Many people struggle with swollen legs in hot weather! Why do my legs swell when the temperature is high? What are the causes of edema and what do they show? Finally, how to deal with them at home? See for yourself.
The heat does not have a positive effect on our organisms. We are sleepy, we often have a headache, and to make matters worse, edema may appear. Where do they come from? Are they cause for concern? It depends. To reassure you, we say that we women tend to accumulate water in the body. But swollen legs can also be a sign of more serious he alth problems.
When it is warm outside, the veins widen and allow water to accumulate in the body. Theoretically, this can cool us down, but in practice, it can cause discomfort, especially when the shoes start to put pressure on us.
In hot weather, we should not stand or sit for too long, because it favors the accumulation of fluids in and around the feet. The small valves inside the leg veins may become weaker, leading to venous insufficiency.
Unfortunately, edema can also cause more serious diseases - such as lung diseases, which increase the pressure in the blood vessels leading from the heart to the lungs. And higher blood pressure promotes edema. There is also heart disease behind the edema. Failure of this organ causes the accumulation of fluid throughout the body. Puffiness is also favored by pregnancy.
He alth issues causing ankle swelling:
- Kidney failure
- Heart disease
- Venous insufficiency
- Hormonal disorders
- Injuries
- Allergy
- Lymphatic stasis
- Dehydration
- Excess s alt or sugar in the diet
- Diabetes
- Diseases of the thyroid gland
- Thrombosis
- Disturbed electrolyte levels
Swollen legs - diagnostics first
Of course, it's best to see a doctor with the problem. This will allow you to find out the cause of your swollen legs. Additional research is usually needed. And so - morphology with the determination of D-dimers will answer the question of whether there is a blood clot in the body. The work of the heart can be checked with the help of EKG, echo or Doppler. It is also worth measuring the level of electrolytes in the blood and testing the urine and thyroid hormones. After all potential he alth problems have been eliminated, we are ready to gocalmly move on to how to deal with swollen ankles.
Swollen legs in summer - ways
The methods vary, but the ones that bring relief include, first of all, cold showers and walks, as they stimulate blood circulation. Blood circulation is also supported by ointments with the addition of horse chestnut, as well as drinking plenty of fluids and replenishing electrolytes.
Edema helps to be eliminated by a proper diet - it must be easily digestible and low in sugar and s alt. It is also worth using teas or diuretic juices - e.g. nettle juice. If there are no contraindications, the edema helps to remove the lymphatic drainage.