swollen fingers and pins and needles?

You've traumatized the interior structures of the hand due to over-use. In order to heal, your body floods the area with more blood. The vast majority of your blood is water which leaks out of the blood and settles into the spaces between (interstitial spaces). The pins and needles comes from the nerves trying to recover as well. There's only one place that has more nerve endings than your hands...the genitals.

So, your body is trying to repair any damage done as well as toughen up your hands. Once you recover, you'll find it'll take longer at the axe to cause the same feeling. That's one of the miracles of the body. It will adapt itself and grow based on what is demanded of it.

The reason the hands swell specifically more at night is because not only are they below the level of the heart, which allows fluid to pool in them, but they've not moving, like when you're awake which helps keeps fluid in check. Try sleeping with them slightly elevated on pillows on each side, or make a loose loop of fabric (a women's fabric headband or a bandana work well) and loop each end around your wrists to keep them together on your chest, sleeping on your back - if you can sleep that way. This will keep them above the level of the heart and prevent pooling.

The sensation of pins and needles just has to wear off. It can take a week or more. Pins and needles are actually better than numb. If the sensation is bothering you, take some ibuprophen which will also help with inflammation.

Then, Give those poor hands a break. Don't make them do five whole hours next time...if the sensation and swelling continue for more than a week to ten days, see your doc to make sure you haven't done any nerve damage.

I'm surprised your forearms don't hurt too...good luck...

Fingers Pins And Needles

Well the 'pins and needles' feeling is because of inadequate blood supply to your hand, possibly caused by poor circulation but could be more serious. It could also be a nerve issue. I'd see your doctor if it has been lasting all day.

Hmm...I don't know much about medical stuff but I think this would be a good idea:

try soaking your hands and fingers in nice, cold water; it should get the swelling down. Also try putting your hands and fingers in a bowl of ice. That should help also.

That's all I can think of.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help*

Hope your injury gets better soon:)