why are king charles hands swollen

King Charles' swollen or "sausage" fingers are medically referred to as dactylitis, characterized by inflammation causing the fingers to swell along their entire length. This condition can arise from various causes, including arthritis (especially psoriatic arthritis), bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, water retention, or reactions to medication. Swelling in the fingers can also result from fluid retention, high salt intake, allergic reactions, injury, or even infections like tuberculosis. While the exact cause of King Charles' swollen fingers has not been publicly confirmed, arthritis is a common underlying factor, though other health conditions could also contribute. The king himself has joked about his "sausage fingers," and the condition has been noted publicly for years, with his hands appearing more swollen under certain conditions such as warmer climates.