Don't panic over swelling when exercising

Long

Q: Why do my hands and fingers swell when I walk?

A: First of all, don't panic as this is a very common condition. Many people falsely believe that if you experience swelling (edema) when exercising, then something must always be wrong, which is not true.

Swelling occurs when walking, especially to the hands and fingers, for several reasons:

• An increase in working muscles during exercise may cause blood vessels in the hands to dilate.
• Hands held below heart level may accumulate fluid, causing them to swell.
• As a means to dissipate heat, the blood vessels just below the skin dilate, causing swelling. This increased blood flow may also cause the skin to become red or pinkish.
• It could also indicate that you have been consuming too much sodium or that you are premenstrual.
• In rare cases this swelling may be due to diabetes or hypertension. If in doubt, check with your family physician.

  To help reduce swelling, pump your arms when you walk or occasionally hold them above your head. Sometimes squeezing a ball or just clenching your fists will help. Stay hydrated and be careful of rings you wear as they may become uncomfortably tight when your fingers swell.

  My fellow teachers at Mississippi College and I walk together several times a week, and we all experience edema in our hands and fingers. This swelling quickly disappears after we stop walking. However, if edema stays with you, see your physician as it may be a sign of something serious.