling in your legs. Tumors: Tumors may block lymphatic drainage. Heart conditions: People who have heart issues, particularly congestive heart failure, may develop lymphedema. Your lymphatic ducts empty lymph back into your heart. If your heart isn’t working as well as it should, you may notice you’re gaining weight or your legs are swollen. Blood vessel issues: Your blood vessels carry between 80% and 90% of fluid throughout your body. When something affects your blood vessels (vascular system), you may develop chronic blood vessel issues. Chronic blood vessel issues may cause lymphedema. Kidney disease: Your kidneys work to remove extra fluid and waste products from your body. If your kidneys don’t function as they should, your body may have trouble removing fluid. Excess fluid may cause swelling that leads to lymphedema. […] Lymphedema treatments vary depending on your condition’s cause and stage. Treatments may include physical therapy or other treatment to keep lymphatic fluid moving and reduce swelling and pain. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe antibiotics for infections or pain medication.
  • #110 Lymphoedema – symptoms, treatments and causes | healthdirect
    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/lymphoedema
    Secondary lymphoedema is caused by damage to, or blockage of, your lymphatic system due to: surgery lymph nodes are often removed as part of cancer surgery, radiotherapy for cancer, trauma or tissue damage, infection (filariasis), cancer, obesity. […] Surgery or radiotherapy for breast cancer can cause secondary lymphoedema in your arm and chest. […] Surgery or radiotherapy for bowel cancer, prostate cancer or cancer of the reproductive system can cause secondary lymphoedema in the legs or groin area. […] Lymphoedema may occur immediately after your lymphatic system has been damaged or blocked, or it may develop years later.
  • #111 In brief: Causes and signs of edema – InformedHealth.org – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279409/
    Edema can have various causes. To make sure its treated properly, its important to see a doctor and find out what is causing it. Edema can be: […] Heart failure (cardiac insufficiency) can cause edema in the arms and legs (peripheral edema) as well as in the abdomen (ascites). This is because the heart is too weak to pump blood around the body properly, so the blood gathers in front of the heart. As a result, and due to the increased blood pressure in the veins, fluid seeps out into the surrounding tissue. This may cause swelling in the legs or a build-up of fluid in the abdomen. […] Kidney disease can cause edema in the legs and around the eyes. This is because the pressure in the blood vessels starts building up if the kidneys dont remove enough sodium and water from the body, and that can lead to edema.
  • #112 Swollen Hands: 13 Common Causes (& What to Do) – Tua Saúde
    https://www.tuasaude.com/en/swollen-hands/
    Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that causes joint pain and stiffness, particularly in the hands and fingers. […] Tendonitis is characterized by inflammation in the tendons, including those in the hands and fingers. […] Gout is a condition that occurs due to an accumulation of uric acid in the joints. […] Hormonal changes, particularly fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, occur with a normal menstrual cycle, PMS or pregnancy. […] Heart failure is characterized by the hearts inability to pump blood efficiently. This can lead to blood accumulation in the arms, causing swollen hands and fingers. […] Kidney failure is a condition characterized by insufficient kidney function, in which the kidneys are unable to eliminate excess fluid through the urine.
  • #113 10 Reasons You Have Swollen Fingers – Geelong Medical & Health Group
    https://www.geelongmedicalgroup.com.au/2018/12/10-reasons-you-have-swollen-fingers
    You have arthritis pain, and the inflammation in your joints causes your fingers to swell up and resemble little sausages. […] Fingers swell for a lot of reasons-many of them harmless-but sometimes the puffiness (medical term; dactylitis) points to more serious health conditions. […] Heat causes blood vessels to expand, which allows more heat to escape through your skin so you can keep cool, explains rheumatologist Dr Tammy Olsen Utset. […] If you notice puffiness only in your hands and fingers (and not your legs), accompanied by pain or a weak grip, that could be a sign its not just the heat and you need to consult your doctor. […] Your body likes to keep a consistent salt-to-water balance. Taking more salt in means your body compensates by retaining more water, which explains the swelling, Dr Utset says.
