When it gets to this time of year, when temperatures are rising, a lot of us might experience swollen feet more often.
Swelling occurs due to a build-up of fluid in a particular area, and can make your feet feel overstretched and puffy. It can be incredibly uncomfortable and make mobility much more difficult when the swelling continues over a longer period of time. It can even make your shoes feel too tight!
Usually, the swelling goes down pretty quickly after a little rest; but to help, here’s an article detailing a variety of reasons why swelling occurs, and how you can remedy it—or at least reduce it—at home.
Why are my feet swollen?
As mentioned above, the hot weather can cause the blood vessels to expand. This is the body’s reflex to push out heat and keep you cool, but it also gives fluids the chance to escape the vessel and flood the tissue.
However, there are several other reasons that your feet can become swollen:
Being stationary
Sitting or standing still for long periods of time can lead to poor circulation. Fluids within the foot cells don’t have the chance to circulate and as such, it can pool and cause swelling.
Weight
Being overweight can put additional pressure on the lower limbs and cause poor circulation.
Age
As with most other processes in the body, as we get older, the circulatory system can become weaker—meaning you’re more susceptible to swollen feet.
Salt
According to the American Heart Association, consuming too much salt can cause the body to overcompensate and hold more fluids in the body—and all that extra fluid has to be stored somewhere!
Medications
Swelling can be a side effect of certain medications. Prescription steroids and blood pressure medication can often cause edema (the medical name of swelling).
Pregnancy
Swollen hands and feet are a common side effect of being pregnant. Expectant mothers often retain more water, but the weight of the baby can also cause poor circulation in the lower limbs.
How to reduce swelling in feet
Luckily, swollen feet can often be remedied at home. That said, if you find yourself experiencing significant discomfort, or continued swelling, it’s always recommended that you search for a podiatrist in Santa Barbara, CA to seek professional advice. Here are some suggestions to try at home:
Gentle raises
As swelling can be due to staying stationary or poor circulation, gently raising the feet above heart level can give them a good rest while also helping to move fluid around the body.
Massage
If you ever needed from excuse to have your partner give you a foot rub, this is it! Massaging the swollen area—starting from the toes and working up—can help recirculate all the built-up fluid.
Low-intensity exercise
Swimming is a great low-intensity exercise that can keep you fit while also promoting better circulation. Alternatively, pedaling in the air with your back laid flat on a yoga mat can also do the job.
Warm water
A foot spa is enjoyable and beneficial. Warm water is great for relieving the tension and reducing swelling.
Taking care of swollen feet doesn’t actually sound too bad, right?