Hey, you can stop worrying if you’ve been experiencing swollen hands and fingers after running even if you have diabetes.
That’s because diabetes does not cause your hands or fingers to swell up as a result of running.
Nevertheless, many people do find that after completing their running session, and sometimes during the session, their hands — and especially fingers — have swelled up.
This may also occur after hiking or even also a moderate intensity of walking.
Along with the visible swelling may be a sensation of stiffness.
Cause of Swollen Hands and Fingers After Running or Walking
“This can happen anytime when you do a sustained activity, even just walking,” says Sheri Colberg, PhD, Professor Emerita, Exercise Science, Old Dominion University, founder of Diabetes Motion, and one of the world’s leading experts on diabetes and exercise.
“It just indicates that not all the blood circulating during exercise is being immediately returned to your body core. It’s not a sign of anything bad or unusual.”
Isn’t that good news?
A new-onset, unexplained symptom in a person with diabetes tends to make them immediately wonder if the symptom is somehow tied to their type 2 or type 1 condition.
Many non-diabetics experience the swollen finger phenomenon.
The plumpness in your fingers, even though they feel stiff when this happens, is simply the result of extra blood circulation. So feel free to run like the wind!
Solutions
Wearing light gloves may provide relief from swelling in your hands during exercise.
If using gloves isn’t feasible or if it’s too hot to wear them, you can try keeping your hands in a loose fist while exercising.
This simple adjustment can help minimize the stiffness that sometimes accompanies swelling and improve your comfort during physical activities.
You might notice this symptom particularly when running, hiking or walking outdoors.
However, remember, experiencing swelling in your hands and fingers during these activities is usually not a cause for concern and doesn’t necessarily indicate an underlying health issue.
It’s generally related to the body’s response to exercise and changes in blood flow or temperature.
There’s no need to abandon your outdoor exercise routine in favor of indoor workouts because of this symptom.
Again, the swelling is typically harmless and doesn’t warrant significant changes to your exercise habits.
Continue with your running, hiking or other aerobic activities, and consider simple measures like wearing light gloves or adjusting your hand position to manage any discomfort.
The mission of Diabetes Motion is to provide practical guidance about blood glucose management to active diabetics. 