  • #114 10 Reasons You Have Swollen Fingers – Geelong Medical & Health Group
    https://www.geelongmedicalgroup.com.au/2018/12/10-reasons-you-have-swollen-fingers
    If its the bony finger joints themselves that are enlarged (i.e., you cant get your rings over your knuckles), osteoarthritis may be to blame, especially if your fingers are swollen in the morning. […] Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that attacks the lining of the joints, can also cause swelling. […] Lymphedema is a limb-swelling disease that results when lymph fluid (which carries waste, bacteria, and viruses out of the body) doesnt adequately drain. […] Swelling in the hands and face-especially if pressing your thumb into your skin leaves a noticeable indentation-can be a red flag for preeclampsia. […] Raynauds is a narrowing of your arteries, often caused by cold weather or stress. […] If your kidneys fail to remove excess fluids-also known as edema-your body will retain it, which could result in swollen hands. […] Some medications youre taking can also cause swelling in the fingers and hands.
  • #115 Mysteriously puffy hand: puffy hand syndrome | BMJ Case Reports
    https://casereports.bmj.com/content/11/1/e227578
    A 59-year-old man with a history of intravenous drug use (DU) presented with a 3-day history of right-hand swelling, redness, warmth and pain. […] Given the lack of serum inflammatory/infectious markers, lack of clinical improvement on antibiotics, the diagnosis of puffy hand syndrome was made. […] Puffy hand syndrome is a lesser-known complication of long-term intravenous DU and may affect about 7%16% of intravenous drug users. […] 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. […] 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.
  • #116 Evaluating edema of the hands
    https://www.hcplive.com/view/evaluating-edema-hands
    Hand edema, or puffy hand syndrome, is seen frequently in primary care practice, and given its broad differential diagnosis, presents physicians a significant diagnostic challenge. Causes range from iatrogenic ones to end-organ disease. […] Considering the usual suspects of edema, such as cardiac, liver, and renal disease, is important; also considering venous thrombosis and lymphedema resulting from breast cancer treatment is a must. […] 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). […] The pathogenesis of hand edema in HCV infection has not been identified definitively. […] The prevalence of HCV infection is up to 75% in injected drug users; the majority manifest chronic disease.
  • #117 Hand Edema: Water Retention in Your Hands | livestrong
    https://www.livestrong.com/article/154456-causes-of-water-retention-in-hands/
    According to the Mayo Clinic, other causes of edema include: Having too much salt in your diet, Pregnancy, Medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), high blood pressure medications, some diabetes medications, steroids and estrogen, A severe lack of protein in your blood, Weak veins or a damaged lymphatic system, which returns fluid to your blood vessels. […] „If hand or feet edema is getting worse or does not respond to movement and elevation, let your doctor know,” says Dr. Mahajan. „Swelling that affects your whole hand is more likely to be edema. Swelling that affects just the joints of your fingers and causes pain may be inflammation, [and] this type of swelling may be a sign of arthritis. Always let your doctor know if you have painful joint swelling.”
  • #118 Puffy hand syndrome | Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine
    https://www.ccjm.org/content/88/4/210
    This study indicated that puffy hand syndrome results primarily from lymphatic obstruction, and that there may be concomitant local scarring resulting from inflammatory reactions at injection sites. […] The differential diagnosis of puffy hand syndrome is broad and includes conditions that cause anasarca, such as congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, cirrhosis of the liver, and severe hypoalbuminemia. Other causes include upper-extremity venous thrombosis, deep palmar space infection, complex regional pain syndrome, lymphedema resulting after axillary lymph node removal or irradiation, and filariasis. […] Treatment is mostly symptomatic. Intravenous drug use should stop permanently. Long-term use of low-stretch bandages and elastic compression gloves may be useful in decreasing the puffiness of the hands and fingers.
  • #119 Top 11 Causes of Hand Swelling | Buoy
    https://www.buoyhealth.com/learn/hand-swelling
    Hand swelling is typically caused by fluid retention, arthritis, or a rise in your body temperature. Some causes will improve on their own and are not cause for alarm. Others can become more serious and damage the structures of the hand. Hand swelling may also indicate an underlying illness. […] Arthritis is a leading cause of swollen hands and fingers. It is an inflammation in the joints, and causes swelling and pain. As swelling and joint inflammation worsen, using the hands can become more difficult. […] Your body has many processes that work to maintain the fluid balance. But sometimes you can have an accumulation of fluid, which leads to swelling in your hands. Fluid retention has a number of causes: Diet (eating too much salt or carbohydrates). A number of medical conditions including thyroid, liver, or kidney disease.
