Swollen Hands

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Fatsotubs
Fatsotubs Posts: 93 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Wondered if anyone could help.

I have started training for walking the 3 Peaks in Yorkshire in July. Every time I go for a long walk my hands swell up. Does anyone know why this is happening?

Thanks in advance.

Replies

  • nettam3re3
    nettam3re3 Posts: 66 Member
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    I'd like to know why this happens too and what I can do about it. I started walking on the treadmill with my hands above my head (I look very silly) but it's all I can think of and it does help...some.
  • annaheyoolay
    annaheyoolay Posts: 100 Member
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    I also have this problem. I find it helps to walk with my elbows bent at a 90 degree angle and to move my fingers occasionally.
  • Fatsotubs
    Fatsotubs Posts: 93 Member
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    It's good to hear others have the same problem
  • meritage4
    meritage4 Posts: 1,441 Member
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    bend your elbows and swing your hands or use trekking poles. Hands swell when in downward position-they need movement to help pump extra fluid back up the arm
  • Fatsotubs
    Fatsotubs Posts: 93 Member
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    Thank you :)
  • gshifrin
    gshifrin Posts: 53 Member
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    Maybe not you, but I had a swollen hand problem I reported here a few days ago. I'm pretty sure now that it had to do with making my fitness band too tight. I've loosened it up (and switched hands) and the problem is gone.
    Good luck.
  • SuperJo1972
    SuperJo1972 Posts: 113 Member
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    I find bent arms help.
  • IamUndrCnstruction
    IamUndrCnstruction Posts: 691 Member
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    I have this problem as well, and also in my feet/ankles. I asked my pulmonary rehab specialist (long story there) if this was something I should worry about. She said no, that when you are active your blood vessels dilate and then gravity works it's wonders. Your heart is working harder to keep everything circulating properly and sometimes the lower extremities fall a bit behind. She said if the swelling gets really bad like a balloon or doesn't go away within a couple hours, or hurts, then you may want to be more concerned. I am not a doctor, but I have been dealing with serious health issues for years, and I trust what she told me.

    I hope this helps a little. If you have no other major health issues, like CHF or Pulmonary Hypertension, you are probably fine :)
  • ana3067
    ana3067 Posts: 5,624 Member
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    This happens to be even when I'm not exercising - my hands swell, the skin may become hot, and they are difficult to bend. I find that this happens for me when a) I'm not drinking enough water (my index was swelling today, drank some water, it went away), b) when I go back and forth between different temperature extremes (super cold outdoors and over-heated indoors is a common things in Canada for about 7-8 months of the year :p)

    I personally don't find that bending/moving my arms around more helps. It's really mostly those two things that do it to me. But I will say that my circulation isn't always great and I've had heart palpitations/murmurs before. My hands and feet are always really cold or my hands will be really hot. Constantly red ringers as well, although I'm pasty as eff.
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 17,959 Member
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    I get this really badly and now walk with my arms bent up, almost in a power-walking stance. It also helps to keep my fingers constantly in motion while I walk.
  • Fatsotubs
    Fatsotubs Posts: 93 Member
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    Thank you for all your helpful comments :)
  • jcim1ru
    jcim1ru Posts: 40 Member
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    I alternate between keeping my elbows bent and letting my arms hang. I also work my hands in and out of a fist while I'm walking. Both relieve the pressure of just letting your arms hang while you walk. I've also found that removing jewelry when walking lessens the side effects.
  • NewMeSM75
    NewMeSM75 Posts: 971 Member
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    I notice it more when I consume more sodium also.
  • Shirley61
    Shirley61 Posts: 7,758 Member
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    I too have this problem when I walk, but bending elbows does help.

    I also have arthritis and that is part of the problem too.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
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    When I took up running (for about 5 seconds) that happened to me, my mentor told me the same thing, it's just gravity and bend your arms and that works. I do not have arthritis or heart issue tho...

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