Summer Heat & Foot Swelling

It is a beautiful sunny day and you decide to go out for a walk but when you go to put your shoes on, they don’t fit because your feet have swelled in the heat. Is this a familiar situation for you?

The summer heat can be grueling on the whole body but feet often do not fair too well. When your legs and feet swell because of heat, it is called heat edema. Being in the heat often causes you to retain water and your blood vessels to dilate. When standing for longer periods of time, gravity then causes the fluid to pool in your legs and feet. If you are older in age, pregnant or overweight, the risk of swollen feet is higher.

Dr. Tejas Pandya, foot specialist in New York, treats all problems related to feet and ankles. Fortunately, there are some ways to prevent and find relief for swollen feet in the middle of the summer:

•   Staying still will encourage the pooling of fluid in your legs and feet so avoid sitting and standing for long periods of time.

•   Keep your body cool and avoid salt intake as this can increase water retention.

•   Elevate your legs when you can.

•   Exercise will help remove the fluid from your legs and feet.

While swollen feet are common, take note if you have any secondary symptoms such as a fever or if the swelling worsens. You may have something more serious going on. Please contact Dr. Pandya with any questions or concerns about swollen feet. Call us at (518) 273-0053 to make an appointment at our Troy or Clifton Park, NY podiatric office. Visit us online as well www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com. 

What Do I Do About My Swollen Feet When I Have Diabetes?

Living with diabetes can present a number of challenges. Whether you have been recently diagnosed or have been trying to keep it under control for years, it takes some effort. It can also cause several complications that can affect your feet and quality of life in general. Swelling of the feet is a common complication that can develop with diabetes.

When you have diabetes, there are several reasons your feet can swell but it is often associated with neuropathy. Diabetes can cause poor circulation. When blood does not flow properly, the lack of blood supply takes its toll and can result in nerve damage, or neuropathy. The damaged blood vessels do not constrict and relax like they should which can lead to fluid buildup and swelling.

Is a swollen foot something to worry about if I have diabetes?

The answer is a loud YES! Sometimes feet can become swollen if you have been standing or walking around all day but a swollen foot can also be a symptom of an infection or an ulcer. If you have diabetes, neuropathy hinders your ability to feel pain so a swollen foot is something to take notice of and take action for immediately.

Foot specialist, Dr. Tejas Pandya, consistently reminds his patients with diabetes that a swollen foot could be indicating a serious situation. You should have a good knowledge of when this happens and what the cause might be. There are many general foot care tips that Dr. Pandya encourages diabetic patients to follow such as daily foot care, proper toenail maintenance, wearing appropriate shoes and quick treatment for any injury. All of these can reduce your chances of having swollen feet.

Are you dealing with swollen feet and need help? If you have diabetes, we highly encourage you to seek help as soon as possible. Please contact our podiatric office in Troy, NY today with any questions or to make an appointment. Call (518) 273-0053 or visit www.capitaldistrictpodiatry.com.