  • #120 Swollen Arms And Hands Oedema | Symptoms, Diagnosis & Causes | Conditions | Healthera
    https://healthera.co.uk/conditions-a-z/swollen-arms-and-hands-oedema/
    Oedema is a condition where certain parts of the body, such as the arms and hands, swell due to excess fluid. This can happen for various reasons and may be temporary or more serious. […] Oedema refers to swelling caused by fluid building up in the body’s tissues. It can occur in different parts of the body, including the arms and hands. The swelling can be painless or may cause discomfort. […] The main symptom of oedema is noticeable swelling in the arms and hands. Other symptoms can include: Tightness in the skin, A feeling of heaviness in the affected areas, Difficulty moving the fingers or wrists, Skin that may look shiny or stretched. […] There are several reasons why oedema may occur, including: Injury or trauma to the arm or hand, Heart problems, which can affect blood flow, Kidney issues, affecting fluid balance, Certain medications that may cause fluid retention, Aside from this, conditions like pregnancy or standing or sitting for long periods can also lead to swelling.
  • #121 Swollen hands and feet – What does it mean? | OrthoIndy Blog
    https://blog.orthoindy.com/2019/05/13/what-does-it-mean-when-your-hands-and-feet-are-swollen/
    Swelling in the hands and feet is not that uncommon. When your hands and feet swell, it typically means that extra fluid has built up in your body’s tissues. There are a number of different reasons why this could occur. […] ‘Edema’ is the medical term for swelling. Edema happens when your small blood vessels leak fluid into nearby tissues. Body parts swell from injury or inflammation. Below are a few additional reasons to why your body may swell. […] However, if you wake up with swollen hands and feet, but did not find a reason listed above, this could be a sign of arthritis. […] “When your feet swell this can be cardiac related, venous stasis, which is slow blood flow in the veins, venous insufficiency, which is when leg veins are not working effectively or rheumatoid arthritis,” says Dr. Robert Falender, OrthoIndy hand, wrist and elbow specialist. […] “Hands will swell from arthritic conditions and from the heat which could be related to vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels.”
  • #122 Hand Edema: Water Retention in Your Hands | livestrong
    https://www.livestrong.com/article/154456-causes-of-water-retention-in-hands/
    According to the Mayo Clinic, other causes of edema include: Having too much salt in your diet, Pregnancy, Medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), high blood pressure medications, some diabetes medications, steroids and estrogen, A severe lack of protein in your blood, Weak veins or a damaged lymphatic system, which returns fluid to your blood vessels. […] „If hand or feet edema is getting worse or does not respond to movement and elevation, let your doctor know,” says Dr. Mahajan. „Swelling that affects your whole hand is more likely to be edema. Swelling that affects just the joints of your fingers and causes pain may be inflammation, [and] this type of swelling may be a sign of arthritis. Always let your doctor know if you have painful joint swelling.”
  • #123 Arm Swelling Relief with Traditional Chinese Medicine – Me & Qi
    https://www.meandqi.com/symptoms/arm%20swelling
    Arm swelling, known in medical terms as edema, represents the accumulation of fluids in the tissues of the arm, leading to increased arm size, sensations of tightness, and discomfort. This condition may arise from various sources such as injuries, infections, underlying health conditions, or as side effects from certain medications. […] Understanding arm swelling’s causes, symptoms, and potential treatments is essential for managing and mitigating its effects on daily life. […] Such imbalances might involve disturbances in the flow of Qi and Blood, accumulation of Dampness, or invasion by external pathogenic factors like Wind, Cold, or Heat. Diagnosing the specific pattern is pivotal, as it informs the customized treatment strategy aimed at rebalancing the body’s energies and alleviating the symptom.
  • #124 Top 11 Causes of Hand Swelling | Buoy
    https://www.buoyhealth.com/learn/hand-swelling
    Dependent edema is caused by your hand being held lower than the heart for a prolonged amount of time. […] Hand injuries include fractures (broken bones), dislocations (bones no longer aligned properly), sprains (overstretched ligament), and strains (overstretched tendon/muscles). […] Infections can involve the skin, nail, tissue, joints, and/or tendons. […] The swelling associated with lymphedema is caused by abnormal drainage of lymph nodes, which are part of your immune system. […] Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction caused by touching an irritating substance, such as soap, bleach, cleaning agents, or other chemicals. […] Scleroderma is a connective tissue disease leading to thickening of skin. It causes swelling and stiffness of skin and joints of the fingers and hands. […] Thoracic outlet syndrome is caused by compression of nerves and/or blood vessels in the area between your collarbone and first rib. It causes pain, swelling, and numbness.
