I have scleroderma, and would like to know how to rid the swelling in my hands and feet?

I only have this severe swelling in my hands at night and or when I drink. I have to sleep with the house really cold in order for the swelling to stay at a minimum. When I drink, my hands get really swollen and hot. During the day I don't have much of any symptoms. A real drag to not be able to wear ring, as I can't wear my wedding rings, and I am a ring-o-holic.

Hi Dana,

I have a similar problem and swell up so bad at night that I sometimes cannot close my hands and my legs & thighs get bad too.

I use pantyhose right now for my legs and it helps a lot and I do ankle pumps (move my foot up and down) - this helps push the edema out of the area. Any form of muscle movement/contraction will help push fluid out of the area. I also do Manual Lymphatic Drainage to remove fluid from the area. This is a link to a video. I have the DVD and it is helpful: http://www.realbodywork.com/lymph/lymph....

Compression garments work better than pantyhose. You can wear them at night while you are sleeping or at any time. They make compression socks and gloves that decrease edema:

This site looks great but I have not ordered from them yet. You might want to bookmark it.

SOCKS: http://www.lymphedemaproducts.com/produc...

GLOVES: http://www.lymphedemaproducts.com/produc...

I have not received a diagnosis yet - and wish I could find out why I am swelling so much. It really only happens at night and in the shower.

Ask you doctor if it is okay to use compression garments to help. I really don't think they are contraindicated for scleroderma. But MLD may be - I am not sure.

Can try cold water soaks for hands. Can also ask diagnosing doctor how best to relieve swelling.

Alcohol is a vasodilator, and could potentially cause increased blood flow to the hands, which are already thickened.