Swollen hand and unable to make a fist

Fluid in the fingers can make them feel tight, while pain or inflammation around the knuckles can stop a full bend. After a fall or impact, a sprain, tendon injury, or fracture may limit grip; a distal radius fracture can also cause wrist and hand swelling. Swelling and stiffness affecting several knuckles, particularly with prolonged morning stiffness or symptoms in both hands, can occur with rheumatoid arthritis. Numbness, tingling, colour change, or a cold finger suggests that nerves or circulation need prompt assessment.

Remove rings before swelling increases. Rest from heavy gripping, keep the hand elevated, and use a wrapped cold pack after a recent injury. Keep the wrist in a comfortable neutral position and move the fingers gently only through an easy range; stop if pain sharpens or swelling increases. Do not force a fist, squeeze a ball, or manipulate a possibly fractured hand. Seek an examination when the limitation persists, follows trauma, or interferes with eating, dressing, or work. A clinician may check tendons, joints, sensation, and need for imaging.

Get urgent care if the hand is deformed, rapidly enlarging, numb, blue or pale, unusually cold, or severely painful. Immediate assessment is also needed when a finger cannot straighten or bend after an injury, or when fever and spreading redness accompany the swelling. Emergency help is required for breathing trouble or mouth and throat swelling after a sting or medicine. Do not delay evaluation after a fall if wrist pain and inability to grip occur together.

What structure is preventing a full fist? Do I need an X-ray or another test? Which finger movements are safe? Should I use a splint, and for how long?