Summertime in Texas brings lots of heat, and for many, that means three months of uncomfortable swelling in the feet and ankles. This condition, often called heat edema, occurs when your body tries to cool itself.
While heat edema is common, especially in adults over age 65, it’s not something you need to endure. At Arlington Foot and Ankle Centers, with offices in Arlington and Mansfield, Texas, our medical team helps patients manage a wide range of foot and ankle ailments, including heat edema.
Here’s what they want you to know about this pesky summer issue.
When temperatures rise, your blood vessels naturally dilate or widen. This process is your body's way of pushing blood toward the skin's surface to release heat and keep you cool. However, gravity makes it harder for that blood to travel back up from your lower limbs. This can cause fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues, resulting in the puffy appearance we call edema.
Several factors can worsen this effect. High salt intake is a big one because sodium encourages your body to hold onto extra water. If you've been standing or walking for long periods at a summer festival or a local park, the pressure on your veins increases. Your feet may feel tight, heavy, or even painful by the end of the day.
Several steps can manage mild swelling at home:
First, keep your feet above the level of your heart for at least twenty minutes several times a day. This uses gravity to help fluid drain from your lower legs.
It might seem counterintuitive to drink more water when you're retaining it, but proper hydration helps flush excess salt from your system.
Straps can dig into swollen skin, leading to irritation or even cuts. We often recommend supportive shoes that allow the foot to expand naturally. Consider wearing light compression socks if you know you'll be on your feet for a long time. These garments provide gentle pressure that prevents fluid from pooling in your ankles.
While heat edema is often temporary, persistent swelling can indicate more serious problems like venous insufficiency or kidney issues. Millions of Americans live with chronic venous insufficiency, which can lead to skin ulcers if not treated.
If you notice that only one foot is swollen, or if the swelling is accompanied by redness, warmth, or pain, you should contact us immediately. These can be signs of a blood clot or an infection.
For heat edema and all your foot and ankle care, contact the Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers nearest you today.
