Hot Weather & Your Feet | Gait Way Podiatry

As the temperature rises, your feet often feel it first. Excess heat significantly impacts the feet by causing them to swell, a condition known as heat oedema. This is a natural part of the body's cooling process, where blood vessels dilate (expand) to release heat. 

Here is a breakdown of how excess heat affects your feet:

1. Swelling and Puffiness (Heat Oedema)

• Mechanism: As vessels dilate, fluid can leak into the surrounding tissues. Gravity causes this fluid to travel down to the feet and ankles, resulting in swelling.

• Symptoms: Tight, puffy skin, stiffness in the toes or ankles, and sometimes a dent that remains after pressing on the skin (pitting oedema).

• Duration: This condition is usually temporary but can be uncomfortable, potentially increasing your shoe size by up to half a size. 

2. Physical Discomfort and Skin Issues

• Tightness/Pain: Swollen feet can feel heavy, tight, or aching, especially after prolonged standing.

• Blisters and Irritation: Heat, combined with sweating, heightens the risk of blisters, chafing, and skin irritation.

• Skin Changes: Skin may appear stretched or shiny due to the pressure of the swelling. 

3. Infections

• Fungal/Bacterial Infections: Excess sweat trapped by shoes can lead to issues like athlete's foot (tinea pedis).

• Trench Foot: In severe, wet, and warm conditions, feet can become numb, pale, and cold, leading to skin damage or infection. 

4. Burning Sensations 

• Neuropathic Pain: High temperatures can trigger a persistent burning sensation, often starting on the soles of the feet.

• Erythromelalgia: A rare condition that can cause redness, burning, and intense pain in the feet. 

How to Manage Swollen Feet in the Heat

• Elevate: Raise your feet above the level of your heart to help fluids return to the body.

• Cool Down: Use cold water, air conditioning, or cooling sprays to reduce swelling.

• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to prevent your body from retaining fluids as a dehydration response.

• Move: Avoid long, stationary periods of standing or sitting; walk around to boost circulation.

• Footwear: Wear comfortable, breathable shoes to reduce pressure. 

Note: If the swelling is limited to one leg, is severely painful, or does not go away after cooling down, seek medical advice.