why do my fingers swell when i walk

Fingers can swell when walking due to several physiological reasons mostly related to exercise and circulation changes. When walking, the arms naturally swing, creating a centrifugal force that can push fluid into the hands and fingers. Exercise increases blood flow and causes blood vessels near the skin to expand (vasodilation) to dissipate heat, which can lead to fluid leaking into the soft tissues of the fingers, causing swelling. Additionally, warm temperatures during activity and metabolic responses can contribute to fluid buildup. If fluid regulation is inefficient, swelling may be more noticeable. Dehydration or drinking excessive water without enough electrolytes can worsen this swelling. The swelling typically resolves after stopping the activity as blood flow and fluid balance normalize. Wearing loose rings or watches, drinking fluids with electrolytes, and moving fingers and arms during walking may help reduce the swelling. Thus, the main causes of finger swelling when walking are related to arm movement, increased blood flow, heat, and fluid retention during exercise.