Common Causes Of Swollen Hands And Feet

Intense Exercise

Muscle soreness experienced after exercising is the result of the tearing and breaking down of muscle fibers from the stress of repetitive and weight-bearing movements. This is a normal outcome of exercise. As this muscle fiber damage is repaired, the muscle becomes stronger. With intense exercise, muscles can suffer more severe damage. This micro-trauma of muscle fibers can cause swelling to occur in the hands and feet.

With intense exercise, oxygen supplies become depleted. To preserve vital organ function, the body diverts blood away from extremities and increases blood flow to the body core. With this decrease in blood flow to the hands and feet, there is also a decrease in oxygen delivered. The vessels in the hands and feet overcompensate for this lack of oxygen by dilating. This dilation results in a flood of fluid to the hands and feet, which can leave blood vessels, enter the tissue, and cause swelling.

Consuming Too Much Salt

Salt is an essential mineral for normal body functions. Table salt is composed of sodium and chloride, electrolytes that circulate in the bloodstream. Sodium content is controlled by the kidneys, which regulate the amount of sodium in the blood. The amount of salt an individual should consume daily through diet is highly debated. An average of the recommended daily salt intake through diet is between 1,500 and 2,300 milligrams. This equates roughly to about one teaspoon of table salt.

Consuming too much salt will cause the body to retain fluid. The extra fluid retained in the blood can leak out of blood vessels in the feet and hands and cause swelling. Why do some individuals swell when they eat too much salt while others do not? Some factors that can contribute to this type of swelling include poor kidney or liver function, weak veins, heart disease, and sitting for prolonged periods.