Swollen fingers, also known as dactylitis or sausage fingers, are usually harmless but this condition, in which the finger bear a sausage-like appearance as a result of swelling, can be the symptom of many different types of medical conditions. Hence, consulting a medical expert is the best idea to get the right treatment at the right time in case you have swollen fingers. Mostly, dactylitis can be noticed in the fingers and toes. Here is a list of the potential reasons why fingers or toes could swell.

Raynaud’s disease
This disease is about the narrowing of the arteries, mostly caused by the cold weather or excessive stress. In this condition, the toes or fingers may feel cold and numb under stress or in the cold temperature. Raynaud’s disease mostly affects women. If suffering from this disease, there are chances that you experience swollen fingers.

Hot weather/heat edema
If exposed to unusually hot weather suddenly, your body struggles to cool down. When the weather is too hot and humid, instead of evaporating as sweat, the fluid might accumulate in the hands. This may cause swollen fingers. Once the body is acclimated to the hot weather, the swelling will get better.

High-sodium diet
This is one of the common causes of swelling in fingers. Processed foods such as pancakes, chips, sauces, and meat carry high sodium contents. To balance this high amount of sodium, retaining more water becomes necessary which can cause swelling in the fingers or toes which can cause pain or discomfort.

Overusing the fingers
Today’s digital life has necessitated the use of keyboards, be it on mobiles or laptops. Excessive stress on the fingers through typing constantly is one of the main reasons for sausage-like fingers. Also, doing strenuous activities like raking, scrubbing, or gardening regularly can lead to swelling in fingers.

Angioedema
Allergic reactions may also result in water retention and subsequent swelling. When the body detects any allergen like certain food types (shellfish, eggs, nuts, etc.), animal skin, pollen, certain medications, insect bites, etc., a histamine reaction occurs that results in angioedema.

Other than all the aforementioned reasons, swelling of the fingers may also be caused due to arthritis, premenstrual syndrome, preeclampsia, and lymphedema.

Usually, swelling in the fingers is harmless but uncomfortable. However, swelling in the fingers caused by lymphedema and preeclampsia needs special medical attention under a doctor’s guidance. Hence, before applying any ointment or taking any medication, it is advisable to consult a doctor.