Lumpy Arms/Legs

[SiValleySteph]

This is a weird question.

I just returned from a vacation and while on the trip I noticed my shins were lumpy - almost cellulite looking. I attributed it to getting older, but it was quite depressing. I didn't really dwell on it. Today, DH posted some pictures on our website and the main one he posted, it was obvious that my arms were also very lumpy. I checked and my legs/arms are no longer lumpy like that. I just went through the pictures and on the same day as the lumpy arm picture, there is a picture from the morning where my arms look normal. In between those times, we climbed a mountain and I carried my 30lb toddler up all the stairs. It was very strenous. Would this cause the lumpiness? Any idea what it could have been?

I'm not worried since it's gone now, but I am curious to know what might have caused it.

Bottom of mountain (started climb level with river):
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/SiValleySteph/China/china13.jpg

Top of mountain (you can kind of see the river down there):
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/SiValleySteph/China/china14.jpg

The lumpiness is still there the next day in the picutres. Not sure when it went away.

[diam124]

I've noticed some cellulite on my upper arms and lower legs as I get older. It's not as obvious as on the thighs and I can only see it sometimes depending on the lighting. That might be part of what you're seeing. The lighting is very different in the 2 pictures you posted and in the second you can see shadows better because you're mostly in the shade.

[SiValleySteph]

Interesting. That was my first thought when I noticed the lumpiness. It is totally gone now, though.

Would cellulite show up more if you were swollen? Also, is it possible to get cellulite on your shins since there's not really any fat there. It's just bone under the skin.

[heather1029]

I'm guessing it's just the photo. The hairs on your arms grow at different angles and so the light is reflecting differently in different spots.

[alisong]

Could it be lymph? Like when you fly and your feet get all swolen?

[SiValleySteph]

alisong - That's what my mom thought.

It will remain a mystery! I know there were actual lumps on my shins becuase I pointed it out to DH. Gone now, though.

[diam124]

I know I also swell A LOT when I go for walks outside in warm weather. Last weekend we went for an hour-long walk and when we came back inside I literally could not get my rings off (in the Winter they are so loose that they roll around my finger). I tried to take them off to shower and there was just no way they were coming off. I would bet that general swelling probably has something to do with it as well.