Runners - does this happen to you?

[Crinklecutchips1]

I ran today for the first time in a while - starting couch to 5k to get back in to it.

When I got back my hands were so swollen that I couldn't get my wedding ring off.

I remember when I used to run before that my hands would swell but not to this extent.

Same thing used to happen when I used to do yoga.

Is if just me? Can I do anything to stop it happening?

Thank you

It doesn’t happen to me but yes it is common. I know someone who wears a rubber wedding ring except for special/dress up occasions as her hands swell horribly doing and running or brisk walking.

Thank you - glad it's not just me. I am intrigued by a rubber wedding ring!

Yes happens to me, and numb thumb.

Yes! I have to take my rings off the night before a run as they also swell overnight. If I forget to take them off before a run it's really horrible

Intrigued! I'm a runner, know many runners & never heard of this before.

I don't get it running but I do get it when walking / hiking. Not just a walk around the block but walking a few miles. It doesn't really happen in winter but the rest of the year it does. Sometimes when we're done my fingers feel all stiff and uncomfortable from it.

Take your rings off for runs.

Try to make sure you have plenty of electrolytes on board

It’s a common phenomenon
https://www.runnersworld.com/health-injuries/a20812546/why-do-my-hands-swell-when-i-walk/

Yes I've just walkedt10k and hands very swollen. It goes down if I lift them over my head

Always! I thought it was because I took on too much water (which helps me through a run) but it happens every time. Not that I’ve run for ages.

Yes it happens to me too, my hands looks like King Charles' after parkrun

I used to get this when I was running, worse in hot weather. Something to do with fluids, but can't recall if too much or too little.
I used to do an upside down big pose, with arms and legs in the air to drain down!

*bug

Yep, I'm a runner and it happens to me, it's worse in warm weather. I take my rings off before I run and sometimes I can't put them back on for a couple of hours after I've finished!

Walking is worse for me than running. I think it's because my hands are in a downward position, whereas running, my hands are held higher. I'm better with holding hiking poles too as again, my hands are a right angle to my elbows rather than down.

Thank you for all of your replies - and the link - will have a read if that later.

Glad to know it's not just me - th sought it might be because I am unfit and fat.

I just did a 10K Wolf Run today and noticed this! Thought it was just me!!! I'm used to doing long hikes and haven't experienced this problem before. Thanks for posting about it, kind of relieved I'm not alone!

My DH takes his wedding ring off to go running as this happens to him. Sometimes when I'm exercising be it running or cardio dance class my hands go tingly. I get swollen eyes occasionally

had this when I started running.

think it was because I was clenching my fist. got a lot better once I relaxed my arms/shoulders more during running.

Yep, happens to me too. Stay puft marshmallow man hands after a run or long walk, especially in warm weather.

I did an 8 mile brisk walk and this happened to me - red stiff, sausage fingers. Couldn't bend them. Yet I walk this distance on holidays and nothing happens. Very strange.

Going on long walks , 3+ hours, I started using walking sticks to keep my hands higher up to stop the swelling.

I get this starting at about 3hrs in- for me mostly it's positional. Also worse if I'm carrying a lot of weight in a running vest.

Rings off for running, and regular arm swings/circles, finger squeezing and stretching to keep the fluid moving.

My hydration is closely timed so I know it's not that. Hate the sausage fingers though- the fumbling when you need to get them to do something simple is so frustrating.