You may have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis If you cut back on salt and the swelling persists, see your doctor, Dr. Typically, mild swelling brought on by salty foods goes away on its own within a day but it can last longer depending on how much extra salt is in your system. Your body likes to keep a consistent salt-to-water balance, so when you down extra sodium, it compensates by retaining more water, leading to swelling, Dr. General Tso’s chicken, lots of chips, or anything fried could be the cause behind your swollen fingers. But if you notice swelling only in your hands and fingers (and not your legs), accompanied by pain or a weak grip, that could be a sign it’s not just the heat and you need to consult your doctor. Utset says this type of swelling tends to go away as you use your hands and continue your regular activity. As the vessels stretch, some of their fluid can leak into your soft tissues and cause puffiness.ĭr. Heat causes blood vessels to expand, which allows more heat to escape through your skin so you can keep cool, explains Tammy Olsen Utset, MD, MPH, an associate professor in the rheumatology department at the University of Chicago. Here are some of the common causes of swollen fingers, and when you should call your doctor. But sometimes the puffiness, medically known as dactylitis, points to more serious health conditions. Fingers swell for a lot of reasons, and many of them harmless. Or maybe you’ve chowed down on salty foods, and now your wedding ring is stuck on your finger. You have arthritis pain, and the inflammation in your joints causes your fingers to swell up and resemble little sausages. This article was medically reviewed by Rekha Kumar, MD, an assistant professor of medicine and member of the Prevention Medical Review Board, on July 2, 2019.

Why is your thumb not a finger