Runners occasionally suffer negative side effects from their sport of choice, such as shin splints or runner's knee. Another common side effect is tingling or numbness in the extremities. If you suffer tingling in your fingers during a run, you might have a pinched nerve in your wrist or an underlying medical condition such as Raynaud's disease. However, a more-common cause is a lack of blood in your upper body, as your leg muscles monopolize your circulatory system during a long run.
Vascular Changes
Running causes a number of vascular changes that could result in tingling or numbness in your fingers. While running, blood is directed to the lower body to facilitate movement of the large muscles in the leg. Over long distances, the body adjusts to a state in which blood concentrates in the lower regions. Less blood flow remains for the upper extremities, such as the hands as fingers, which can lead to tingling or numbness in these regions.
Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve can cause a feeling of numbness or tingling in the fingers. This happens when surrounding tissues place excessive pressure on a nerve, interfering with its normal functioning. Tingling in your fingers could result from a pinched nerve in the wrist, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Although surgery is occasionally required, recovery is usually swift. Rest and see if the numbness goes away.
Supplements
Runners are susceptible to anemia, or iron deficiency. Make sure that your diet includes ample iron, or take a supplement to fulfill the daily recommended requirements. To enhance blood flow and prevent tingling in the fingers, supplements such as fish oil or evening-primrose oil may prove beneficial.
Other Causes
Tingling in the fingers could signify an underlying medical condition, such as hypothyroidism or Raynaud's disease. With Raynaud's disease, cold temperatures and stress aggravate the condition. A problem in the upper spine, such as a herniated disc, spine misalignment or disc degeneration, can also cause numbness in your fingers. If the tingling persists, make an appointment with your doctor to determine if the cause is an underlying condition.
References
- BeginnerTriathlete.com; Member Case Study: Numbness in Fingers After Running; Anne Boyd; March 2006
- Mayo Clinic; Pinched Nerve; January 2011
- Columbia University Medical Center; Thyroid Disorders; Hypothyroidism
- Mayo Clinic; Raynaud's Disease; November 2009
- "Bicycling Magazine"; Ditch the Tingles; Matt Allyn
Member Comments