From the Guidelines
Swelling of the hands and feet, also known as edema, is most frequently caused by poor circulation, fluid retention, medical conditions, injuries or overuse, medications, obesity, and hot weather, as supported by the most recent study 1.
Causes of Edema
The causes of edema can be categorized into several factors, including:
- Poor circulation: This can result from prolonged sitting or standing, leading to fluid accumulation in the extremities.
- Fluid retention: Often caused by excessive salt intake, hormonal changes during menstruation or pregnancy, or certain medications like calcium channel blockers or corticosteroids.
- Medical conditions: Heart failure, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, and venous insufficiency can all lead to swelling in hands and feet, as noted in the study 1.
- Injuries or overuse: Sprains, strains, or repetitive motions can cause localized swelling.
- Medications: Some blood pressure medications, diabetes drugs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause fluid retention.
- Obesity: Excess weight can impair circulation and lead to fluid buildup.
- Hot weather: Heat can cause blood vessels to expand, leading to swelling, especially in the feet.
Importance of Medical Attention
If you experience persistent or severe swelling, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, as sudden or severe swelling can indicate a serious condition like heart failure or deep vein thrombosis, as highlighted in the study 1. In the meantime, elevating your limbs, reducing salt intake, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular exercise can help alleviate mild swelling. For immediate relief, applying cold compresses and wearing compression socks or gloves may be beneficial.
Additional Considerations
Other conditions, such as erythromelalgia, can also cause swelling and pain in the hands and feet, as discussed in the study 1. Additionally, Kawasaki disease can cause swelling or erythema of the hands and feet, as noted in the study 1. However, these conditions are less common and require a thorough medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and treatment.
From the Research
Causes of Edema
The frequent causes of edema (swelling) of the hands and feet include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which can cause fluid retention, leading to edema 2, 3
- Sodium retention caused by NSAIDs, resulting in weight gain, peripheral edema, and hypertension 3
- Decreased renal function, which can lead to fluid retention and edema 2, 3, 4
- Heart failure, which can be exacerbated by NSAIDs, leading to edema 4, 5
- Other medications such as cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors, estrogens, progestins, and rosiglitazone, which can cause fluid retention and increase the risk of edema 6
Mechanisms of Edema
The mechanisms by which these causes lead to edema include:
- Inhibition of renal prostaglandin synthesis by NSAIDs, leading to decreased renal function and fluid retention 2, 3
- Increased intravascular volume and pressure due to fluid retention, leading to turbulent blood flow and endothelial dysfunction 6
- Decreased sodium excretion, leading to weight gain and peripheral edema 3
- Increased risk of heart failure due to NSAIDs, leading to edema 4, 5