Stop Feet From Swelling in Hot Weather
July is one hot month, and with that heat and humidity comes swelling feet and ankles. But have you ever wondered why feet swell in the heat? Or how to stop feet swelling in hot weather?
Why Feet Swell When It’s Hot
When the thermometer rises outside, your body expands small blood vessels in your feet to try and cool you down by rushing blood to your skin surface. Unfortunately, all that extra fluid has a hard time flowing out of your feet, especially since it’s already fighting gravity. So now, your feet and ankles start to swell, leaving you with a condition known as heat edema.
How to Stop Feet Swelling in Hot Weather
While not usually dangerous, swollen feet on a sweaty day can be unpleasant. Luckily, these simple tips can help keep your feet from expanding on a hot day.
Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day.
Elevate your feet above your heart. This helps excess blood flow out of your lower body to prevent or reduce swelling. If you don’t have time to put up your feet during the day, sleeping with a pillow or two under them can help prevent swelling.
Increase your fluid intake. While this sounds like it would add to your swelling, drinking more water can actually help you fight fluid retention.
Try to boost your circulation with movement. Great choices include swimming or walking, especially if you can do so in an air-conditioned environment.
Flush out the fluid with your diet by adding diuretics such as lemons, leafy greens, onions and green beans.
Try massaging the swollen limbs to help fluid circulate.
Skip very hot showers or baths, since this can expand your blood vessels, making it even harder for excess fluid to flow out of your feet.
Add a magnesium supplement to your routine, since a daily dose of just 200 mg can help you stay hydrated and offer a great way for how to stop feet swelling in hot weather. Consult your physician before taking the supplement, though - especially if you have a kidney or heart condition.
Ask your Westfield podiatrist about compression stockings if your feet are swelling regularly. We can review options for helping improve your circulation with these garments. And we can also make sure that your swollen feet and ankles aren’t a sign of a more serious foot condition.
Contact Dr. David Sullivan to Stop Feet Swelling in Hot Weather
Are hot, swollen feet are ruining your summer? If our preventative tips just aren’t stopping the problem, don’t wait for cold weather to start feeling better. Instead, make an appointment with Dr. Sullivan and we’ll help you get the swelling under control.