  • #125 Hand and wrist swelling: an expert’s guide | Top Doctors
    https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-articles/hand-and-wrist-swelling-an-expert-s-guide
    Hand and wrist swellings, or lumps can be caused by a wide range of factors like infection, fractures, ligaments injury, inflammation, tumours of different origins or many other reasons. Each category has so many different varieties according to the nature of their causative factor. […] It depends on the causative factor. Fractures can affect any age groups especially sporty people and manual workers. Infections can affect patients if associated with skin cuts like in compromised immunity patients. Osteoarthritis can affect middle aged, elderly people or younger patients after healed fractures, however inflammatory arthritis can affect younger patients especially females. Tumours of bone and surrounding soft tissues can be found at any age depending on the nature of each tumour either benign or malignant and its origin. […] Treatment is required for unresolved swellings following injury, suspected infection, painful/painless swelling increasing in size, or affecting multiple joints. If the swelling affects daily activities and is cosmetically unacceptable, you should also seek treatment.
  • #126 Edema in Seniors | DispatchHealth
    https://www.dispatchhealth.com/conditions/edema/geriatric/
    Edema is not normal, nor is it comfortable to live with. […] Edema affects more than four million people in the United States and is frequently a symptom of an underlying condition in seniors, such as kidney damage, congestive heart failure, COPD, or even arthritis. […] Causes of edema in seniors are wide ranging, minor to extreme. Most cases of mild edema in seniors are side effects of medications for high blood pressure, steroids, diabetes, or estrogens. Other mild causes of edema could include sitting or staying in one position for too long or eating too much salty food. While the pull of gravity could be to blame, edema in seniors could also be caused by or a sign of a much more serious underlying medical condition like: Congestive heart failure, Kidney damage or kidney disease, Liver disease, Chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), Poor lymphatic system function.
  • #127 Swollen Hands? What Could be Happening – Desert Hand Therapy
    https://deserthandandpt.com/swollen-hands-what-could-be-happening/
    Carpal tunnel syndrome results from compression of the median nerve in the wrist and hand. When that nerve is squeezed or pinched, swelling, pain, burning or numbness in the hands can develop. […] Common symptoms of arthritis includes swelling and pain in the hands and other joints. A doctor can help you to determine if your swollen hands are caused by arthritis and which type of arthritis is involved. […] Swollen hands can be a sign of a serious disorder or disease. Be sure you seek immediate medical care and talk with your doctor about your symptoms. Warning signs of a more serious condition include hand swelling, pain, redness and warmth.
  • #128
    http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/health-info/coping-with-cancer/managing-symptoms-side-effects/arm-leg-lymphedema-(swelling)
    Your chance of getting lymphedema will also go up if you have: More than one treatment in the same area (for example, surgery and radiation). Extra body weight. Repeated infections in the same arm or leg. […] We cannot cure lymphedema, but it can be managed. By getting treatment early, you will increase the likelihood of successful treatment. Do not wait to start treatment. […] Talk to your health care team if you notice any signs of lymphedema or if your lymphedema gets worse despite treatment. Lymphedema is easiest to treat when it is mild. […] By managing your lymphedema, you can: Reduce swelling. Improve movement. Lessen pain. Prevent infection. Stop your lymphedema from getting worse. […] These are sleeves, stockings or gauntlets (gloves). They are made of elasticized fabric that put pressure on your arm or leg. This pressure helps drain lymph fluid and stop it from building up.
  • #129
    http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/health-info/coping-with-cancer/managing-symptoms-side-effects/arm-leg-lymphedema-(swelling)
    Your chance of getting lymphedema will also go up if you have: More than one treatment in the same area (for example, surgery and radiation). Extra body weight. Repeated infections in the same arm or leg. […] We cannot cure lymphedema, but it can be managed. By getting treatment early, you will increase the likelihood of successful treatment. Do not wait to start treatment. […] Talk to your health care team if you notice any signs of lymphedema or if your lymphedema gets worse despite treatment. Lymphedema is easiest to treat when it is mild. […] By managing your lymphedema, you can: Reduce swelling. Improve movement. Lessen pain. Prevent infection. Stop your lymphedema from getting worse. […] These are sleeves, stockings or gauntlets (gloves). They are made of elasticized fabric that put pressure on your arm or leg. This pressure helps drain lymph fluid and stop it from building up.
