Swelling inside the palm of your hand: what to know

A small tender area after gripping, repetitive work, or a minor knock may reflect soft-tissue irritation. Swelling after a fall can accompany a fracture or tendon injury; a distal radius fracture can also cause swelling in the hand and fingers. Warmth, spreading redness, drainage, fever, or worsening tenderness raises concern for infection. Tingling, numbness, or difficulty bending a finger can indicate pressure on a nerve or tendon. Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis may affect the small joints and surrounding tissues, sometimes on both hands.

Remove rings and tight jewellery early, rest the hand, and keep it raised when possible. A cool pack wrapped in cloth may help for short periods; avoid placing ice directly on skin. Do not massage a hot, increasingly red, or unexplained lump. Note when the swelling began, whether it changes with movement, and whether there was an injury, bite, new product, or repetitive activity. A clinician can examine movement, sensation, circulation, and the exact location; they may arrange imaging when an injury is suspected.

Seek urgent medical care if the hand becomes blue, pale, very tight, or suddenly numb; if a finger cannot move; or if swelling follows a significant injury or deformity. Prompt assessment is also needed for rapidly spreading redness, marked warmth, pus, fever, or severe pain. Arrange a routine appointment when swelling persists, returns, forms a firm lump, or interferes with work, sleep, or grip.

Could this involve a tendon, joint, nerve, or skin infection? Do I need an X-ray or another test? Which movements should I limit, and how should I protect the hand while it settles?