Shoulder Pain and Hand Swelling

After a fall or impact, swelling may involve the wrist or hand as well as the shoulder; a distal radius fracture is one injury clinicians consider when wrist pain, tenderness, or deformity is present. Inflammatory joint disease can cause swelling in the hand with pain and stiffness in other joints; rheumatoid arthritis is one possible condition. Nerve irritation from the neck or shoulder may cause tingling, altered sensation, or weakness, although it does not explain every swollen hand. Hand swelling itself can also result from keeping the arm down or still. The pattern needs examination rather than a diagnosis from symptoms alone.

Remove tight rings, watches, or bracelets before swelling increases. Rest from heavy use, support the arm in a comfortable raised position, and gently move the fingers if movement is not sharply painful. Do not massage a recently injured or markedly swollen area, and do not force a stiff shoulder. Record when the swelling began, whether one or both hands are affected, and any colour or temperature change. For symptom background, see Hand Swelling.

Seek urgent help if the hand becomes cold, pale, blue, very painful, numb, or difficult to move, or if swelling develops quickly after injury. Emergency care is also needed for shoulder pain with chest pressure, breathlessness, faintness, or sweating. Prompt medical review is appropriate for fever, a hot red joint, spreading redness, obvious deformity, or swelling that keeps increasing. Arrange an appointment when symptoms persist, recur, or affect grip and daily tasks.

Ask whether the swelling appears to come from the hand, wrist, nerve, or circulation, and whether an X-ray or other test is needed. Ask how to position the arm, which movements are safe, and which colour, temperature, sensation, or strength changes require urgent return.