Many people notice that their hands swell during exercise. Often this swelling, also known as edema, occurs during walking, running or jogging. The cause of this swelling is not well understood. Generally, edema of the hands during exercise is not dangerous. If you notice that your hands swell when you are exercising, you may try some methods to alleviate your discomfort.
Symptoms
Those who suffer from swollen hands during exercise often notice that it happens while walking or running. While you are exercising, you may notice that your rings get tight or that it is difficult to bend your fingers. Your hands may feel warm. In some cases, even your wristwatch may feel tight. The skin on your hands may appear pink, pale or blotchy. Your fingers may feel stiff and it may be painful to bend them.
Cautions
It may be alarming to notice that your hands are swelling during your workout, but this is seldom dangerous. In fact, even elite distance runners complain of this symptom. However, it is important to check with your doctor if you notice unusual swelling that does not go away, or swelling that is unrelated to exercise.
Edward R. Laskowski, MD, of the Mayo Clinic warns that in rare cases, swelling of the hands may be linked to hyponatremia. This occurs when the sodium level in the bloodstream is too low. Endurance athletes sometimes face this problem if they drink too much water during a long event. Laskowski notes that for most people, confusion and vomiting will be the most vivid symptoms, rather than edema in the hands. Hyponatremia is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical intervention.
Theories/Speculation
Many theories have been examined to explain the phenomenon of swollen hands during exercise, including the theory that centrifugal force pushes fluids to the extremities during exercise, but no one really knows what causes it. According to Robert H. Shmerling, MD, of the Harvard Medical School, edema in the hands during exercise may be caused by vasodilation, which means that the blood vessels are opening up to allow more blood to flow through them. This allows the body to cool itself more efficiently because the blood flow is closer to the surface of the skin. This may be uncomfortable, but as long as the swelling resolves within a few hours after exercise, it is probably nothing to worry about. For most people, swelling of the hands is simply a nuisance.
Considerations
If you notice that your hands swell during exercise, take a few precautions to ensure your comfort. If you wear a wristwatch, loosen the band. Remove your rings. Periodically lower your arms to your sides and twist your hands outward as if you were trying to turn your palms to face backward. If it does not interfere with your balance, you may occasionally lift your arms above the level of your heart to help reduce the edema in your hands.
Prevention/Solution
As far as anyone knows, about the only sure-fire method to prevent your hands from swelling during exercise is to quit exercising. Because this is not really an option, you may simply need to learn to live with it. Try the methods described above to alleviate the symptoms, but you may rest assured that you are not the only one who experiences this symptom and in the absence of other symptoms, it is probably not a concern.
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