Strange swollen hands after 5 miles - First time ever???

madwells1
madwells1 Posts: 510 Member
edited November 21 in Fitness and Exercise
Today the strangest thing happened to me during my workout. After going about 5-5.5 miles (walking/jogging) like I usually do, when I got finished, my hands were so swollen I could barely make a fist.

This has never happened to me before, and was wondering if anyone had experience with this.

Full disclosure, I have eaten a paleo diet for about 3 months and the past 4 days I have slipped up with some pretzels and bread which is really not characteristic, but all slips have been within my calorie limit (Note to self DBADF again).

Could that be the culprit--even though I have drank enough water to drown a kitten over the past two days an during my workout?

Replies

  • gamerbabe14
    gamerbabe14 Posts: 876 Member
    I'm following because this happens to me sometimes....
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    It could very well be the bread since you haven't been eating that for a while. The extra carbs plus swinging your arms.
  • RedSierra
    RedSierra Posts: 253 Member
    edited September 2017
    Here's a Mayo Clinic article about hand swelling and exercise:

    http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/edema/expert-answers/hand-swelling/faq-20058255

    Edited to add that you said you've been drinking a lot of water lately -- the article says low sodium can be one cause of the hand swelling.
  • PaytraB
    PaytraB Posts: 2,360 Member
    https://www.zocdoc.com/answers/9156/why-do-my-hands-swell-up-when-i-walk

    I once asked my Dr about this. It was years ago and I don't remember his exact answer but, basically, this is normal. The site above gives a short answer.
    While walking, when you feel your hands swelling, hold them up to your shoulders. You'll feel a difference right away as the fluid starts to flow out.
  • rsclause
    rsclause Posts: 3,103 Member
    I think you are getting "man hands"

    Very funny Seinfeld episode.
  • WanderingRivers
    WanderingRivers Posts: 612 Member
    I get that when I go on walks at times. It helps for me to put my hands behind my head to alleviate some of the swelling.
  • KelseyRL
    KelseyRL Posts: 124 Member
    I've gotten this on really long hikes before. Some of the people I was hiking with said it's really common and one of the reasons they used hiking poles. Keeping your hands up higher and not down where fluids can pool helps I guess.
  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 34,225 Member
    KurumiSophia wrote: »
    I get that when I go on walks at times. It helps for me to put my hands behind my head to alleviate some of the swelling.

    If it's especially annoying, you can sometimes expedite dispersal of the fluid by putting one arm above your head, and using the other hand to gently smooth along the skin all the way around the arm, first from elbow to shoulder, then wrist to elbow, then along the fingers/hand from fingertips to wrist. Switch arms, then repeat as needed.
  • madwells1
    madwells1 Posts: 510 Member
    rsclause wrote: »
    I think you are getting "man hands"

    Very funny Seinfeld episode.

    Yikes! That's the last thing I need....
  • mcraw75
    mcraw75 Posts: 99 Member
    Swollen hands is common for most people who walk for long periods with their hands hanging down. Try walking with your arms bent 90 degrees as you would when running.
  • Ck103084
    Ck103084 Posts: 139 Member
    Go ask a doctor in case it's something serious. Everyone's different and any medical conditions should be seen by a doctor. Good luck!
  • manderson27
    manderson27 Posts: 3,510 Member
    I get this while walking/hiking. But not when I use my hiking poles. So it seems like one of the posters said keeping your arms up helps. It is annoying and uncomfortable especially if I am wearing my rings.
  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,522 Member
    I sometimes have gotten it, too. Very hard to figure why. Putting your hands behind your neck for short periods helps when it happens. Could be due to electrolyte balance.

    Alcohol or salty food the night before could be an issue. Probably not due to carbs.
  • Tried30UserNames
    Tried30UserNames Posts: 561 Member
    I get this every day. First, follow Ck103084's advice.

    I usually carry my house keys in one hand when I walk. The hand holding the keys doesn't swell, so now I just switch the keys from one hand to the other halfway through my walk. They still swell a little, but it isn't so uncomfortable.
  • RudeboyCantFail
    RudeboyCantFail Posts: 31 Member
    I don't have a solution to offer but I notice this happening to me sometimes when it's hot and humid. Goes away when I cool down.
  • LavoneSamstag
    LavoneSamstag Posts: 1 Member
    This happened to me once, and the doc said it was because I left my arms down by my side when walking. Be sure to bend elbows and put hands up near face periodically when walking long distance. Stay hydrated too!
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