  • #130 Edema Bruising: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment – Tactile Medical
    https://tactilemedical.com/resource-hub/cellulitis-and-edema/edema-bruising-causes-symptoms-treatment/
    Lymphedema is swelling caused by a buildup of fluid in your tissues, resulting in less fluid being processed by the lymphatic system. It can be hereditary, from a secondary source like cancer or cancer treatment, chronic venous disease, obesity, or infection. […] Serious diseases can lead to edema, including congestive heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, and certain lung conditions. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), also known as a blood clot, can cause edema and is a medical emergency. […] Edema and bruising have a close relationship because of their effects on your body. Not only can edema make you bruise easily, but bruises can also cause edema. […] When you have excess fluid in your body’s tissue as a result of edema, it puts more pressure on your blood vessels. This increase in pressure makes it easier for tiny blood vessels to rupture, which is how bruises occur.
  • #131 Causes & Treatment – Lymphoedema / Oedema of Legs & Feet
    https://legsmatter.org/information-and-support/health-concerns/oedema-and-lymphoedema/
    Any form of swelling which does not reduce and has been present for longer than 3 months suggests there is a problem with the lymphatic system and could be called lymphoedema. […] Swelling often happens when our veins are not working as well as they should. […] When this happens, our veins become swollen (varicose veins) that blood is forced into the tissue of our skin making it swell and overburdening the lymphatic system. […] Swelling in the lower legs can also be caused by right-sided congestive heart failure. […] If treatment for a cardiac problem does not resolve chronic foot or ankle swelling, this is a strong indication that the lymphatic system has not been able to cope with the chronic overload of fluid and lymphoedema has developed. […] The treatment for swollen legs depends on what has caused the swelling.
  • #132 Arm Swelling and Pain Post Stroke – Neurolutions
    https://www.neurolutions.com/after-stroke/arm-swelling-and-pain-post-stroke/
    Swelling, or dependent edema, usually appears on the top or sides of the hand. Fluid gradually collects under the extensor tendons due to absent or reduced movement of the hand and upper limb. Pooling of fluid begins to block both passive and active movement, restricting the ability to fully make a fist or straighten the fingers. Pooling of fluid worsens when the hand and upper limb remain in the same position for prolonged periods of time. When the arm hangs towards the floor, gravity promotes fluid to drain down to the fingertips, the hand, from the rest of the arm. […] For swelling, techniques used to lessen gravity’s pull on the weak hand aims to mobilize the fluid from pocketing in the hand. They are as follows: […] Compression works by helping to control swelling by placing a boundary to which the swelling can reach and then sending the fluid back toward the heart. Many stroke survivors may have heard the term Isotoner glove. These tend to remain popular, however, unfortunately, Isotoner gloves may not provide the required level of medical-grade compression needed to support fluid once it has begun to fill the hand and wrist area.
  • #133 In brief: Causes and signs of edema – InformedHealth.org – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279409/
    Edema can have various causes. To make sure its treated properly, its important to see a doctor and find out what is causing it. Edema can be: […] Heart failure (cardiac insufficiency) can cause edema in the arms and legs (peripheral edema) as well as in the abdomen (ascites). This is because the heart is too weak to pump blood around the body properly, so the blood gathers in front of the heart. As a result, and due to the increased blood pressure in the veins, fluid seeps out into the surrounding tissue. This may cause swelling in the legs or a build-up of fluid in the abdomen. […] Kidney disease can cause edema in the legs and around the eyes. This is because the pressure in the blood vessels starts building up if the kidneys dont remove enough sodium and water from the body, and that can lead to edema.
  • #134 Edema – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/edema/symptoms-causes/syc-20366493
    Liver damage from cirrhosis can cause fluid to build up in the stomach area. and in the legs. […] Kidney disease can cause fluid and salts in the blood to build up. Edema linked to kidney disease usually occurs in the legs and around the eyes. […] Damage to the tiny, filtering blood vessels in the kidneys can result in nephrotic syndrome. In nephrotic syndrome, decreased levels of protein in the blood can lead to edema. […] Weakness or damage to veins in your legs. This condition, known as chronic venous insufficiency, harms the one-way valves in the leg. […] Sudden swelling in one leg with pain in the calf muscle can be due to a blood clot in one of the leg veins. DVT requires medical help right away. […] If the body’s lymphatic system is damaged, such as by cancer surgery, the lymphatic system might not drain well. […] An extreme lack of protein in the diet over time can lead to edema.
