Brief Answer:
Peripheral edema

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

This is an international company and I am surprised to see that we are in the same town!

Swelling of the end of the extremities can be due to a number of causes which I'll describe -

Congestive heart disease: the part of the body that is lowest gets swollen due to poor functioning of the heart causing fluid accumulation. Usually it is the feet and ankles when sitting or standing for prolonged periods, and the low back sacral area when lying in bed - as a result of gravity. Swelling in the hands not so much because they are not the most dependent part of the body. I think this cause is unlikely for you because of your age and no other remarkable symptoms noted (shortness of breath, cough, fatigue).

Poor lymphatic drainage: Typically this affects one part of the body such as one arm after surgery in the chest region.

Venous incompetency: Usually causes swelling in the lower legs due to valves in the veins allowing back flow. Does not usually cause swelling in the hands.

Deep vein thrombosis: Would not happen in 4 limbs.

Inflammatory changes such as arthritis: Again, not part of your description.

Electrolyte and albumin (blood protein) abnormalities: This may be a possibility and worth looking into with a blood test: chemistry panel to include electrolytes and albumin. It can be a result of kidney or liver problems, dehydration, excess salt and salt retention, and sometimes hormonal causes for fluid imbalances.

Neuropathic causes: This may be the cause of your feet falling asleep (tingling paresthesia) although it may be that the fluid volume in your feet increases during exercise causing this paresthesia.

Medications and supplements: You didn't mention any so probably not pertinent.


So the place to start would be with a serum chemistry panel. There are shorter and longer (more comprehensive) chemistry panels, and I'd recommend one that includes kidney function (BUN, Creatinine), albumin, electrolytes, glucose (they all include electrolytes and glucose) and liver function (liver enzymes). Best if it is done fasting (because it gives a better picture of your blood sugar).

In a young otherwise healthy person, mild swelling of the distal extremities when exercising is usually innocuous, but I recommend having an evaluation starting with an exam and blood work.

I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.

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