Differential Diagnosis for Hand Swelling
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Trauma (e.g., sprain, fracture, or bruise): This is often the most common cause of hand swelling due to the high likelihood of injury to the hand in daily activities or accidents.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Infection (e.g., cellulitis, abscess): Bacterial infections can cause swelling, redness, and warmth in the hand.
- Arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis): Various forms of arthritis can lead to hand swelling, especially in the context of joint inflammation.
- Overuse or repetitive strain injury: Activities that involve repetitive motions of the hand can lead to swelling due to inflammation of the tendons or ligaments.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Compartment syndrome: A serious condition that occurs when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels, reducing blood flow and potentially leading to nerve and muscle damage.
- Septic arthritis: A bacterial infection within a joint, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Although less common in the hand, DVT can occur and is a potentially life-threatening condition if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: A condition characterized by the growth of granulomas (inflammatory cells) in various parts of the body, including the hands, which can cause swelling.
- Gout: A form of arthritis caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals within the joints, which can lead to acute, painful swelling.
- Erythromelalgia: A rare disorder characterized by burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet, which can also present with swelling.