published by, Vidushi Sagar
Last Update: April 16, 2023, 4:59 PM IST
When you exercise, your muscles generate heat. To dissipate heat, your body directs blood to the veins closest to your skin (Image: shutterstock)
Explained: During activity, more blood flows to your heart, lungs and working muscles
Notice that your hands swell while taking a walk or during a long run or jog? Turns out you are not alone and this happens to many people. But why? News18 explains:
during hot weather
William O. Roberts, MD, professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota runner’s world When it’s hot outside, our hands often swell, but this is not a sign of dehydration. Rather, he argues, swollen hands and fingers may be a sign of hyponatremia, which occurs when you drink too many fluids during a run.
“During exercise, circulation increases, and there is a large network of tiny blood vessels in the arm that open up,” he explains to Runner’s World. Swelling of your finger.”
to put it simply
During activity, more blood flows to your heart, lungs, and working muscles. Your hands may be cold because less blood flows to them. The blood vessels in your hands may dilate in response. According to the Mayo Clinic, this can cause edema of the hand.
When you exercise, your muscles generate heat. To dissipate heat, your body directs blood to the veins closest to your skin. This action causes sweating. It can also cause swelling in your hands.
Hyponatremia can occur in elite athletes. This is a blood level of salt, commonly known as sodium, that is abnormally low. Reports say that hyponatremia can cause swelling in the fingers and hands.
How to counter this?
The report states that most exercise-related arm edema cannot be prevented or reduced, but suggests some measures to reduce symptoms:
- Before exercising, take off your rings and rest your watchband.
- During the exercise, swing your arms forward and backward.
- Spread your fingers, make fists, and raise your hands above your heart several times during the exercise.
- Use a trekking pole to contract your arm muscles while walking.
- Wear gloves that are snug but not too tight.
- Drink salty beverages, such as electrolyte-rich sports drinks, while exercising.
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