Scary thing that happened while walking

casi_ann

Yesterday, I decided to go on my new daily routine of a walk, something I just started probably about two weeks ago. I had already decided to take it slow and move up gradually and was at 20 minutes or one mile twice daily. I missed my morning walk, so decided to do the entire two miles at once. By one mile I was feeling so good I thought that I would do 3 miles and kept walking. My new plan was to turn around and start walking back when I got to 1.5 miles (i was wearing a polar watch to tell me how long i was walking). Anyway, a little before I reached 2 miles I started feeling very uncomfortable. My face was hot and sweaty, I was short of breath, felt some chest pressure not pain, my fingers started to swell up and get tight, they felt numb and tight, I couldn't move my fingers they were so swollen, I became nauseous. As soon as I found somewhere to sit I did, that was at 2.5 miles. I was hoping my husband would realize I was gone too long and come looking for me. After sitting for a couple minutes I started to feel better in all ways except for my face being hot and sweaty and my fingers being numb and swollen. I looked at my hands that were hot, swollen, red and my ring was cutting into my hand, I had a hard time moving my fingers they were so fat all of a sudden. I was a little scared but decided to move on so I could get back home. I walked another .4 miles at a slow pace when my husband came looking for me in his car. I was so glad to see him. My husband told me that my face was beet red. I now know that I really need be more careful and stay in my walk zone by my own community instead of walking away from my home until I'm a little more fit, a lot more fit.

mirandamayhem

You'll get there. Be gentle with yourself and listen to your body xxx

rumandreason

Do get your blood pressure checked/talk to your doctor about starting exercise so they can adjust existing medication as appropriate. Glad your hubby looking out for you xxx

azwethinkweizm

Just wanted to reply to tell you I used to be like this too. Couldn't walk a couple of miles without feeling sick and I had the swelling of the fingers you have too (that sometimes still happens if I do too much). Now I'm flying along and it's no bother to walk 4 or 5 miles.
I also started jogging in January (slooooowly built it up) and yesterday I jogged 8 miles in 86mins.
Just wanted to assure you that things will get better - just make sure not to push yourself too hard, build it up slowly and it'll be more enjoyable & easier to stick with

Martucha123

when it's hot my fingers swell and I get really uncomfortable - it is related to my low blood pressure. You have to be extra careful, don't push yourself on very hot days. the good thing is, once you get fitter you will be able to do more, just be consistent with progress, going from 1 mile to 3 miles is overdoing it. and always take your mobile with you, just in case...

Lidenbrock

Get your bp checked and discuss with doctor to be on the safe safe side. Having said that my hands often swell up wwhen walking: initially when I wasn't so fit it was any walk that took longer than say 1 hour now I'm fitter and walking longer distances (15 miles plus) for me it's an indication that I need some electrolytes. So I always carry tablets to add to water. Gels can help too there are plenty on the market that are low calorie and fast acting. I did read somewhere too (can't remember where) that when walking important to keep hands above heart level to prevent swelling fingers - hence when power walking use your arms as well. Good luck with the walking I promise it gets easier.

cowgirlslikeus86

Your face being read and sweaty is probably from the fact that you were doing a cardio exercise. Your fingers swelling is a natural reaction when walking. My fingers still swell up when I walk longer distances. I can run 10 miles without an issue but something about your circulation when you walk makes your fingers swell up. Alot of times it helps if you power walk with your arms bent at the elbow so that your hands make it above your heart as you swing.

If your truly concerned you should see a doctor.

Swissmiss

I have never experience this but it looks like a lot of others have. I would see a doctor for a checkup if you haven't done so recently.

Lozze

I would go to your doctor regardless. Get a full chek up.

Mistyblu08

Your face being read and sweaty is probably from the fact that you were doing a cardio exercise. Your fingers swelling is a natural reaction when walking. My fingers still swell up when I walk longer distances. I can run 10 miles without an issue but something about your circulation when you walk makes your fingers swell up. Alot of times it helps if you power walk with your arms bent at the elbow so that your hands make it above your heart as you swing.

If your truly concerned you should see a doctor.

yup good advice- I get the swelling a lot if I dont swing my arms or I squeeze my hands when I feel it start...my feet do the same...also my head feels like it could pop some days.....when I am drinking a lot of water it seems to be better as well as watching how much salt I consume. Get your blood pressure checked ....I know when mine is high with this reaction and I get headaches ....sometimes even without much activity.

YoYo1951

drink more water, never leave home without water and your cell phone, and do baby steps, not a marathon. Everything we are doing is in baby steps. Work up to more time while walking. An extra mile is a lot when you are not used to it. Swing your arms, and stay on your designated path. But always cell phone and water. I have to even take an expandable club, as there are dog packs, drug users and snakes where I walk. Hey, it is my neighborhood,.

casi_ann

Thanks to all of you for all your great advice. I'm glad that others have the same thing with the fingers. I don't think I've ever experienced that before. It is good to know it is normal. I will have my blood pressure checked and make an appointment with my doctor. I haven't seen my primary in about one year. I now realize I need to carry my cell phone and water with me, very good advice. I've experienced the red hot face and sweating before, but this was worse than usual. I promise to take it slower and not try to jump from 1 mile to 3 again.