Ask the Nurse

What would cause swelling in your fingers on both hands other than gout? My first finger started itching, feeling warm and then swelling.


There are several different things that can cause swelling in the fingers.

  1. Gout is common, and we typically see that in a single joint, like the big toe and it is very painful.
  2. Other ailments such as arthritis can also cause swelling of the joints in the hands and the wrists along with tenderness and occasional pain. Ingesting daily turmeric in your diet can help minimize swelling in the joints and help alleviate pain from osteoarthritis as well as changing your diet.
  3. Sometimes foods that we eat, such as things high in salt can cause increased water retention, which can lead to swelling of the fingers.
  4. Rheumatoid arthritis can present in women as joint pain and swelling in the hands.
  5. If you are having itching you may have an allergic reaction.

If your finger is feeling warm and is swollen, you want to make sure you rule out infectious causes as well. See a physician, visit an urgent care facility or request an express care virtual visit.

All My Best,
Speaking of Women’s Health Nurse

September 5, 2018 at 10:50am