Why Do My Hands and Fingers Swell Up Tightly When I Hike at High Mountain Altitudes?
1. Introduction Hand and finger swelling during a high-altitude hike is caused by a physiological response to lower oxygen levels and the physical mechanics of walking. As barometric pressure drops at higher elevations, the body dilates peripheral blood vessels to maximize oxygen delivery to tissues, causing fluid to leak into the surrounding spaces. Concurrently, the … Read more