SwollenFingersFilter (say that 5 times fast)

December 29, 2006 8:45 AM

Why do my fingers swell up in the morning?

I've noticed my fingers swell up in the morning. Basically the tips of my fingers (sometimes just on one hand - sometimes on both) become red and very hard for about 5-10 minutes then the problem just goes away.

I first noticed that it was happening at the same time every morning during summer classes, where it happened right as lab was starting around 9 AM. I haven't thought much of it, but it's continued for about six months now. It might have been happening before, but I don't think I really ever took note of it. It doesn't always happen at 9 AM, but usually in the morning hours.

Anyone have a clue what this is? Is it problematic?

(Note - I'm a 21 year old male in good health)

posted by jourman2 to Health & Fitness (5 answers total)

Could it be something to do with a change in temperature? I notice that my fingers often swell up when it's very cold outside and I go inside, where it's very warm. Maybe you notice it in the mornings when you arrive at class because of the temperature change going from outside into the lab?
posted by schmoo at 8:50 AM on December 29, 2006

Specifically only the tips of your fingers?

Perhaps it's from the motion of swinging your arms back and forth as you walk to class?
posted by Plinko at 12:55 PM on December 29, 2006

There are lots of reasons why your fingers might be swollen, though my money's on contact allergy (there may be something you're touching in the mornings that your immune system is reacting to).

But we could make guesses all day. Your only chance of truly finding out though is to see a doctor.
posted by kisch mokusch at 3:00 PM on December 29, 2006

I get that after I've been working out, it has to do with an elevated heart rate and circulation, and having my arms down to my side. What your experiencing doesn't sound like that at all, however, since it's when you wake up.

I remember that when my mother was pregnant with my kid sister, her fingers would be stiff and swollen if she had too much sodium. One night in particular I remember she had gone out to dinner with a friend who sprinkled salt all over the pizza that they ordered, and when she woke up in the morning she had these comically swollen sausage fingers.

As others have said, it could be a myriad of things, and a doctor will only be able to help you figure it out.
posted by pazazygeek at 5:50 PM on December 29, 2006

I think schmoo is right.

As for a specific mechanism, I'd guess circulation to your arms is shutting down as a mode of heat conservation. When it opens back up, the arterial system goes before the venous, and so your fingertips fill up with red blood and get hard until the veins unlock.

If this is happening to you on warm summer mornings, spare a little thought to be sure your metabolism is optimal-- you may be able to stop it simply by eating breakfast.
posted by jamjam at 11:48 AM on December 30, 2006