Feeling "puffy" after exercise

fitoverfortymom

I don't do a ton of fancy-schmancy exercise, but I do walk the dog 2x per day for just under a mile and several times a week do a more fitness walk at lunchtime. Typically 1.5 miles at around 3.5 MPH.

Sometimes when I'm done with my walk, my hands kind of puff up. My tummy isn't bloated, but my hands/feet feel and look puffy.

What's up with that?

I do drink quite a bit of water and I eventually un-puff...it's just weird and I don't know what it means.

RoxieDawn

What comes to mind is electrolyte imbalance..

and too when you exercise there is increased blood flow to your lungs, heart and other muscles which can reduce blood flow.

fitoverfortymom

MeganAM89 wrote: »

I assume that it has something to do with your body heat...? I just know that in the summer my hands/fingers swell a bit in the heat - not all of the time, but sometimes. And when I'm working out I'll get sweaty and hot and the same thing sometimes happens.

Could be! I'll watch for it as the weather cools and see if it happens. I've only been walking regularly in a warm season.

fitoverfortymom

amyrebeccah wrote: »

Happens all the time for me when I go on a walk--doesn't happen on a run, lifting, rock-climbing, just walking. I think it's the stance your body is in. I don't like it but never have found a way around it.

Well it's reassuring someone else turns into sausage fingers after a long walk. Usually goes down after an hour or so, especially if I guzzle more water.

MelanieCN77

Once in a while I'll get that feeling in my hands after using the treadmill. A very vague pins and needles and stiffness like my hands as swollen or something. I always put it down to dehydration. I too drink a lot of water but it still happens sometimes.

apullum

I second the suggestion about electrolyte imbalance or even overhydration, especially if you are drinking a lot of plain water. Try adding an electrolyte supplement to your water--Nuun is my favorite. http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/mobile/Article.html?articleId=2176

fitoverfortymom

I eel silly looking at products for athletes, bUT I will give those a try. I hate being too puffy to put on my wedding ring after I have worked so hard to have it fit again!