  • #135 In brief: Causes and signs of edema – InformedHealth.org – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279409/
    Low protein levels in the blood: If theres a lack of the protein albumin in the blood, fluid can leak out of blood vessels more easily. This lack of protein can be caused by extreme malnutrition. It can also be caused by kidney and liver diseases where the body loses too much protein or produces too little protein. […] Liver diseases: Scarring of liver tissue (liver cirrhosis) for instance, due to long-term alcohol abuse or a liver inflammation can cause edema in the abdomen (called ascites). This is because cirrhosis leads to a lack of proteins and a build-up of blood in the liver, which can increase the pressure in the blood vessels. As a result, fluid seeps out into the abdomen. […] Severe lung diseases like emphysema can also cause edema in the legs and feet because the pressure in the lungs increases a lot. Blood builds up in the heart and veins.
  • #136 Edema – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/edema/symptoms-causes/syc-20366493
    Liver damage from cirrhosis can cause fluid to build up in the stomach area. and in the legs. […] Kidney disease can cause fluid and salts in the blood to build up. Edema linked to kidney disease usually occurs in the legs and around the eyes. […] Damage to the tiny, filtering blood vessels in the kidneys can result in nephrotic syndrome. In nephrotic syndrome, decreased levels of protein in the blood can lead to edema. […] Weakness or damage to veins in your legs. This condition, known as chronic venous insufficiency, harms the one-way valves in the leg. […] Sudden swelling in one leg with pain in the calf muscle can be due to a blood clot in one of the leg veins. DVT requires medical help right away. […] If the body’s lymphatic system is damaged, such as by cancer surgery, the lymphatic system might not drain well. […] An extreme lack of protein in the diet over time can lead to edema.
  • #137 Top 11 Causes of Hand Swelling | Buoy
    https://www.buoyhealth.com/learn/hand-swelling
    Hand swelling is typically caused by fluid retention, arthritis, or a rise in your body temperature. Some causes will improve on their own and are not cause for alarm. Others can become more serious and damage the structures of the hand. Hand swelling may also indicate an underlying illness. […] Arthritis is a leading cause of swollen hands and fingers. It is an inflammation in the joints, and causes swelling and pain. As swelling and joint inflammation worsen, using the hands can become more difficult. […] Your body has many processes that work to maintain the fluid balance. But sometimes you can have an accumulation of fluid, which leads to swelling in your hands. Fluid retention has a number of causes: Diet (eating too much salt or carbohydrates). A number of medical conditions including thyroid, liver, or kidney disease.
  • #138 Lymphedema in Legs & Arms: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
    https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-lymphedema
    Cancer can harm your lymphatic system in several ways. A cancerous tumor can physically keep lymphatic fluid from draining properly. A buildup of extra white blood cells due to leukemia can lead to lymphatic damage. So can radiation treatment for cancer or surgery to remove lymph nodes, which may be done to see whether cancer has spread. It may take months or years for lymphedema to show up after cancer treatment. […] Cancers that form near lymph nodes and vessels, such as those in the abdomen, breast, or genital areas, are more likely to lead to lymphedema. […] Lymphedema is swelling that’s caused by a collection of too much lymph fluid. It usually happens in your arms and legs, but it can happen in other parts of your body, as well. This swelling may cause pain and limit how well the affected area moves.
  • #139 Swollen arms and hands (oedema) | NICS Well
    https://www.nicswell.co.uk/conditions-and-treatments/swollen-arms-and-hands-oedema
    Swelling in the arms and hands is often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas, called oedema. […] Oedema is usually caused by: staying in the same position for too long, eating too much salty food, being overweight, being pregnant, taking certain medicines such as some blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, antidepressants or steroids. […] Oedema can also be caused by: an injury such as a strain or sprain, sudden changes in temperature such as very hot weather, an insect bite or sting, problems with your kidneys, liver or heart, a blood clot, an infection. […] Treatment for swelling or oedema that does not go away on its own will depend on the cause.
  • #140
    http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/health-info/coping-with-cancer/managing-symptoms-side-effects/arm-leg-lymphedema-(swelling)
    Your chance of getting lymphedema will also go up if you have: More than one treatment in the same area (for example, surgery and radiation). Extra body weight. Repeated infections in the same arm or leg. […] We cannot cure lymphedema, but it can be managed. By getting treatment early, you will increase the likelihood of successful treatment. Do not wait to start treatment. […] Talk to your health care team if you notice any signs of lymphedema or if your lymphedema gets worse despite treatment. Lymphedema is easiest to treat when it is mild. […] By managing your lymphedema, you can: Reduce swelling. Improve movement. Lessen pain. Prevent infection. Stop your lymphedema from getting worse. […] These are sleeves, stockings or gauntlets (gloves). They are made of elasticized fabric that put pressure on your arm or leg. This pressure helps drain lymph fluid and stop it from building up.
