Imagine your hands, usually agile and responsive, suddenly feeling like stuffed sausages. That familiar ring no longer slips on, your grip feels awkward, and every slight movement reminds you of the subtle yet persistent puffiness.
Finger swelling can make daily tasks like typing or buttoning a shirt challenging. While common, understanding its causes and managing it at home can significantly improve comfort. Hand Pain Physiotherapy in Edmonton provides practical strategies and tools to support effective home relief.
Finger swelling, or dactylitis, occurs when fluid builds up in the tissues, typically in severe cases. It can result from minor injuries, repetitive strain, or infections that trigger inflammation. Heat can also cause swelling, as blood vessels expand in warm temperatures, allowing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues, which is commonly seen in the fingers and ankles.
Beyond these, several medical conditions can manifest as swollen fingers:
Physiotherapy helps alleviate hand pain and swelling by enhancing movement, strength, and circulation. It also helps prevent future flare-ups. Managing finger swelling often takes a combined approach. Here are four physio tools that can help at home.
Compression gloves offer light, even pressure to the fingers and hands. This can help reduce fluid retention, enhance blood circulation, and decrease stiffness. These gloves are particularly useful during periods of inactivity, such as when sleeping or sitting at a desk for long hours.
Compression also helps people with:
These gloves don’t replace movement but provide support and stability when swelling limits daily activities.
Hand therapy putty, which ranges in resistance from soft to firm, is a multipurpose and effective tool. It allows you to perform specific grip and pinch exercises, helping to maintain mobility while gently challenging the fingers and hand muscles.
Physiotherapy programs often incorporate putty for:
Therapy putty can be used safely at home with proper supervision and is often included in treatment plans for hand pain physiotherapy in Edmonton
While heat therapy eases tense muscles and increases blood flow, cold therapy lessens inflammation and numbs soreness. For swollen fingers, alternating between both methods can promote faster recovery by stimulating the lymphatic system and reducing fluid buildup.
A 10-minute contrast bath with alternating warm and cool water can help ease morning swelling or discomfort caused by daily hand use.
When fingers are swollen, people often test strength by making fists or squeezing objects. But finger extension, opening the fingers against resistance, is just as important. Extension bands add resistance as you spread your fingers, helping improve muscle balance and joint alignment, especially with overuse or poor hand posture.
Begin with light resistance and gradually increase it. Use with a physiotherapist’s guidance for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or osteoarthritis.
Tools help, but pairing them with physiotherapy routines is more effective. Many hand techniques can be adapted for home use.
Using physiotherapy tools at home can help manage finger swelling when used consistently and with care. Combined with professional guidance, they support mobility and ease daily discomfort.
West Henday Physical Therapy offers care plans that combine in-clinic treatment with home-based routines to keep your progress on track. For those seeking Hand Pain Physiotherapy in Edmonton, choose a team that connects in-clinic care with your daily routine. Don’t let swelling hold you back. Book a visit and explore how home tools can support your recovery.
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