Why is my Finger or Wrist Still Swollen?
- baysidehandtherapy
- Sep 26
- 5 min read
Expert Hand Therapy Advice
Wondering why your finger or wrist is still swollen? Learn common causes, when to seek help, and how hand therapy can support recovery.
After an injury, finger or wrist swelling can sometimes persist far longer than you’d expect, which can be worrying and frustrating.  At Bayside Hand Therapy we see persistent swelling after finger injury and wrist injury on a daily basis. Rest assured swelling is normal, but it does require some help to ensure it resolves properly.
Why does Swelling Happen?
Swelling is a normal part of the body’s healing process. When you injure a bone, ligament or tendon, extra fluid and healing cells move into the area to help repair the damage. Whilst this is a normal response, if the swelling persists too long, it can be a problem, particularly in our hands, where the joints are very small, the restriction to movement caused by persistent swelling can lead to serious long-term stiffness if not addressed. It is not uncommon to see swelling persist for 8 – 10 weeks or even longer, following significant hand injuries such as dislocations and complex hand or wrist fractures.
Reasons Swelling may Persist
The severity of the injury Typically the greater the extent of the injury the worse the swelling will be. If surgery is undertaken, this creates additional soft -tissue damage which can make the swelling worse.
Immobilisation Sometimes immobilisation of an injured part is necessary to promote healing, however the down side of immobilisation is that the swelling is not pumped away through muscle activity. If you are unsure about whether to move your injured finger or not, an expert hand therapist can guide you as to the best treatment for your injury.
Returning to heavy activity or sport too soon If your swelling had reduced, but then increases again after returning to repetitive use or sport, it may be a sign that your injury was not sufficiently well healed to resume that activity.
Underlying conditions Sometimes swelling is not just from the injury itself. If you have underlying conditions like arthritis, the arthritis can be aggravated by an injury and can cause swelling to persist much longer than expected.
When Should you be Concerned?
While some swelling is part of healing, it’s important to seek professional advice if:
The swelling is not improving after a couple of weeks
Your finger or wrist feels increasingly stiff or painful
You notice changes in skin colour, temperature or sensation
You have difficulty using your hand for everyday tasks
These may be signs that you need tailored treatment to prevent long-term stiffness or loss of function.
If you’re wondering ‘why won’t my finger swelling go down?’ or asking ‘is it normal for my wrist to still be swollen weeks later?’, it may be time to see a professional.
How Hand Therapy Can Help to Reduce Swelling
Hand therapists are specially trained to manage swelling and guide recovery after injury.
At Bayside Hand Therapy, we provide tailored care for people experiencing finger swelling, wrist swelling, and persistent hand swelling after injury.
Hand Therapy Treatment for Swelling may Include:
Specialised compression techniques In the early stage post injury, specialised compression bandage is typically applied to the affected finger, wrist or hand. This elastic tape, does not stick to skin. Slight tension is applied to the tape to apply light compression to the swollen tissues, which gently
pushes the swelling out of the affected area, back into the circulation. Â Â Â Â
Coban compression bandage If swelling persists for more than a few weeks, our therapists can fabricate custom-made finger compression sleeves to apply compression to an injured finger. Lycra finger stalls are more easily taken on and off for hand washing and showers than Coban compression bandage.
If multiple fingers are swollen, our hand therapists can fit you with compression gloves.
Gentle exercises One of the single most important approaches to reducing swelling is gentle movement. Even though bending a very swollen finger is difficult, movement helps to shift the swelling away. Our expert hand therapists can guide you as to what exercises are safe for you to perform with your particular injury.
Custom-made supports or splints Many injuries need protection from a splint in order to heal and allow the swelling to go down. Our hand therapists can custom make a light- weight, removal splint, to rest the affected finger or wrist, and ensure timely healing.
Scar and soft tissue treatments if swelling is linked to surgery or more complex injuries.
By addressing the swelling and scarring early, we can help restore movement, reduce pain, and prevent long term deformity.
Some commonly asked questions
Can swelling just be drained out through a needle?
No, soft tissue swelling, also known as oedema cannot be drained. This is because the swelling is in the spaces between the cells throughout the tissues.
Should I wait until the swelling goes down before I begin therapy or exercises?
No, a hand therapist will help you to reduce the swelling, so the sooner you begin hand therapy the better.
How long does swelling in the hand or wrist usually last?
For minor injuries, swelling may reduce within a few days to a couple of weeks. More significant injuries, such as fractures or ligament strains, can cause swelling that lasts several weeks. If swelling is not improving, it’s best to seek professional advice from a hand therapist.
Is it normal for swelling to come and go?
Yes, swelling can fluctuate during the day. It may increase after activity or at the end of the day and improve with rest and elevation. If fluctuating swelling continues for more than a few weeks, you should seek the advice of a hand therapist.
What can I do at home to reduce hand or wrist swelling?
Elevating your hand frequently throughout the day, uses gravity to help drain swelling from your hand or wrist. Performing slow gentle exercises can be one of the best ways to reduce swelling in fingers and hands. While ice may be of some assistance in the first few days following injury, it provides little benefit to more persistent swelling and tends to make the injured hand feel stiffer. Avoid pushing through pain or overusing the injured area too soon.
When should I see a hand therapist for swelling?
You should see a hand therapist if swelling is not improving after two to three weeks, if it is affecting your ability to use your hand, or if you notice changes in skin colour, temperature, or sensation.
Can swelling cause long-term problems?
Yes, if swelling is not managed, it may contribute to stiffness, reduced strength, or ongoing discomfort. Early treatment can prevent these issues and support a smoother recovery.
Takeaway
If your finger or wrist swelling is not improving, you don’t have to simply wait and hope it gets better. Ongoing swelling should be addressed to make sure it doesn’t lead to long-term joint stiffness.
At Bayside Hand Therapy, we provide effective treatment for swollen joints in the hand and wrist, helping you recover faster and return to the activities you love. Reach out to our team today – we’re here to help you get back on track.