  • #141 Swollen arms and hands (oedema) | Health Information from Winer Chemist
    https://winerchemist.co.uk/nhs_conditions_swollen-arms-and-hands-oedema
    Swelling in the arms or hands (oedema) often goes away on its own. See a GP if it does not get better in a few days. […] Swelling in the arms and hands is often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas. […] It’s usually caused by staying in the same position for too long, eating too much salty food, being pregnant, taking certain medicines such as some blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, antidepressants and steroids. […] It can also be caused by an injury such as a strain or sprain, sudden changes in temperature such as very hot weather, an insect bite or sting, a skin allergy such as angioedema, problems with your kidneys, liver or heart, a blood clot, an infection, some conditions such as lymphoedema or psoriatic arthritis. […] Treatment for swelling or oedema that does not go away on its own will depend on the cause. […] Possible treatments include changing your medicine if this is the cause of the swelling, treating any condition that is causing the swelling, diuretics (water pills) to help reduce the swelling, wearing special gloves or sleeves to stop any swelling from coming back (compression aids).
  • #142
    http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/health-info/coping-with-cancer/managing-symptoms-side-effects/arm-leg-lymphedema-(swelling)
    Exercising has many benefits: Increases muscle tone. May help move lymph fluid out of your arm or leg and reduce swelling. Helps keep a healthy body weight. […] Specially trained Physiotherapists and Massage Therapists who can help you manage lymphedema. They use compression bandages, a type of massage called manual lymphatic drainage, exercise, and skin care.
  • #143
    http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/health-info/coping-with-cancer/managing-symptoms-side-effects/arm-leg-lymphedema-(swelling)
    Your chance of getting lymphedema will also go up if you have: More than one treatment in the same area (for example, surgery and radiation). Extra body weight. Repeated infections in the same arm or leg. […] We cannot cure lymphedema, but it can be managed. By getting treatment early, you will increase the likelihood of successful treatment. Do not wait to start treatment. […] Talk to your health care team if you notice any signs of lymphedema or if your lymphedema gets worse despite treatment. Lymphedema is easiest to treat when it is mild. […] By managing your lymphedema, you can: Reduce swelling. Improve movement. Lessen pain. Prevent infection. Stop your lymphedema from getting worse. […] These are sleeves, stockings or gauntlets (gloves). They are made of elasticized fabric that put pressure on your arm or leg. This pressure helps drain lymph fluid and stop it from building up.
  • #144 Arm Swelling and Pain Post Stroke – Neurolutions
    https://www.neurolutions.com/after-stroke/arm-swelling-and-pain-post-stroke/
    One of the best ways to combat swelling in the hand following a stroke is to actively move the hand. The Pumping of muscles in the arm acts like a pump to push/pull fluid away from the hand and back to the heart. […] If active movement is not possible, implementation of a passive range of motion home exercise program is essential to help maintain the movement of fluid within the hand and to the rest of the arm. […] Sometimes fluid responds well to the use of ice to promote vasoconstriction or tightening of the vascular and arterial system. Also, some individuals respond well to special, one-way stretch fabric kinesiology taping. […] As a note, this article references swelling caused by weakness of the arm leading to what is called dependent edema in the hand, signified by pitting soft fluid. Pitting is a description for when the skin and tissue can be pushed down and causes brief to lasting indentation- almost like bread or a water balloon.
  • #145 Swollen Arm and Hand (Edema) Following Stroke – Neurorehabdirectory.comNeurorehabdirectory.com
    https://www.neurorehabdirectory.com/swollen-arm-hand-edema-following-stroke/
    Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the bodys tissues. Although edema can affect any part of your body, its most commonly noticed in the hands, arms, feet, ankles and legs. Edema occurs from a variety of reasons. […] Hand edema following stroke with hemiparesis is associated with pain and stiffness, which can lead to a decrease in active motion and disuse. The etiology of the development of hand edema is unclear. The most widely accepted explanation is that of increased venous congestion related to prolonged dependency and loss of muscle pumping function in the paretic limb (Leibovitz et al. 2007). […] Significant predictors of hand function following stroke included the degree of motor impairment, hypertonia, tactile inattention, and edema. […] The authors concluded that the theory suggesting that disuse in the paretic limb is the major cause of the development of hand edema is unlikely to be true. […] Treatment approaches to aid in the reduction of hand edema following stroke include passive range of motion exercises, neuromuscular stimulation, intermittent pneumatic compression, hot/cold therapy and compression garments.
