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Last updated: November 1, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Whole Hand Swelling

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Trauma or Injury: This is often the most common cause of whole hand swelling, resulting from accidents, sports injuries, or other forms of physical trauma. The swelling can be due to bruising, hematoma, or soft tissue injury.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Infection (Cellulitis or Abscess): Bacterial infections can cause significant swelling of the hand, often accompanied by redness, warmth, and pain. These infections can arise from minor cuts or puncture wounds.
  • Allergic Reaction: An allergic reaction to an insect bite, sting, or contact with an allergen can cause swelling of the hand, which may be accompanied by itching, redness, and blistering.
  • Rheumatologic Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can cause swelling in the hands due to inflammation of the joints.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Compartment Syndrome: A serious condition that occurs when pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels, cutting off blood flow and preventing nourishment and oxygen from reaching nerve and muscle cells. It requires immediate medical attention.
  • Necrotizing Fasciitis: A severe infection that destroys the tissue under the skin, including fat and the tissue covering the muscles (fascia). It's a medical emergency.
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Although more common in the legs, DVT can occur in the arms and hands, especially after trauma or prolonged immobilization. It poses a risk of pulmonary embolism.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Sarcoidosis: A disease characterized by the growth of tiny collections of inflammatory cells (granulomas) in any part of the body — most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes — but can also affect the skin and joints, leading to swelling.
  • Angioedema: A rare condition characterized by the rapid swelling of the dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa, and submucosal tissues. It can be hereditary or acquired.
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition characterized by severe, burning pain at the site of an injury, which can also cause swelling and changes in skin temperature and color.

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.

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