In the summertime, due to the heat, people’s feet tend to swell due to a variety of reasons. Some causes of swelling feet include dehydration, inactivity, high salt intake, and lack of proper ventilation.
In addition, medical conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy, or kidney and liver diseases can also lead to feet swelling. Swollen feet can be identified by the edema or a sense of heaviness in the legs and feet. In this article, we are going to discuss 7 easy steps to keep your feet from swelling during the summer season.
Step 1: Stay Hydrated
Drinking water is one of the best ways to maintain healthy feet during the summer season. The body loses a lot of fluid in hot weather, making it important to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Drinking at least 8-10 cups of water a day can help prevent swollen feet. You might also try other hydrating beverages such as fruit juices and coconut water for a change.
Step 2: Elevate Your Feet
Elevating your feet is an effective way to reduce swelling. Raising your feet above the level of the heart allows fluid to drain from the feet and legs, and can reduce the sense of heaviness.
You may rest your feet on a pillow or elevate your feet by lying down with your feet up on a wall. Do this for at least 20-30 minutes a few times a day to prevent your feet from swelling.
Step 3: Exercise of the Feet and Ankles
During the summer, we might end up being less active than usual by being indoors. Being in an inactive position for an extended period can be a risk factor for feet swelling. To combat this, try to set aside some time to move your feet and ankles.
This can be done by rotating the feet, pointing and flexing the feet, or making circles with the feet and ankles. These exercises promote good circulation and can prevent swelling.
Step 4: Wear Proper Footwear
The footwear you wear in the summertime can make a big difference in how your feet feel. Choose comfortable sandals, shoes and flip-flops that provide proper support for your feet.
Avoid wearing shoes that have inadequate arch support or that are tight on your feet. Tight-fitting shoes can cut off circulation in the feet, leading to swelling.
Step 5: Use Compression Socks
Compression socks are specially designed to keep your legs from swelling. They apply gentle pressure to the feet and legs to prevent fluids from accumulating in your feet. These socks can help prevent swelling and can also improve circulation in the legs.
You can buy them at a pharmacy or any medical store.
Step 6: Reduce Salt Intake
Consuming excessive salt can lead to fluid retention in the body which can cause your feet to swell and feel bloated.
Avoid processed foods that contain excess sodium, and try to add less salt to your meals, instead using herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. This will reduce the overall sodium intake, thus helping you fight off feet swelling.
Step 7: Cool Your Feet in Water
Soaking your feet in cool water helps regulate the temperature and reduces the discomfort that accompanies the feet swelling. Fill a bucket with cool water and soak your feet for 10-15 minutes twice a day.
You could also add sea salt to the water for added benefits. This is an effective way of reducing feet swelling in the hot weather.
Conclusion
Feet swelling can be very uncomfortable, but it can be easily prevented by following these simple steps that we have discussed.
It’s important to stay hydrated, exercise your feet and ankles, wear comfortable shoes, reduce salt intake, and soak your feet in cool water. By taking proper care of your feet, you can prevent swelling and enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle this summer season.