  • #146 Swollen Arm After Stroke: Why It Occurs & How to Treat It
    https://www.flintrehab.com/swollen-arm-after-stroke/?srsltid=AfmBOoq-8cwbryY1eYWsQz5VyXDLWrlv50RHltXvIqY_DTOPPU7SG8kK
    A swollen arm after stroke can lead to discomfort, pain, and difficulty with completing daily activities. […] Lack of movement in the affected limb is often the primary cause of swelling, although other causes are plausible. […] Fluid buildup in the arms or legs is referred to as peripheral edema. While there are many causes of peripheral edema, hemiparesis (one-sided weakness) is the most common cause among stroke survivors. […] Because individuals with hemiparesis often do not move their affected arm regularly, the lymphatic system cannot rely on muscle and joint movement to help pump lymphatic fluid out of the arm effectively. This can cause fluid to pool in the arm and hand, which is outwardly apparent as swelling. […] Other potential causes of edema after stroke include: Physical inactivity, Side effects of new medication, Being overweight, High sodium intake, Blood clotting, Infection, Hot and humid weather.
  • #147 Caring for Edema in the Elderly | Senior Health Care Solutions
    https://seniorhealthpa.com/caring-for-edema-in-the-elderly-senior-health-care-solutions/
    Edema can also be a symptom of a serious underlying condition. […] If your loved one is sedentary due to lack of mobility, has recently undergone surgery, or has a clotting condition, persistent pain or swelling could be a symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). […] When treating seniors for edema, it is important to find the root cause of the symptoms. […] If your loved one has any chronic conditions, such as heart disease, managing the overall condition will help to eliminate or minimize the swelling and discomfort caused by edema.
  • #148
    http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/health-info/coping-with-cancer/managing-symptoms-side-effects/arm-leg-lymphedema-(swelling)
    Your chance of getting lymphedema will also go up if you have: More than one treatment in the same area (for example, surgery and radiation). Extra body weight. Repeated infections in the same arm or leg. […] We cannot cure lymphedema, but it can be managed. By getting treatment early, you will increase the likelihood of successful treatment. Do not wait to start treatment. […] Talk to your health care team if you notice any signs of lymphedema or if your lymphedema gets worse despite treatment. Lymphedema is easiest to treat when it is mild. […] By managing your lymphedema, you can: Reduce swelling. Improve movement. Lessen pain. Prevent infection. Stop your lymphedema from getting worse. […] These are sleeves, stockings or gauntlets (gloves). They are made of elasticized fabric that put pressure on your arm or leg. This pressure helps drain lymph fluid and stop it from building up.
  • #149 Arm Swelling and Pain Post Stroke – Neurolutions
    https://www.neurolutions.com/after-stroke/arm-swelling-and-pain-post-stroke/
    Techniques to reduce dependent swelling are different from techniques to manage lymphedema swelling. Over time, prolonged swelling in the same area can sometimes turn into lymphedema if not treated following a stroke, turning into non-pitting edema. Lymphedema is serious and difficult to treat without professional help.
  • #150 Why do I have swollen hands in hot weather? | Melbourne Hand
    https://melbournehand.com.au/why-do-i-have-swollen-hands-in-hot-weather/
    To prevent or reduce oedema in the hands during hot weather, its important to maintain adequate hydration levels, elevate the affected limb, and avoid prolonged standing or sitting. […] Compression therapy using compression garments such as gloves or sleeves can provide gentle pressure on the affected area and encourage the movement of fluid out of the affected area. Additionally, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a gentle massage technique that is typically performed by a qualified hand therapist and can be very effective in reducing swelling in the hands.
  • #151 How to Reduce Swelling in Hands After Surgery – Atlanta, GA
    https://www.gahand.org/services/wrist/reduce-swelling-in-hands-after-surgery
    Swelling is the bodys natural reaction to trauma, including that caused by surgery. It is part of the normal healing process. The fluid in swelling contains cells that prevent infection and help wounds to heal. […] Swelling will usually last for about one week after hand surgery. […] You may also take an anti-inflammatory medicine such as naproxen or ibuprofen which can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. […] An ice pack can be used to bring down swelling and inflammation. […] Finger movement helps to increase blood flow and drainage, and will thereby minimize swelling.