At a glance
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited blood disorders associated with severe pain and complications that can affect the entire body. This page provides information on SCD and dactylitis (Hand-Foot Syndrome).
Overview
Painful swelling in the hands and feet is usually the first symptom of SCD in infants and toddlers. This swelling, often along with a fever, is caused by the sickled cells getting stuck in the blood vessels and blocking blood flow in the small bones of the hands and feet.
Keep Reading
Complications of Sickle Cell Disease
Content Source
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD)
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: May 15, 2024
This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.
Reviewed: August 7, 2026
The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.