When you wake up, everything is fine. Then the hours pass… Your shoes start to become too small, your ankles thicken and you only want to take off your sandals. If you know this feeling all too well during hot weather, good news: you are far from being an isolated case. But to reduce these swollen feet, you still need to know the right actions!
Why do feet swell when it’s hot?
When the heat sets in, the body does everything it can to regulate its temperature. Result ? Blood vessels dilate to help the body cool down, fluids build up in the tissues… and the feet swell visibly.
“Heat, prolonged standing, lack of movement and sometimes shoes that are too tight further aggravate the phenomenon. Fortunately, most often, this swelling is benign when it affects both feet, appears in the evening and diminishes with rest or when the legs are elevated”explains Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical.
In other words, the more you stand, the more you walk or the tighter your shoes are, the more this swelling can be marked. However, it is possible to reduce it by adopting a few good reflexes.
How to help your feet deflate?
If your feet regularly swell when it’s hot, it’s entirely possible to take action. First, avoid staying still for too long.
“To deflate them, you actually need to move regularly! But also elevate your legs, drink enough, reduce your salt intake, wear wider shoes and, if necessary, use compression stockings or socks. A jet of cool water on the feet and calves, a lukewarm to cool shower as well as breaks in a sitting position with your feet raised can also help”advises the doctor.
Little reflexes that seem trivial, but which, once combined, allow you to gain in lightness… and to put on your favorite sandals again.
Swelling: when to worry?
Often, do your two feet gradually swell throughout the day before returning to normal after rest? In this case, there is no cause for alarm. On the other hand, other signs should prompt you to consult.
“You should be concerned if the swelling only affects one foot, if it is painful, red or hot, if it is accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid weight gain or if it persists despite rest. In these situations, it may be a venous or cardiac problem or phlebitis. It is then better to consult quickly or call 15.”warns the medical director of True Medical.
It is therefore better never to trivialize unusual swelling, especially when it appears suddenly or is accompanied by other symptoms.