Why do we get swollen hands and fat fingers when we walk?

Ever get swollen fingers when you walk? It’s happened to me and most of my walking ladies so what makes it happen and what can we do?

The good news is that it’s not a serious problem and once you finish your walk, you’ll notice your hands and fingers returning to normal so that’s a relief.

Seems that there are a couple of possible reasons for it happening so read on and think about which one could be true of you, it may be a combination of two or more.

Do you move your arms when you walk? Keeping your arms by your side and therefore below your heart makes it more difficult for the circulatory system to work efficiently and this may cause swelling in your hands and fingers. So swing those arms and see what difference that makes.

In your bloodstream you have salts called electrolytes and when you sweat you lose these salts. They need balanced with more fluid so it may be that you’re not drinking enough water as you walk. This can lead to swelling. You can also drink sports drinks to replace these electrolytes.
Finally, there’s something called “blood pooling." During a walk, our leg muscles and help return blood from the lower body but even then our feet may swell. Our arm muscles are smaller and used less so they don't help as much in returning blood from the hands. Again this could cause swelling.
Does any of this resonate with you?
Below are somethings that are worth doing to prevent or combat this experience._
· Take off your rings before you walk and loosen your wristwatch strap. and elastic sleeves.
· Keep your hands relaxed and slightly open and from time to time stretch all of your fingers out for a few seconds and then make a fist.
· Circle your arms every so often.
· Stretch your hands up above your head for a few seconds to get them above the level of your heart.
· Grip a small object for a short time as you walk.
· Use a good arm motion with your arm bent at almost a 90 degree angle and swinging back and forth from a relaxed shoulder.
· Make sure you take in plenty of water as you walk and consider using a sports drink too.

Big Fun Walk Route again...

Not my best look but this is me about 5 miles into our 8 mile walk today!! However, at least I'm still smiling.

After Yesterday, I was convinced that Cathy and I would have been walking in T- shirts but not to be. We were following the route of the Big Fun Walk that some of the East End Girls and I did in early March. Cathy hadn't been able to join us then and I knew she'd really enjoy the walk as it takes you through wonderful parts of London and is varied and interesting. On that day the weather was much better although colder and the difference in the foliage was amazing, it was all so much greener this time with some daffodils remaining and a few bluebells out.

Cathy and I were not deterred and it did start out with very light rain.

After leaving East Finchley Tube station, the walk follows the Capital Ring path into Cherry Tree Park and soon has you climbing up to Highgate Woods which I love.

Below the tunnel of greenery that is Highgate woods now.

From here you walk through Highgate and then into Hamstead where we stopped for a very welcome coffee and a chance to get out of the rain for a while. It was lovely to do this walk at a slower pace and enjoy it all as on the Big Fun Walk we have a tendency to 'gallop' through it. One example was the coffee stop - never had time to stop in this way before.

Next it's into Hampstead Heath, then some more road walking which takes you through some of Hampstead Village and up the side of the Royal Free Hospital, through Belsize Park and to the Top of Primrose Hill where even today the view was great.

There's something nice about walking in the rain and you often have lots of places to yourself when others don't venture out. People don't get in the way of your photos such as this one of the Jubilee Gates at the Inner Circle of Regents Park.

Cathy and I decided on a bit of a detour so instead of walking down Baker Street, we choose Marylebone High Street, much quieter and prettier but very tempting when you look at all the wonderful shops. We did find a great deli for lunch though where for a while we were the only customers. Food was great.

After that I did get a bit fed up as it was still raining and I, who had only brought my light cagoul, was rather damp and now cold. We decided to call it a day and headed to Bond Street to get the tube home.

Hot bath and cup of tea later and I'm warm and cosy and feeling virtuous. I'm also 18,000 steps in today.