If the sun is out, and it's warm where you are, your feet and ankles are probably out too! No longer hidden away in cold weather boots and shoes, our feet are now basking in the warm summer sun. However, heat often causes swelling of our feet and ankles. Today, Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, is sharing his top 6 tips for preventing swollen feet this summer.
Get Relief From Swollen Feet With These Top 6 Tips
If your feet are swelling due to the heat, there are numerous and natural ways you can cool them down, improve poor circulation, and get fluid to your blood vessels.
- Keep active. Some moderate exercise such as walking and swimming helps improve your circulation and gets the fluid accumulation flowing again. Exercise during the early evening or morning when the temperatures may be lower.
- Regulate your diet. Some types of foods are natural diuretics that can offer relief from fluid retention. Some foods that typically have this effect include asparagus, leafy greens, green beans, lemons, pumpkin, onion, and pineapple.
- Raise your feet. The law of gravity is not your friend when it comes to swelling. You can counteract its effect on your limbs by elevating your feet higher than your heart whenever possible.
- Support your legs, ankles, and feet. Wearing compression socks or support tights can prevent swelling by providing just the right amount of pressure to boost blood circulation. The pressure prevents the collection of fluids in the feet and ankles and reduces the size of the veins.
- When possible, stay out of the heat. Try to remain in air-conditioned rooms or shaded areas. Do not take hot showers/baths and avoid saunas as these can exacerbate the swelling.
- Drink plenty of water and reduce your salt intake. Staying hydrated helps your entire body cope with warm temperatures. Excessive salt leads to swelling and fluid retention. Drinking more water helps decrease the amount of salt in your body.
There are several other ways you can diminish swelling, such as wrapping your ankles and feet in damp towels, cooling foot soaks with Epsom salts, and putting ice packs on the swollen areas.
If you notice that your feet are swelling this summer, contact Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, to schedule a checkup so we can make sure there isn't an underlying condition. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.
