hands numb after running

Exercise Daily – Are your hands numb after running? If you’re standing in front of your door after a good run, attempting to unzip the pocket on your tights in order to get to your keys, but you’re not having any success. Then, yes!

Suddenly, your fingers have become into sticks with no sensation in them at all. They have lost all feeling in them.

You manage to go inside with the assistance of others and take off your gloves, only to discover that your fingers are white, numb, and even hurting. As you warm up, they get even more uncomfortable and tingly, and they begin to itch.

Cold-induced blood flow impairment or obstruction is a common cause of this condition. The constricting of blood vessels is caused by the cold. As they get narrower, blood flow is decreased.

In certain severe instances, the blood flow totally stops, resulting in the appearance of white (or blue) and numb fingers.

It may also affect other body parts such as the toes, nose, and ears. These are the symptoms experienced by those who have Raynaud’s illness, in which the restriction of blood flow may be triggered by stress, worry, or panic. 

If you have this condition, it might be an indicator that something is wrong with your neurological system.

Why Are My Hands Numb After Running?

The hands and feet are home to a dense network of tiny blood arteries known as a plexus. These veins constrict and dilate again to alter the volume of blood flowing through the hands, presumably to aid in heat transmission. 

During long runs, the veins may leak fluid into the surrounding tissue, creating swelling that may result in numbness. This may be a result of the nerves being affected. 

Swinging the hands may amplify the fluid leak by “keeping” the fluid in the extravascular region while the hands are swinging. During exercise, blood is directed into the muscles that are working harder. 

Running causes increased blood flow in the legs and decreased blood flow in the upper extremities. This is what may also explain the numbness in the hands and fingers, since there is less blood available for the hands and fingers. 

Medical Conditions for Hand Numbness

There are a variety of medical problems that might manifest themselves as numbness and discomfort in the hands. 

Raynaud’s Syndrome

Raynaud’s syndrome is an excessive sensitivity to cold that causes blood flow to the finger to become constrictive, which may be quite painful. 

On hot days, this would be quite unusual. 

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome arises when the median nerve is squeezed as it travels through the carpal tunnel and into the hand. Excessive wrist hyperflexion or hyperextending while running might exacerbate the situation. 

The majority of individuals have symptoms at night or while doing manual labor. Therefore, it would be odd to just experience symptoms when jogging, but “never say never.”

Hyponatremia

Are your hands numb after running, but have no medical condition as Raynauds or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Hand swelling may be a symptom of hyponatremia caused by strenuous activity. When the intravascular sodium level falls, water is drawn into the cell to bring the solute levels on each side of the cell membrane back into balance. 

This water leak produces swelling in the hands, which makes them seem puffy. You may experience this if you take in as much or more fluid than you sweat or urine out of your body. 

Consider cutting down on your fluid intake while running if you do not sweat much. You could find that the numbness subsides after doing so.

Thyroid Disorders

Though it may not be the first thing that springs to mind, a thyroid problem may cause numbness in the hands. 

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that resides below your Adam’s apple. It is important for a range of activities in your body, including hormone production.

An underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, may cause damage to your nerves. These nerves transmit information between your brain and spinal cord and the rest of your body. If your thyroid gland isn’t producing enough thyroid hormones, these processes may suffer.

In particular, if you’re suffering additional symptoms of an underactive thyroid, such as hair loss, weight gain, or feeling chilly all of the time, it’s important to consult with your doctor.

Medications

You might offer wonder why you have hands numb after running. Your medications may be one reason! Let’s find out how.

Numbness, odd feelings, and tingling in the hands and feet are frequent side effects of some drugs. They may occur in any part of the body. The most frequent are chemotherapy medications and HIV/AIDS therapies.

Numbness and tingling have also been reported in association with other popular medicines, such as anti-alcohol pills, heart or blood pressure medications, infection-fighting medications, and skin disease therapies.

Speak with your doctor if you believe a new medicine is to blame for your symptoms. Your doctor may be able to adjust your dosage or find out a comparable therapy.

Deficiency of Vitamin B12.

Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that may be found in abundance in meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy products. It is required by the body in order to produce healthy red blood cells, neurons, and even DNA. 

