Why do my feet swell in the heat?
Updated - September 18, 2023It’s a hot day, and your shoes suddenly feel way too tight. If this sounds familiar, you could be suffering from heat oedema, the medical term for feet and ankles that swell in hot weather.
This common condition - which tends to affect women more than men - isn’t usually a cause for concern, but it can be uncomfortable and cause further issues if left untreated.
We explore why our feet and ankles swell during hot weather, and how using Revitive can help.
Why does heat cause swelling?
When temperatures rise, our blood vessels naturally dilate to help us cool off. As they expand in this way, fluid moves out of vessels into surrounding tissue.
Gravity then causes the fluid to travel downwards to our feet and ankles, resulting in swelling.
As well as swollen or puffy feet and ankles, you may also notice shiny or stretched skin, discomfort and stiffness when moving, and a dent that doesn’t disappear when you press on the skin.
How do I know heat is the reason for my swollen feet?
Heat oedema is common, and if your puffy feet coincide with a hot spell, chances are that’s the cause. But swollen feet and ankles can happen for other reasons, too, so it pays to be sure.
Swelling can be caused by an injury such as a sprain or an insect bite, but this is more likely to affect one leg.
Being overweight or pregnant, or taking certain medications, including some high blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, hormone therapy, antidepressants, and steroids, can also cause swollen feet and ankles.
More rarely, swollen feet can signal a more dangerous condition such as Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), infection, heart failure, kidney or liver disease.
Seek emergency care if you have sudden, unexplained swelling in just one limb, if it’s red and hot to the touch, or if the swelling occurs with chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, or fever. If you experience any signs of DVT, please refrain from using Revitive and consult your doctor as soon as possible*.
Why do my feet swell when others don’t?
Like most conditions, there are several individual risk factors that can make you more susceptible to feet swelling in the heat. These include:
- Existing medical conditions
Some medical conditions, including diabetes, Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), and conditions of the lymph nodes, kidneys, or circulatory system can make a person more vulnerable to swelling in the feet and ankles.
- Too much salt in the diet
Retention of salt in the body (or losing it at a slower-than-normal rate), draws fluid into the tissues, causing swelling.
- Being older
Older adults are more at risk of heat swelling due to natural changes in the circulatory system as we grow older.
What else can I do about heat oedema?
Heat oedema often goes away on its own, but it can result in ulcers, infection, and difficulty walking. Here’s what you can do to help:
- Stay active
You may want to simply sit in hot weather, but remaining stationary for long periods is a major contributor to swollen feet and ankles. Get up and walk around every so often to keep your circulation moving. Intense exercise can contribute to swelling when it’s hot, so gentle activity like walking or swimming is best.
- Keep cool
Take advantage of air conditioning and shade where possible or use a fan to help you stay cool. Avoid hot baths in favour of cool baths or showers. If you choose a shower, blast your legs with cold water at the end to boost circulation.
- Drink more water
When temperatures rise, so should your water intake. This might sound confusing - surely you need less fluid, not more? But dehydration increases the concentration of salt in your blood, causing swelling. Try to drink several glasses of plain water a day.
Revitive® Circulation Booster® is clinically proven to increase circulation during use. Leg vein health is maintained by delivering more oxygenated blood to the legs and feet, reducing the symptoms of poor circulation such as swelling.
Once your symptoms ease you can start to increase activity levels. By using Revitive regularly and engaging in activity, you can help prevent the recurrence of your symptoms.