Why Do I Get Swollen Ankles in the Heat?

Many of us have experienced puffy feet or swollen ankles at one time or another, usually in the heat or when travelling, or when you are abroad, but why does this ‘summer swelling’ occur? And what can we do about it?

When it gets hot, your body will naturally try and cool itself down, and part of this cooling down mechanism requires the veins to dilate, to slow down the blood circulation. This is all good to make sure you keep cooler during the warmer times, but if you do not keep your body hydrated with water, your body may also try to retain the fluid it already has.

Fluid retention, is a common symptom for those that suffer with swelling in the heat, it can be caused by fluid from the lymphatic system entering tissues around the body, so that the fluid can be better retained and not easily lost, through sweating and urinating.

The lymphatic system and blood circulation work extremely well together, so when the blood flow is good, generally, so is the lymphatic flow, and if the blood flow is a bit sluggish, such as when it gets hot, the lymphatic system will kick in to help retain fluid. This is the body working as it should, however, when fluid is retained, there is a risk of swelling, and those that have experienced this before, will know that it can be rather uncomfortable and inconvenient.

Well there is a lot of self-help available, but the use of compression stockings is proven to be very, effective in helping to prevent or relieve ‘summer swelling’. Compression stockings are made specifically, to help improve the blood circulation in the leg veins and aid blood returning from the feet and legs, and back up to the Heart. It is made with a medically, measured graduated compression, meaning the garment squeezes most at the ankle, which gets less and less, up the length of the leg. This gradual, squeezing action, helps push blood back into the Deep Veins and upwards against gravity.

Once you improve the blood flow, the lymphatic system is also helped, meaning the body will start to rid of the fluids, instead of holding on to them, which means a lot less swelling happening during those warmer times, so you can enjoy your holiday, travels or day out in comfort.

Photo 53565084  Ankle Swelling  Yaowalak Rahung  Dreamstime.com