Why do your fingers swell up while hiking/exercising?

Question

Why is it that when we go for a hike or do some other kinds of exercise, our fingers swell up to the point that it is hard to remove a ring or even to clench the fingers into a fist? What is happening in the body that causes this? I wouldn't think it is dehydration (which anyway seems like it should cause the opposite of swelling) because when you rest for a while the swelling goes away, even if you don't drink anything.

Answer 1

To prevent the swelling in keep your elbows bent when you walk rather than the normal "hanging swing" of the arms that most do. When you swing your arms it forces fluid into your fingers. When you rest for a while it is the same effect as if you put your feet up when they are swollen.

Answer 2

Swollen Hands While Exercising

Answer 3

From personal experience, I know the truth of what you speak. My educated guess would be that it has to do with veins and the expansion of veins due to increased oxygen intake which adds more oxygen to your bloodstream and thus more weight to your outer limbs and extremities like fingers and toes--causing them to swell at joints and where there are a lot of veins (like the hand).

Answer 4

I believe it is because of the strenuous exercise. First, any exercise will get your blood pumping faster. Second, when you are getting overheated, that blood will try to get to the best place to cool down - extremeties. Because of the surface area in your limbs, and especially in your fingers, it is a prime place for blood to pump through to cool down a little.

Answer 5

More blood goes to your hands so that it can be cooled off quicker while exercising, since you get hotter when you exercise. That is also why you turn pink, the blood comes closer to the skin so it can be cooled off by the air so you don't overheat.

Answer 6

You know how, when you have a sprained ankle or a hurt knee or the likes? They always tell you to lay with your foot up (above your heart). Then there's the ice/heat/ice thing. The idea is to take the swelling down right? Keep the blood from rushing to the sight of the injury. So, I'm thinking, when you go for a strenuous hike, in a way, you're injuring your entire body(in a good way). But because your arms are swinging and down below your heart, just as are your feet, which also get swollen, you're doing the opposite of what you would do to take the swelling down. You're causing the swelling. If you are a hiker, you might try, stopping at the end of your hike in, removing your shoes and socks and (if there's a source) soaking your hands and feet in cold water. If you have the time and you can find a comfy spot, lay down with your hands and feet elevated. I also think you should look into your blood pressure and see if it runs high....keep in mind....."I don't know nothin bout birthin no babies Ms. Scarlett".

Answer 7

Um, that has never happened to me or to four people I've just asked. While all the nice people gave good answers, I recommend that you mention it to your doc at your next visit. It is possible that it's an early warning of some problem in the circulatory system.

It's funny how we think that if something happens to us, it must happen to everyone. I was surprised to learn that not everyone sheds tears when they yawn. When someone told me that sudden exposure to bright light makes them sneeze, I didn't believe them! Then I learned that it's quite common. It has NEVER happened to me.

Answer 8

Your blood is flowing thicker

Answer 9

so if you have to hitch hike back, people will be able to see your thumbs better