The condition known as severe vitamin B12 deficiency, also known as pernicious anemia, occurs when the body is unable to absorb enough B12 from food. 

This results in a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, balance problems, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, headaches, and even tingling and numbness in the hands.

If you’re suffering uncommon symptoms and you consume a mostly plant-based diet – or if you have a health condition that affects vitamin absorption, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease – consult your doctor about increasing your B12 consumption. 

He or she may suggest weekly B12 injections for severe deficiency or a general supplement for moderate instances.

The sense of tingling in the hands is a common symptom of B12 insufficiency, although it is not the only deficit associated with the sensation. Tingling may also be caused by vitamin D, B6, and other nutritional deficiencies.

Prevention For Hands Numb After Running

Swollen hands and fingers may be giving you pain or worry. If this is the case, you should try one of the following suggestions to remove or decrease the issue.

Increase the amount of blood flowing through your body

Before going for a stroll, take off your rings and loosen any bracelets you may be wearing. It is possible that rings may limit blood flow and become painfully tight if you have finger edema.

Additionally, loosen the strap of your wristwatch or fitness band. For heart rate monitoring purposes, your fitness band or smartwatch should be worn higher on your wrist or forearm. Don’t wear it at the narrowest area of your wrist.

Maintain a Healthy Water Intake

When you work out, drink just when you are thirsty. Carry fluids with you while you exercise, particularly if you are exercising in extreme temperatures or for a long time. 

When walking and sweating for an extended period of time, it is probable that you will need to take fluids such as water or a sports drink after the first hour.

This approach may offer assistance so that you can determine if you are consuming too much or too little fluid on a given day. Your weight should stay the same for the foreseeable future. For long-distance treks, utilize a calculator to determine how much hydration you’ll need.

Exercise While the Weather is Cooler

Swollen and numb hands are more frequent in warm temperatures. So, opting for a stroll or a run during the cooler portion of the day may assist to lessen numbness. In order to keep yourself cool when exercising inside, crank up the air conditioning while you’re on the treadmill.

Treatment Options For Hand Numbness and Swelling

Do you still have your hands numb after running? We have brought forward a list of remedies and treatments to help you relieve symptoms. This might range from using creams to wearing mittens suitable for increased blood flow through your extremities.

Lunix LX3 Cordless Electric Hand Massager

Lunix LX3 Cordless Electric Hand Massager - hands numb after runningBuy on Amazon

The Lunix LX3 pressure point treatment massager gives an intensive massage that is completely customizable to your requirements. Other hand massagers might damage your aching fingers owing to excessive pressure or simply fail after a few weeks of use. 

The LX3 hand massager has six different levels of massage and intensity, and it combines compression, heat, and vibration. It provides a gentle warmth of around 104°F, which is sufficient to relax and enhance the benefits of the massage.

It gives you the closest feeling possible to a real hand massage in the comfort of your own home. 

After a hard day at work, you want to get rid of finger numbness and joint discomfort. It also treats arthritis and carpal tunnel pain and relaxes your hand. This is the most effective finger and palm massager with heat for your specific requirements

Whether you work with your hands, play an instrument, type at work, or participate in sports, you will notice the difference this hand massager makes.

Pros

  • Different massage intensities
  • Combines compression, heat, and vibration
  • Enhances blood flow
  • Portable
  • Soft interior cushion

Cons

  • It compresses not massages hands

Pharmapulse Maximum Strength Neuropathy Cream

Pharmapulse Maximum Strength Neuropathy Cream - hands numb after runningBuy on Amazon

The Pharmapulse Maximum Strength Neuropathy cream is a powerful formula that is fortified with a concentrated combination of Arnica, Vitamin B6, MSM, Aloe Vera, and Vitamin E. This cream helps nourish and support specific areas of pain for long-lasting relief.

Are your hands numb after running? Give them calming support with this cream. When used consistently, this cream is meant to give deep relaxing comfort for your hands, arms, back, neck, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, joints, and muscles, as well as for your joints and muscles in general.

It offers intensive rejuvenation and powerful cooling. Each jar of high-quality cream is made with natural and safe ingredients. It provides you with powerful cooling and intense rejuvenation while also providing essential moisturizing benefits to all skin types. 

