Why Do Your Hands Swell in the Morning? Is It a Sign of Joint Disease?

Waking up with swollen hands may be caused by joint issues or other underlying health conditions that require prompt medical attention.

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Swollen hands occur when the fingers and/or the back of the hands appear larger than usual. The skin may look tight and shiny, sometimes leaving a dent when pressed. Some people also feel itching or tingling in the swollen area. In many cases, the swelling goes away on its own, but in others, it may indicate a medical condition that needs early treatment.

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Causes of Morning Hand Swelling and How to Handle It

According to Healthline, below are possible reasons why your hands may swell after sleep — and how to deal with them. Note that this information is for reference only and should not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment.



1. Arthritis

If you have arthritis, your hands may swell in the morning after waking. Other symptoms include stiffness lasting about an hour or longer, persistent pain and swelling for over three days, or recurrent swelling more than three times a month.

Types of arthritis that cause hand swelling include:

• Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease):
  This chronic condition affects the cartilage between joints, the joint lining, ligaments, and the underlying bone. Over time, the protective cartilage wears down, causing friction between bones.
  Symptoms include redness, warmth, stiffness, difficulty gripping objects, and cracking or popping sounds in the joints. In severe cases, the ends of finger bones may grind together, leading to joint deformity.

• Rheumatoid arthritis:
  An autoimmune disorder that can affect any joint, including the hands. It occurs when the immune system attacks the synovial membrane. It usually begins in middle age and affects joints symmetrically (both hands, wrists, or knees).
  Morning swelling and stiffness are common, and in advanced stages, rheumatoid arthritis can damage cartilage and bone, causing deformities or joint fusion.

• Cervical spondylosis (neck osteoarthritis):
  A natural degenerative process involving the discs, ligaments, and bones of the neck. It often causes neck pain, stiffness, and headaches that radiate to the shoulders and arms. In severe cases, numbness or loss of hand sensation may occur.

Treatment:
Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function. Physical therapy may help improve hand mobility and strength. Medications may include pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen.

2. Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the expanding uterus puts pressure on the veins in the lower body, reducing blood flow to the heart and leading to fluid retention. Hormonal changes also contribute to swelling in the hands, feet, and ankles, especially in late pregnancy.

How to cope:
Mild hand swelling in pregnancy is normal, but it’s important to discuss it with your doctor. Swelling may also signal carpal tunnel syndrome, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — especially if accompanied by dizziness, nausea, muscle spasms, or limited limb movement.

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3. Scleroderma

Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin, connective tissue, and internal organs. One of its early symptoms is hand swelling and pain upon waking.

Other symptoms include:

• Shiny, tight skin on the hands and face

• Red or pale fingers and toes (Raynaud’s phenomenon)

• Ulcers or sores at the fingertips

• Red spots on the face and chest (due to dilated blood vessels)

• Joint pain, dry mouth, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, heartburn, or unexplained weight loss

Treatment:
Skin symptoms may improve after 2–5 years, but internal organ involvement can worsen over time. Treatments focus on managing symptoms and preventing complications, such as physical therapy, light therapy, stress management, and a healthy diet.
In severe cases, surgery may be considered as a last resort.

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4. Kidney Problems

The kidneys filter out excess fluid and waste from the body. Swelling in the hands or feet can signal water retention due to impaired kidney function.

If swelling is accompanied by fatigue, confusion, shortness of breath, blood in urine, or frequent urination, see a doctor immediately. Untreated kidney disease can progress to kidney failure, which is life-threatening.

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5. Diet

Eating too much salt the night before can cause morning hand swelling due to sodium and water retention. The face, legs, and feet may also appear puffy.

Other signs of excessive salt intake include:
Persistent thirst, bone pain, headaches, frequent urination, and dark yellow urine.
High salt consumption increases the risk of heart, kidney, liver, and blood pressure problems.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming no more than 5 grams of salt per day (about one teaspoon). The American Heart Association (AHA) advises limiting sodium intake to 1.5 grams daily, especially for people at risk of heart disease.

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6. Sleeping Position

For some people, swelling in the hands after waking may simply result from sleeping on one side, where body weight presses on the arm or hand.

Tip: Try changing your sleeping position throughout the night to reduce pressure.

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When to See a Doctor

Some causes of morning hand swelling can be managed at home, but others require medical attention. It’s important to monitor:

• How often the swelling occurs

• Whether it comes with other symptoms

• What makes it worse or better

See a doctor if:

• Swelling occurs repeatedly or doesn’t respond to home remedies

• You have a history of lymphatic, kidney, or autoimmune disorders

• You are pregnant

• You experience signs of infection such as high fever, redness, warmth, or severe pain in the swollen hand