What causes swollen hands and how is it treated?

From the Guidelines

Swollen hands are most commonly caused by lymphedema, a condition characterized by the blockage of lymphatic fluid, which can occur after breast surgery and/or radiation, and can be treated with supervised, slowly progressive resistance training and weight loss for those who are overweight or obese, as recommended by the American Cancer Society and American Society of Clinical Oncology 1.

Causes of Swollen Hands

• Lymphedema: a condition characterized by the blockage of lymphatic fluid, which can occur after breast surgery and/or radiation, affecting over 40% of breast cancer survivors 1
• Erythromelalgia: a rare disorder characterized by episodic, burning pain associated with erythema and warmth of the extremities, which can cause swelling in the hands and feet 1
• Fluid retention: caused by various factors such as salt intake, hydration, and hormonal changes
• Injuries: minor or major injuries to the hand or wrist can cause swelling
• Infections: bacterial or viral infections can cause swelling and pain in the hands
• Arthritis: various types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, can cause swelling and pain in the hands

Treatment of Swollen Hands

• Supervised, slowly progressive resistance training is safe and effective for breast cancer survivors with regard to lymphedema development, and may reduce the likelihood of arm swelling among breast cancer survivors at high risk for lymphedema who have had five or more lymph nodes removed 1
• Weight loss: recommended for those who are overweight or obese to reduce the risk of lymphedema 1
• RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation can help reduce swelling and pain in minor injuries
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications: such as ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce pain and swelling
• Prescription medications: such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs may be necessary for arthritis-related swelling
• Antibiotics: may be required for infection-related swelling
• Lifestyle modifications: such as reducing salt intake and staying hydrated can help reduce fluid retention and swelling

Importance of Medical Attention

• Persistent or severe swelling, especially when accompanied by pain, redness, warmth, or if it affects your ability to use your hands, warrants medical attention
• Erythromelalgia can have severe complications, such as increased morbidity and mortality, and increased risk for suicide, if left untreated or poorly managed 1
• Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals with swollen hands.

From the FDA Drug Label

Swelling of the arms, legs, hands, and feet The FDA drug label mentions that swelling of the hands can be a side effect of NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen.

• The exact cause of swollen hands is not explicitly stated in the label, but it is listed as a possible side effect.
• Treatment for swollen hands is not explicitly stated in the label, but it is recommended to stop taking the NSAID and call your healthcare provider right away if you experience swelling of the arms, legs, hands, and feet 2.

From the Research

Causes of Swollen Hands

• Swollen hands can be caused by various factors, including medication side effects, as seen in a case where an 80-year-old woman developed periorbital edema after taking ibuprofen and naproxen 3
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can lead to adverse effects, including swelling, especially in elderly patients or those with certain medical conditions 4, 5
• Other possible causes of swollen hands include injury, infection, or underlying medical conditions, although these are not directly mentioned in the provided studies

Treatment of Swollen Hands

• Discontinuing the use of NSAIDs that cause swelling can help resolve the issue, as seen in the case of the 80-year-old woman who stopped taking ibuprofen and naproxen and had her symptoms resolve 3
• Alternative pain management options, such as acetaminophen, may be recommended for patients who experience adverse effects from NSAIDs 3, 6
• Selecting NSAIDs with lower renal excretion and phase 2 metabolism may help reduce the risk of adverse effects, including swelling, in certain patient populations 4