Foot and leg swelling is one of the biggest discomforts of summer. High temperatures affect the vascular and lymphatic system and can cause this sensation of heavy and aching legs, tingling, swelling and cellulite. These symptoms tend to worsen as the day goes by and are aggravated in people with circulatory problems, certain degrees of venous insufficiency (varicose veins), lymphatic insufficiency (lymphedema) or both.
Dr. Martín Herrero, specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery, explains in the following article the causes related to leg swelling and how to prevent and alleviate this condition.
Causes of leg swelling
The causes of swollen legs in summer can be several:
- High temperatures and humidity: Extreme heat and humidity can cause increased dilation of the veins, making venous return from the legs to the heart more difficult.
- Weak venous valves: The valves that facilitate one-way blood flow may become ineffective and allow blood to pool in the legs.
- Fluid accumulation: Heat can induce fluid retention, which aggravates leg swelling.
- Sedentary lifestyle: A lack of physical activity prevents proper blood circulation.
- Prolonged immobility: Prolonged sitting, whether at work or during long trips, restricts blood flow and can cause swelling. In addition, it may be more prevalent on long flights, as swelling also appears to be linked to changes in barometric pressure and increased dehydration due to the dryness of the air inside airplanes.
- Medical conditions: Diseases such as venous insufficiency (varicose veins) or deep vein thrombosis may increase the risk of leg swelling during the hot season.
- Overweight and obesity.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes, abdominal compression itself and physical difficulty for venous drainage can cause venous insufficiency and therefore swelling in summer.
- Female hormones: They decrease the resistance of the venous wall and make it more prone to dilate.
Prevention of leg swelling
There are a number of preventive measures that can help reduce swelling and alleviate that discomfort and feeling of heaviness. These consist of:
- Elevate your legs: Keep your legs elevated, above the level of your heart, when possible, especially after prolonged periods of standing.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing: Choose loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes so as not to hinder circulation.
- Maintain good hydration: Drink enough water and limit excessive salt intake, which can aggravate fluid retention.
- Be physically active: Avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Activities such as walking or swimming promote blood circulation. Perform contraction and relaxation exercises in the calf area.
- Maintain a healthy diet: A balanced diet helps to maintain an adequate weight, reducing the pressure on the veins.
Knowing the risk factors and taking the appropriate preventive measures, the appearance of swelling in the legs can be minimized. However, any symptoms suggestive of a vascular condition or venous insufficiency should be referred to a specialist in Angiology and Vascular Surgery.
At Paracelso Sagasta, we stress the importance of having a vascular check-up after the age of 50 to detect possible risk factors and treat any disease of the circulatory and lymphatic system early. Make an appointment now with one of our specialists.
