Severely Swollen Hands From Running

The condition of swollen hands after exercise, though often uncomfortable, usually does not require treatment or serious concern. The cause of swelling in the hands is not well documented by doctors, but the symptoms usually go away after the body cools down and blood pressure and blood circulation levels return to normal. If you are experiencing severely swollen hands from exercise and have concerns, speak with your doctor.

Possible Causes

According to Edward R. Lakowski, M.D., at MayoClinic.com, the exact cause of swelling in the hands after running is not clear. Dr. Lakowski suggests that hand swelling may be due to the fact that the working muscles require more blood during activity and reduce the amount of blood to the hands, causing a cooler temperature. In response, the blood vessels in the hands might overcompensate and open wider to allow more blood in than is needed.

Carl Lavie, M.D., suggests in a May 2006 article by "Fitness" magazine that the puffiness in your hands my be caused by blood pooling. This could make circulation more difficult as it has to work against gravity.

Hyponatremia

Dr. Lakowski suggests that, in extreme cases, hyponatremia may be a factor that causes swelling in the hands of endurance athletes. The University of Maryland Medical Center describes hyponatremia as a condition where there is not enough sodium outside the cells. When this happens, water moves into the cells in order to make the concentration of water to sodium inside the cell the same as it is outside the cell, which causes the cells to swell. Drinking too much water during endurance events may contribute to hyponatremia. Swelling in the hands, mental confusion and vomiting are all signs of this condition.

Exercise-Induced Urticaria and Anaphylaxis

According to a 2001 article in the "American Family Physician," Cholinergic urticaria is characterized by a hypersensitive or allergic reaction in the skin caused by an increase in body temperature during exercise. A person with a Cholingergic urticaria reaction might experience sharp burning in the skin, reddened skin, small hives, reduced sweating ability or severe swelling. Treatments may include taking antihistamines, anabolic steroids, avoiding the heat during exercise, or modificaton or abstinence from exercise .

In rare cases, anaphylactic shock my occur, which requires immediate medical attention as it is a life-threatening reaction. Speak with your doctor to learn more about exercise-induced urticaria and anaphylaxis.

Treatment

Avoid overheating during exercise. Work out during the cool hours of the morning or make sure the space you are running in has good air circulation and air conditioning. Exercise in fewer layers of clothing and make sure the fabric is loose and breathable. Avoid eating salty foods before running, as these foods retain water and may intensify your condition.

Considerations

While running, consider doing small basic movements like bicep curls or light punches in the air to increase circulation. Raise your hands above your head periodically during exercise to direct blood flow toward the center of the body. If your rings are tight and uncomfortable after exercise due to swelling, remove them before you begin exercising.

If you have concerns about severe swelling in your hands after exercise, speak with your doctor.