General Fitness & Nutrition: Swollen hands when running

I have noticed lately, only since I have recently been running far enough, that my fingers swell up a lot anytime I run over 4 miles.  It causes a lot of discomfort and happens regardless of the weather.  Is there something that causes it? Like, do I need to drink more water or get more potassium or something?  Any suggestions?

I have the same problem.  I assumed that it was the ibuprophen I took before and I heard it can make you retain water.  Also thought it could be that my blood pressure was a little high the day before as per my doctor.  But I don't know for sure.

My hands were swelling so bad it hurt to make a fist. I thought I was dehydrated. 

Swelling in the hands from my understanding is a pretty common experience, and I too get it.  From my understanding it comes from blood flow as you run blood is going to your legs and arms where it is needed, however if you don't work you arms back and forth enough the blood doesn't get pumped back to the core of the body as efficiently and it begins to accumulate in the hands and fingers., hence the swelling   Nothing too much to worry about and really it is just a matter of improving your running form, to reduce the swelling.   Make sure you pump your arms back and forth and remember to keep your hands relaxed don't clench your fists.   Please note I am not a doctor, so if you are concerned or are experiencing pain you should consult your Dr.

 

Most likely it is water weight in combination with dependant edema and centrifugal force.   As you run and swing your arms the centrifugal force assists the arteries in carrying blood to the distal portion of your arms (your hands) but the venous (return) sytem requires the assistance of the muscles get the blood back to the heart.  While you run the majority of muscle activation is in the shoulder girdle.  So any blood below the shoulder has a hard time getting back. Summarizing,  the pressure to your hands is greater than the pressure away from your hands.  Consequently, at the change gradient the serum (fluid part of the blood)  leaks into the space between the cells and causes edema.   Try doing alternating military press above your head from time to time while you run.  It allows gravity and muscle contraction to assist the fluid back to the heart.  Doesn't do much for you time but it should help with the discomfort.  And , of course, if you still experience edema, elevate your hands above your heart (drape them over your head) for 30 minutes or so, gentle massage of the extremity from hands to shoulder helps as well.

 TRY THIS TOO!  It's the cure for dehydration. 

  Try this Drink at least1 gallon of water per day plus what you consume during your workouts (this tells your body it needs to get rid of more water and that it's not being water starved) for 3 days then continue with 1/2 gallon or more per day plus what you consume during your workouts.  If during the first three days you experience cramps, it's not uncommon because you are diluting your lytes, just eat a banana, watermelon(very high in potassium) or drink an electrolyte replacement drink (not incuded in your water volume).  This should work.  NOTE:  you will urinate more frequently .

I also have the same problem whenever i hold something thats cold for a long period of time or run in the cold. Its almost like being alergic to the cold. All you have to do is wear warm gloves or invest in some handwarmers there cheap and help.