Painful knuckles after running may be caused by an existing medical condition or by flawed running technique. Your doctor can advise you on preventing pain from an existing condition. To prevent pain in your knuckles, as well as other parts of your body, resulting from poor form, it is important to adapt your running technique so that it reduces stress on your muscles, bones and joints. Proper running technique might also help you run more quickly and efficiently.
Running Grip
Mike Antoniades, a speed, conditioning and rehabilitation coach, stresses the importance of maintaining proper posture and running technique. On the BBC Sport website, he explains that the palms of your hands should face each other and not point down as you run. If you like to run with a clenched fist, gently rest each thumb on the forefinger of the same hand. Keep this position throughout your run, making sure not to clench your fists tightly. A clenched fist may be what is causing your knuckles to hurt after a run.
Arthritis
There are three forms of arthritis: rheumatoid, osteoarthritis and juvenile arthritis. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis vary, but typically include pain and swelling around the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is also a symmetrical disease, the Arthritis Foundation explains, meaning that if the knuckles on your left hand hurt, chances are so do the knuckles on your right hand. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain and stiffness in the morning as well as after using your hands. Juvenile arthritis affects children age 16 and under.
Inflammation
Inflammation is your body's way of protecting itself against germs and infections. Autoimmune diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis or hepatitis, may confuse the immune system and cause the body to attack healthy cells and tissues, the Cleveland Clinic notes. Symptoms of inflammation include stiff, painful joints as well as fatigue, fever, chills, loss of appetite and other flu-like symptoms. In addition to affecting the joints, inflammation may also affect internal organs including the heart, lungs, kidneys and brain.
Fibromyalgia
The painful medical condition known as fibromyalgia affects women more than men. The disease is characterized by a constant dull ache in muscles and joints as well as fatigue, difficultly sleeping, headaches, irritable bowel syndrome and depression. Fibromyalgia may develop in patients who have a family history of the disease or who suffer from rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Regular exercise, a healthy lifestyle and less stress are all ways to reduce the pain and discomfort caused by the disease, MayoClinic.com reports.
Care
To help relieve painful knuckles, take an over-the-counter pain relief medicine and alternate between hot and cold therapy. Gently massage the painful area and refrain from cracking or over-stretching your fingers or knuckles. Seek medical attention immediately if your symptoms worsen or you experience sudden paralysis or inability to move a body part, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, vision loss or a sudden, severe headache. Your doctor can run tests to ensure the pain in your knuckles is not caused by an underlying medical complication such as cancer, infection or sepsis.
