Table of contents:
- Various ways to deal with swollen fingers, according to the cause
- 1. Cold water compress
- 2. Movement of your fingers
- Other treatments
- Overcoming swollen fingers due to injury
- Overcoming swollen fingers due to infection
The causes of swollen fingers are numerous, ranging from minor ones such as insect bites or sprains to serious health problems - such as nail fungus infection, rheumatism, gout, bursitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Changes in extreme body temperature, salt buildup in the body, and certain hormonal disorders can also cause finger swelling.
Swollen fingers can be treated in many ways. However, you also need to pay attention to other symptoms that arise. Are your fingers swollen too? Pain or hot? Or is it numbness or tingling? Is it difficult to move? Do you have lumps, swollen joints?
Various ways to deal with swollen fingers, according to the cause
1. Cold water compress
Swollen fingers don't really need special medicine, because they usually go away on their own. One common treatment for swelling is to apply a cold compress to the swollen finger. It can also stop swelling and pain in your fingers.
Cold temperatures can stimulate the constriction of blood vessels to slow down blood flow to the injury site. Decreased blood flow will cause less inflammatory agents moving toward the injury site, which can reduce swelling and pain.
Cold compress your swollen finger for 10-15 minutes, but no longer than 20 minutes for 1 session. Wrap the compress first with a towel so that the cold temperature does not touch the skin directly. If you want to repeat, give pause for 10 minutes before starting to compress again.
2. Movement of your fingers
If your fingers are swollen due to poor circulation, tension, or fluid retention, try exercising your fingers to reduce swelling. Finger stretching can improve blood flow and relieve muscle tension around the swollen area.
Other treatments
- If you are wearing a ring, remove the ring.
- A low sodium diet can help reduce swelling.
- Drink plenty of fluids to help prevent swelling caused by dehydration.
- Keep your skin cool in hot environments.
Overcoming swollen fingers due to injury
During the first 24 hours after an injury, do not use your injured finger / toe or wrist / foot if possible. An elastic bandage can help reduce swelling. The bandage will also remind you to rest your injured hand or wrist.
Talk to your doctor if you think you need to use a splint or bandage for more than 48 to 72 hours.
Gently massage or scrub the area to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. Do not massage the injured area if it causes pain.
For the first 48 hours after the injury, avoid things that can increase the swelling, such as hot showers, hot baths, or alcoholic beverages.
After 48-72 hours and the swelling has gone, use a hot compress and begin gentle finger movements to help restore and maintain flexibility. Some experts recommend alternating hot and cold compresses.
Overcoming swollen fingers due to infection
Finger swelling due to infection caused by bacteria will usually be treated with antibiotics and medical treatment.
The doctor may cut and slice the wound. Sometimes they may need to have surgery to make sure all the infections are removed. However, the treatment of swollen fingers due to infection varies from person to person depending on the severity.
