Why Do My Hands Swell in the Morning? A Guide for Women
- MedBridge NZ
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
Waking up with swollen hands can be an unsettling experience for many women. This common issue can stem from various causes, ranging from simple lifestyle factors to more complex underlying health conditions. If you frequently experience morning hand swelling that doesn't resolve with simple adjustments, it's advisable to seek medical advice. For those considering specialized medical care, exploring options like Medical Tourism China can provide access to a wide range of expert opinions.
Common Causes of Morning Hand Swelling
1. Diet and Fluid Retention:
Consuming a high-salt dinner can lead to your body retaining excess water, a condition known as water retention. This can cause puffiness in your face and hands the next morning as your body works to balance its sodium levels.
2. Sleeping Position:
Your sleeping posture can significantly impact fluid circulation. Lying in one position for an extended period, especially if it puts pressure on your arms, can hinder blood flow and cause fluid to accumulate in your hands, resulting in swelling.
3. Cervical Spondylosis (Neck Arthritis):
For older women, cervical spondylosis, a condition related to the wear and tear of neck vertebrae, can lead to a sensation of hand swelling. This is often accompanied by numbness, as the condition can affect the nerves that run down to your hands.
4. Hypothyroidism:
An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can slow down your body's metabolism. This can lead to a buildup of certain substances in the tissues, causing a type of swelling known as myxedema. Swelling in the hands is a common symptom, along with fatigue, cold sensitivity, and constipation.
5. Kidney Issues:
The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste and excess fluid from your body. If they aren't functioning correctly, fluid can build up in your system, leading to swelling in various parts of your body, including your hands.
Navigating the complexities of these health concerns can be challenging. A medical concierge provider can assist in managing your healthcare journey, from diagnosis to treatment.
What to Do About Morning Hand Swelling
If you experience persistent hand swelling, it's essential to observe your symptoms closely. Note the severity of the swelling, whether it's accompanied by pain, redness, warmth, or numbness, and if it affects one or both hands.
Lifestyle Adjustments:
Reduce Salt Intake: Lowering the amount of salt in your diet can help prevent water retention.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help flush out excess sodium.
Elevate Your Hands: Try sleeping with your hands elevated on a pillow to improve circulation.
Gentle Exercises: Simple hand exercises, such as making a fist and then stretching your fingers, can help reduce swelling by promoting blood flow.
When to See a Doctor:
If the swelling persists, is severe, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend tests to check your thyroid and kidney function or to look for markers of rheumatoid arthritis.
Medical Treatments:
For Rheumatoid Arthritis: Treatment may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anti-rheumatic drugs, and biological agents.
For Kidney Disease: Management often involves controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, reducing protein intake, and using diuretics.
For Heart Conditions: Medications to improve heart function, such as diuretics and vasodilators, may be prescribed.
For Hypothyroidism: Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is the standard treatment.
Source:
This article was written by Dr. Yang Tiesheng, Chief Physician of the Rheumatology and Immunology Department at Peking University People's Hospital.
References:
Yang, T. (n.d.). What's the reason for women's hands swelling when they get up in the morning?. Retrieved from https://m.youlai.cn/sjingbian/article/86B279gOVSB.html
