What should you know about foot and hand swelling?

Swelling is a visible or felt increase in soft-tissue fluid. It may appear after repetitive use, a knock, a sprain, prolonged standing, or heat. Inflammation can make the area tender and warm, while fluid retention may affect both sides more evenly. A swollen hand after a fall can occur with a wrist injury such as a distal radius fracture; stiffness and difficulty gripping deserve assessment. Swelling in several small joints with morning stiffness can be a presentation of rheumatoid arthritis, but swelling alone cannot identify its cause. Note whether one limb or both are involved and whether the change is improving.

Reduce activities that increase pain and keep the affected limb comfortably raised when resting. Gentle movement of the fingers, ankle, and toes can help prevent stiffness if it does not increase pain. Supportive footwear and loose rings, watches, or shoes may reduce pressure. A wrapped cool pack can be used briefly with a cloth barrier; avoid placing ice directly on skin. Do not massage a newly injured or hot, red area until a clinician has advised you. Arrange an examination if swelling persists, repeatedly returns, or limits walking, hand use, or joint movement.

Seek urgent medical care for sudden swelling with breathing difficulty, chest pain, faintness, or swelling of the lips or tongue. Prompt assessment is also needed for a limb that becomes very red, hot, severely painful, numb, pale, or blue, or for swelling after a significant injury. Fever, spreading redness, drainage, or feeling acutely unwell may signal infection. If you cannot bear weight, move the hand, or use the fingers normally, arrange same-day evaluation.

Ask what pattern of swelling is present, whether an injury or joint inflammation is suspected, and whether examination or imaging is needed. Tell the clinician when it began, what makes it worse, any new medicines, and whether other joints or body areas are affected.