Hand Surgeons Explain ‘Puffy Hand Syndrome’
Unfortunately, as we get older, our bodies continue to surprise us with new aches, pains, and other frustrating changes. Thinning hair, a bigger belly, or tired feet are all common signs of aging that most of us just “learn to live with.”
But ignoring some changes in the body can be dangerous, because some things that may seem like “no big deal” can actually be symptoms of a serious underlying medical condition. A good example of this is swelling or “puffiness” of the hands.
Extreme swelling or puffiness in the hands is almost always an indication of a medical condition that requires treatment as soon as as possible.
What is Puffy Hand Syndrome?
While the name sounds a little silly, the appearance of extremely swollen hands is actually called “Puffy Hand Syndrome” – also medically known as edema of the hands. This is a condition where the hands experience severe swelling.
Puffy hand syndrome is usually painless, but it can significantly interfere with the hands’ mobility or ability to function. Puffy Hand Syndrome can also cause embarrassment from the enlarged appearance of the hands. Rings and gloves may no longer fit, and routine tasks may become difficult to perform.
Puffy Hand Syndrome itself is not a disease – but is actually a side-effect of several serious conditions. It can be caused by a variety of medical disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, gout, an autoimmune disease, chronic drug use or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Cardiac (heart) conditions, liver disease, and kidney issues can also result in Puffy Hand Syndrome, (edema of the hands).
Common Causes of Puffy Hands
Carpal tunnel syndrome frequently causes hand swelling, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity. The compression of the median nerve can lead to fluid retention and inflammation in the carpal tunnel, resulting in visible puffiness of the hand and fingers. This is often accompanied by numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected hand.
Lymphedema, a condition affecting the lymphatic system, can cause significant hand swelling when lymph nodes are damaged or removed, often following breast cancer surgery or radiation therapy. The compromised lymphatic drainage leads to fluid accumulation in the hands and arms. Early recognition and treatment are essential to prevent progression and complications.
Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions can cause symmetric swelling of the hands and fingers. The inflammation of joint synovium leads to excess fluid production and edema. Morning stiffness and joint pain typically accompany the swelling in these autoimmune conditions.
Venous insufficiency, while more commonly associated with leg swelling, can also affect the hands. When venous valves function poorly, blood pools in the extremities, leading to fluid accumulation in surrounding tissues. This type of edema often worsens with heat or when the hands are held below heart level for extended periods.
Systemic conditions such as kidney disease, heart failure, and liver cirrhosis can cause bilateral hand edema as part of generalized fluid retention. In these cases, the swelling typically affects multiple areas of the body and requires comprehensive medical management.
Repetitive strain injuries and overuse syndromes common in certain occupations can lead to localized hand swelling. This is particularly prevalent in jobs requiring prolonged computer use or repetitive hand movements. Professional evaluation is crucial to prevent chronic problems and develop appropriate workplace modifications.
Puffy Hand Syndrome is Different than Swelling
It is important to realize that temporary swelling can occur in the hands that is NOT actually “puffy hand syndrome”.
Bites from insects, animals (such as cats) or even humans can cause painful swelling in the hand. Fractures (broken bones), nail infections, allergies, exposure to extreme cold, IV fluids, medications and many other events or mild and serious illnesses or injuries can cause the hands to temporarily swell.
It can be very dangerous to ignore hand swelling. For this reason it is important to see a hand surgeon for an accurate diagnosis, if you are experiencing swelling of the hands that lasts more than several hours.
How do Hand Surgeons Treat Puff Hand Syndrome?
Identifying the root cause of Puffy Hand Syndrome is important to identifying the best treatment. Treating the underlying cause of the edema is also the best way to also reduce the swelling in the hands.
Clarkston area hand surgeon Dr. Rehman will need to obtain an extensive medical history to find (or rule-out) underlying causes of the puffy hands. Additionally, our hand doctor may wish to test for conditions like Hepatitis C, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and gout.
There is no specific single medication available to treat puffy hands – so your hand surgeon will have to take a broader “whole body” approach to address the cause of the edema. In some cases preventive measures against skin infections, such as antibiotics may also be required.
Because there are so many causes of puffy hand syndrome and swelling hands – from mild to extremely serious – it is best not to self-diagnose or self-treat without seeing a board certified hand surgeon like Dr. Rehman.
Top Clarkston Area Hand Surgeon
Your hands and wrists are delicate structures that can perform amazingly complicated maneuvers, and we want to keep them that way! If you are experiencing temporary swelling or ongoing “puffiness” in the fingers or hands, contact a board certified hand doctor such as Dr. Rehman in the Clarkston, MI area for a full evaluation and comprehensive treatment plan.
We have a team of hand specialists and physical therapists that work with Dr. Rehman, who can help get your hands back to full mobility and help make the annoying and unsightly swelling (“edema”) go away.
As with any medical condition, early diagnosis and intervention is the most effective way to combat the effects of conditions like puffy hand syndrome. Clarkston area hand surgeon Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your condition.