The one-of-a-kind neuropathy cream is non-greasy and lightweight. So, you won’t need to use as much to obtain the most effective and long-lasting comfort.

Pros

  • Effective and fast-acting
  • Affordable
  • Made from natural ingredients
  • Moisturizes skin
  • Non-greasy and lightweight formula

Cons

  • Some people might not like the cooling sensation

Workvie Lidocaine Roll On Cream

Workvie Lidocaine Roll On Cream - hands numb after runningBuy on Amazon

If you suffer from pain and have hands numb after running, Lidocaine cream may help. In addition to providing immediate pain relief, Maximum Strength Lidocaine Cream also helps to ease the discomfort. 

Whether the numbness and swelling are because of strained muscles, sprains, or pinched nerves, this roll-on cream will work wonders! 

There will be no stinging and funny scent reductions. Lidocaine Cream’s ten ingredients include Arnica, Menthol, Eucalyptus, MSM, and others. 

The cream penetrates deeply to provide relief from chronic back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, arthritis, nerve pain, muscle pain, and sciatica. Aloe Vera balances this high-strength ointment for non-burning comfort while also having a vanishing scent. 

Simply apply the pain relief roll-on anywhere you’d like and roll it in to absorb the discomfort. Workvie pain relief ointment starts functioning immediately upon contact. This gives you the assistance you need to get out of bed and flourish again. 

It covers a greater surface area than Lidocaine Patches without the risk of adhering or peeling off.

Pros

  • Immediate pain and numbness relief
  • Natural ingredients
  • Non-burning comfort
  • No adhering or peeling
  • No parabens or dyes
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Ineffective packaging
  • Screwcap is not of good quality

Microwavable Therapy Mittens with Flaxseed

Buy on Amazon

Bring back the function and movement in your hands if you have hands numb after running or exercising. Doing practically anything with painful hands may be tough, from typing and writing to engaging in basic hobbies.

Warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds, a pair of PhysioNatural mittens may help relax tight muscles and ease discomfort associated with rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud’s syndrome, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel, Dupuytren’s contracture, joint deformity, trigger finger, and other conditions.

PhysioNatural moist heat mittens are a natural therapy that has been shown to be effective in boosting blood circulation to the afflicted part of the body. 

Increased blood flow improves flexibility and promotes healing by bringing in new oxygen and nutrients while eliminating waste from the body. Give your hands the pain relief and healing boost they’ve been craving so you can go back to work or play without interruption!

Whenever you need comfort, more flexibility, or just to pamper your hands, these mittens are ready to serve you. Simply slide your hands into the soothing warmth of our famous hand mittens and let yourself get carried away. 

The mittens are composed of plush Minky fabric for a comfortable feel, and they include channels on the top and bottom to distribute wet heat throughout the whole hand and up to the wrist. 

A single mitt weighs around 1.75 pounds, which aids in the delivery of a deep, penetrating heat sensation to the skin. Ultimate relaxation is provided by the PhysioNatural heat treatment mittens, which go one step farther than traditional heat therapy. 

Pros

  • Improves circulation due to heat
  • Plush Minky fabric
  • Distributes heat
  • Microwavable
  • Free from any weird scents

Cons

  • Do not stay warm for a long time
  • Difficult to handle after microwaving

Copper Fit Unisex Hand Relief Compression Gloves

Copper Fit Unisex Hand Relief Compression Gloves - hands numb after runningBuy on Amazon

The Copper Fit Unisex Hand Relief is 83% Nylon and 17% Spandex. Thus, it provides compression as well as warmth. This might relieve the hands numb after running or exercising. 

Hand relief compression may be used for all-day comfort from pain and to minimize edema. The pair is adjustable but made to fit closely – like a second skin. It is available in different sizes, such as small, medium, large, and extra-large.

You can use the compression glove, and wash it whenever you want. It has an excellent grip technology that makes everyday tasks easier. There is an adjustable compression strap at the point of the wrist. This ensures that the gloves stay secure and comfortable on the hand.

The copper fit hand relief compression glove is breathable, lightweight, and easy to use. If you feel numbness or pain in your hand, wear this portable compression glove to relieve it.

