What should you know about only one hand swollen?

A recent fall or impact can injure the wrist or hand, including a distal radius fracture. A puncture, bite, cut, or infected wound can cause warmth, redness, tenderness, and spreading swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis can inflame joints and may cause stiffness, pain, and swelling, although its pattern varies between people.

Tight rings, reduced circulation, fluid buildup, or irritation from repeated use can add to discomfort. Numbness, colour change, weakness, or fingers becoming difficult to move are useful details for a clinician. The appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Remove rings and watches before swelling increases. Rest the hand, keep it elevated, and use a wrapped cold pack for short periods after a minor injury if sensation and circulation are normal. Avoid tight bandages and do not force stiff fingers or a painful wrist.

Arrange assessment if swelling persists, follows an injury, or is accompanied by warmth, redness, fever, wound drainage, or reduced movement. A clinician may examine the skin, joints, nerves, and circulation and may order imaging.

Seek urgent care for severe pain, an obvious deformity, pale or blue fingers, new numbness, inability to move the fingers, rapidly spreading redness, pus, or fever with a painful swollen hand. Emergency assessment is needed after a major injury or when the hand suddenly becomes cold or weak.

Could this be a fracture, infection, or inflammatory arthritis? Do I need an X-ray or other scan? How should I protect the hand while it heals? Which pain relief is appropriate for me? What changes mean I should return urgently?