Question for Runners

[clairea]

I have just recently started running, and it seems that after I run my ankles and feet look swollen. They don't hurt -- they just look swollen, and it usually disappears by the next morning (I run in the evenings). DH (who runs a lot and has for years) says he has never heard of anything like this and thinks I must just be imagining it. Have any of you noticed anything similar, or heard of this happening to anyone else. I'm not really worried about it (should I be?) but I do think it is strange.

Any thoughts?

[bossy]

When I first started working out I had something similar happen - my fingers and hands would get swollen. At first I thought it was a bit odd but as the fitness increased it got harder and harder to get "fat fingers" (what my dh and I liked to call it). When reasonably fit I couldn't exercise hard enough for it to happen. Probably something to do with all the blood rushing around and trying to get to the surface to cool off. Someone with a physiology/medical background will probably come up with a simple explanation.

A few months into your workouts I bet your "fat toes" http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif will be a thing of the past.

[makedah]

I've heard of it happening to people. I don't know why...

[clairea]

Thanks everyone. At least now I know I'm not losing my mind (or at least, this particular thing isn't evidence that I am http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif )

[This message has been edited by clairea (edited 04-11-2001).]

[SusanMac]

Well, it's definitely a good sign that there's no pain. But, be sure you're stretching thoroughly both before and after your runs and hopefully there won't be as much swelling.

Here are a few stretches that might help --1) Stand on one leg, lift the opposite leg and and rotate your foot in circles. This will loosen your ankle joints before your run. 2) Kneel down sitting on your left leg, with your right leg bent (your right foot should be flat on the floor in front of you, with the knee directly over your foot). Tap your right foot quickly for about a minute. Switch legs. It sounds easy, but is difficult and you should feel a stretch. (especially if you wear heels every day) This will loosen up everything from your toes up your shins.

The good news is that this definitely sounds like a good excuse for a long, hot bubble bath after your runs!