Hand pain after running can stem from several causes, often related to overuse, inflammation, or nerve compression. Let's explore the possibilities.
Common Causes of Hand Pain After Running
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Tendinitis: The most common repetitive overuse injury in the hand and wrist is tendinitis. This inflammation of tendons (connecting muscles to bones) arises from irritation or stress. Swelling, tenderness, and pain are typical symptoms. [Reference: Tendinitis]
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Muscle Strain: Sharp pain localized to a specific area suggests a muscle strain or tendon inflammation. [Reference: Hand, Wrist, and Arm Pain While Exercising]
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Exercise-Associated Hyponatremia (EAH): Swollen hands and feet during or after a long run might indicate EAH, caused by excessive fluid intake. Other symptoms include confusion and vomiting. [Reference: Swollen Fingers and Toes After Running; Hand swelling during exercise: A concern?]
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Poor Blood Circulation: Numbness and stiffness in hands after running could result from restricted blood flow, as blood pools in the hands when they hang loosely at your sides during a run. The subsequent swelling can affect the nerves, leading to pain and discomfort. [Reference: My hands get really stiff after running...?; Why Do My Hands Go Numb on Long Runs?]
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Nerve Compression: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve compression) can cause hand pain, and exertion might exacerbate existing symptoms. [Reference: Why do my hands hurt at night?] The ulnar nerve, running from shoulder to wrist, can also be affected, leading to pain in the ring and pinky fingers (cubital tunnel syndrome). [Reference: Hand Pain Types, Signs, & Treatment in Washington DC, Baltimore ...]
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Overtraining: While less directly related to hand pain, overtraining syndrome could cause generalized body aches and stiffness, potentially including the hands. [Reference: Overtraining Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options]
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Raynaud's Phenomenon: In rare cases, hand pain after running might be linked to Raynaud's phenomenon, a condition affecting blood vessels. However, this is usually accompanied by color changes in the fingers and toes and shouldn't be considered as the most probable cause without additional symptoms. [Reference: Raynaud's phenomenon]
Addressing Hand Pain After Running
If hand pain persists or worsens, consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Self-treating could worsen the issue.