Pros

  • Provides warmth
  • Available in different sizes
  • Adjustable straps for easy fitting
  • Can be hand washed

Cons

  • Very flimsy
  • Poor quality
  • Inaccurate sizing guide

Hand Balls for Exercise and Physical Therapy 

Hand Balls for Exercise and Physical Therapy - hands numb after runningBuy on Amazon

The squeeze ball aids in the recovery of finger and forearms muscular strength. They provide excellent relief for spasms in the fingers and hands numbness. The handballs do so by promoting blood circulation.

The finger exerciser ball is equally appropriate for stroke patients, office workers, and the elderly. This ergonomic ball design is more comfortable in your hand. Moreover, it comes with a rope around the wrist for non-slip properties. 

TPR material provides a high degree of elasticity and environmental protection. In addition to utilizing them for illness healing, anybody may simply place them on their hands, engage in fitness training, and strengthen their hand’s muscles.

These handballs work wonders to reduce tension and stiffness in your muscles!

Pros

  • Good for numbness and swelling relief
  • Promotes blood circulation
  • Highly elastic
  • Keeps hand in movement
  • Available in different weights
  • Comfortable and easy to use

Cons

  • Not as effective as heating instruments

GOZATO Squeeze Ball for Hand Therapy

GOZATO Squeeze Ball for Hand Therapy - hands numb after runningBuy on Amazon

With only a few minutes of exercise, it may significantly reduce everyday stress while also strengthening your hands and fingers. Increase flexibility, enhance strength, avoid stiffness, and decrease joint discomfort in your hand, wrist, and forearm by doing these exercises. 

In addition, these finger therapy balls may aid in the prevention of mouse hands, the reduction of anxiety, and the promotion of blood flow and circulation throughout your hands and arms.

This package includes five hand therapy balls in a variety of colors, as well as five distinct types of strengths levels. Yellow (extremely soft), orange (slightly soft), red (moderately hard), blue (strong resistance), and green (extra firm) are the colors.

These squeeze balls are suitable for both men and women, as well as youngsters. They are made entirely of thermoplastic rubber (TPR). This product is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, reusable, and recyclable, and it is free of phthalates and latex. 

Our stress relief balls are lightweight, robust, and completely safe for both children and adults to use at the same time. To clean, use warm soapy water and a soft cloth.

It is an excellent hand exerciser for persons who often type, drive, write, or climb for extended periods of time. It would also be useful and beneficial for stroke rehabilitation patients. With practice and instruction, you will gradually improve your finger dexterity.

Pros

  • Safe and durable
  • Easy to carry
  • Perfect size for hand
  • Available in different strength levels
  • Hypoallergenic and non-toxic

Cons

  • Not a suitable size for some people

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do My Hands Go Numb on Long Runs?

During exercise, blood is directed into the muscles that are working harder. Running causes increased blood flow in the legs and decreased blood flow in the upper extremities. This may also explain the numbness in the hands and fingers since there is less blood available for the hands and fingers.

Why do I feel numb after exercising?

A pinched nerve or restricted blood supply to a portion of the body causes paresthesia. When it comes to working out or running, the movements we do might place our bodies in situations that may cause blood flow to be reduced. 

In other circumstances, the muscles might enlarge as a result of increased blood flow as a result of physical activity.

Is it bad if your hands go numb?

Having hands numb after running is not usually a sign of anything serious. It might be a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome or a side effect of a medicine. When you experience numbness in your hands as a result of a medical illness, you will almost always have additional symptoms as well.

How do I get rid of numbness in my hands?

Certain exercises might help you improve your symptoms and build your strength if you have a muscular weakness. Other than that, antidepressants, seizure drugs, and surgery are also options.

Alternatively, you can use splints or wrist guards and other therapies including vitamin B-12 supplementation.

Can low blood pressure cause numbness in hands?

Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet are two of the most prevalent signs of impaired circulation. It is possible to have pins and needles sensations when something is blocking blood flow and blood cannot reach the extremities in appropriate amounts.

Take Away

Keep in mind that these remedies may not be totally effective in preventing numb and swollen hands, which is a typical occurrence among walkers and runners. There are a variety of additional factors that might induce hand numbness, including drugs and certain medical problems.

Talk to your healthcare professional about other possible reasons for hand edema and numbness. If you have used the above-mentioned options to relieve hands numb after running, share your reviews in the comments section below!