Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: September 24, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Left Hand Swelling

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Trauma or Injury: This is often the most common reason for swelling in one hand, as it can result from a variety of injuries such as a fall, a blow to the hand, or overuse. The swelling could be due to bruising, fracture, or sprain.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Infection: Bacterial or fungal infections can cause swelling, redness, and warmth in the hand. This could be due to a cut or puncture wound that became infected.
  • Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis can cause swelling in the hands, although they typically affect both hands.
  • Venous or Lymphatic Obstruction: A blockage in the veins or lymphatic vessels can lead to swelling, although this is more common in the legs, it can occur in the arms.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Although less common in the arms than in the legs, DVT can cause swelling and requires immediate medical attention to prevent pulmonary embolism.
  • Compartment Syndrome: A serious condition resulting from increased pressure within a muscle compartment, which can lead to nerve and muscle damage if not promptly treated.
  • Necrotizing Fasciitis: A severe infection that can cause swelling, pain, and redness, and can rapidly progress to a life-threatening condition.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Sarcoidosis: A condition that can cause swelling in the hands due to granulomatous inflammation, although it is rare and typically involves other parts of the body.
  • Amyloidosis: A group of diseases that can cause swelling due to the deposition of abnormal proteins in tissues, including the hands, but this is exceedingly rare.
  • Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome: A rare congenital condition characterized by abnormal development of blood vessels, which can lead to swelling and other symptoms in the affected limb.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.