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Here in Houston, we have hot, humid weather almost all year long. For that reason, many patients experience feet swelling due to heat. Now, while this condition is pretty common—and not dangerous—it can be unpleasant. So, to help ease your comfort, Dr. Andrew Schneider explains why your feet swell up when it’s hot, and offers lifestyle and product suggestions to help ease heat-related swelling in your feet and ankles.

Why Feet Swell in the Heat illustration of what causes feet swelling in heat

Feet swelling in heat is a common affliction, especially in Southeastern Texas. But why are your feet and ankles more likely to swell up when the weather is warm? Here’s the deal: the heat from outside can cause your blood vessels to dilate (widen.) When the vessels are wider, more blood can collect inside of them. In turn, some make leak into your surrounding tissue, resulting in noticeable swelling.

But that’s not the only reason why you experience foot and ankle swelling in hot weather. You see, when it’s hot and humid outside, your body tries to prevent hydration by holding onto as much internal fluid as possible. Unfortunately, this water retention can make your feet and ankles swell mildly, especially because they are the base of your body, where gravity naturally pulls fluid down toward them.

Again, this kind of mild, weather-related swelling is typically not a medical concern. But it can lead to unpleasant rubbing in your shoes, or allow your socks to leave uncomfortable marks on your skin. For that reason, many people would like to stop their feet swelling in heat. And here’s how to do just that.

How to Stop Feet Swelling in Hot Weather

There are several steps you can take to prevent foot and ankle swelling due to heat. First and foremost, you should try to increase your fluid intake—staying well hydrated will help flush out any water that your body is retaining. Try to avoid going outside in the heat of the day or, if that’s not possible, protect yourself with breathable clothes and sun hats. Finally, at the end of a warm day, try and elevate your feet to help accumulated fluid flow out of your lower extremities, alleviating mild swelling. Looking for a little more support in your fight against feet swelling in heat? Here are some effective products to help!

Products to Prevent Foot and Ankle Swelling in Humid Weather

  1. Compression socks. Available over-the-counter or by prescription for higher degrees of compressions, these socks prevent feet swelling in heat by supporting optimal circulation and preventing fluid build-up in your lower extremities. Bonus: they can also help your vein health, and may even reduce your risk for varicose veins. Check out this cute pair here, or ask us in the office about medical-grade options instead.

  2. Compression tape. Not interested in wearing special socks to reduce fluid build-up in your lower extremities? Try a bandage wrap like this one instead—take it on and off as needed, and feel free to use it on any other areas where swelling could be problematic.

  3. A wedged pillow. Remember when we suggested elevating your feet to relieve foot and ankle swelling in warm weather? Ideally, when you do so, your feet should be raised above the level of your heart. And to help you reach the optimal position, you may wish to purchase a wedge pillow like this one—then, when your feet aren’t swollen, it can double as a back pillow simply perfect for reading in bed without back pain or heartburn.

  4. A seriously effective foot soak. While you can’t always prevent feet from swelling in heat, you can quickly undo any damage with a therapeutic foot soak at the end of your day. There are hundreds of products out there that you could choose from, but we love recommending the Tolcylen line of foot soaks—available in the office—because they soothe your feet to relieve mild swelling. But, depending on the soak you select, they can also deliver added benefits ranging from moisturization to fungal-prevention. Feel free to ask which product is best for your needs!

When to See Your Podiatrist

Most cases of mild foot swelling are benign—that means they aren’t the result of a serious underlying medical condition. However, in some cases, ignoring feet swelling in heat could lead to serious complications—because the hot weather may not be the actual cause of your condition. When swelling comes on suddenly; when it is severe, or only affecting one leg; or when the swelling in your feet is accompanied by additional symptoms such as tenderness to the touch, redness or difficulties breathing, you should call the office at  713-785-7881 or follow this link to request an immediate appointment. You may be dealing with concerns such as a blood clot, allergic reaction or even a circulatory condition. So the safest option is to come into the office where we can rule out underlying conditions and ensure your continued good health.