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Experiencing Swelling in Hands and Feet After Walking?

8/8/2025, 5:10:19 PMMale25-34

At 20 years old, weighing 62 kg and standing at 165 cm, I maintain a lifestyle free from smoking and alcohol. I've recently incorporated a 40-minute walking routine into my evenings. However, during my walks, I've noticed that my hands—specifically, not my arms—tend to feel somewhat stiff and slightly swollen. Upon returning home after my walks, I can visibly see that my hands appear a bit puffy, albeit not to the extent of leaving indentations. I’m uncertain whether the swelling could be attributed to my walking routine and perspiration or if it might indicate a more significant issue.

ExerciseWellnessLifestyle Changes

Answers (1)

Cony

8/8/2025, 5:10:40 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's great that you're incorporating a walking routine into your lifestyle, as regular exercise has many benefits. The swelling and stiffness you're experiencing in your hands after walking can be caused by a few different factors, but they are often related to normal physiological responses to exercise.

Possible Reasons for Swelling:

  1. Fluid Retention: After physical activity, your body may retain fluid in your hands. This happens because of increased blood flow and changes in how your body manages fluid.
  2. Poor Circulation: Sometimes, long periods of activity can affect how blood circulates in your extremities, leading to temporary swelling.
  3. Inactivity Before Exercise: If you were mostly inactive before starting your walking routine, your body might need time to adjust.
  4. Heat or Sweating: Exercise raises your body temperature, causing blood vessels to expand. This can lead to fluid shifting to your hands.

What You Can Do:

  1. Hydrate Well: Ensure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day, especially before and after your walks. Proper hydration helps manage fluid balance in the body.
  2. Apply Cold Compresses: After your walks, consider using a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth on your hands for 10-15 minutes to reduce swelling and stiffness.
  3. Stretch Your Hands: Incorporate simple hand and wrist stretches during and after your walks to improve circulation. This can involve gently opening and closing your fists or stretching your fingers.
  4. Adjust Your Routine: Consider varying your pace and the intensity of your walks. Gradually increasing the duration or intensity may give your body more time to adjust.
  5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If swelling persists, worsens, or you experience additional issues like pain or numbness, further evaluation may be needed.

Next Steps:

  • Start hydrating adequately before and after your walks.
  • Implement hand stretches either during or after your exercise sessions.
  • Take note of any changes in symptoms over the next week.

Should your symptoms not improve or if you develop new concerning signs, it may be worthwhile to seek further evaluation. Your health and comfort are important, and there's usually a solution to any issue you may face.

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