What should you know about hand pain and swelling at night?

A hand can feel fuller after it has been held still, and inflammation may become more noticeable when distractions stop. Aching in several finger joints, stiffness on waking, or symptoms in both hands can point toward an inflammatory joint problem such as rheumatoid arthritis. Tingling, burning, or numbness may suggest pressure on a nerve. Pain after an earlier fall can also persist even when the original swelling has faded; a distal radius fracture is one possibility around the wrist. The pattern, affected joints, and daytime triggers help guide assessment.

Record when the swelling starts, which joints are affected, and whether stiffness improves after gentle movement. Keep the hand in a neutral, comfortable position at night and avoid tight jewellery. Gentle movement within comfort can reduce stiffness, but stop if pain sharply increases. Elevate the hand when resting if that feels relieving. Arrange a medical review if symptoms recur, interfere with sleep, or are accompanied by morning stiffness, tingling, or reduced grip.

Get urgent help for sudden severe swelling, a hot red hand, fever, rapidly worsening pain, marked weakness, or fingers that become cold, pale, blue, or numb. After an injury, urgent review is needed if the hand is misshapen or movement is greatly limited. These signs need examination rather than home monitoring.

Ask whether the pattern fits joint inflammation, nerve pressure, or an injury; whether blood tests or imaging would help; and how to protect sleep and hand function while the cause is being assessed. Bring a brief symptom diary and a list of medicines.