Why do legs swell in summer: when is it normal and when is it a reason to see a doctor

      Understanding is aided by candidate of medical sciences, associate professor of Pirogov University, Yaroslav Gurin.

      Quick test: why do your legs swell?

      Answer three questions.

      1. When do the swellings appear? A) In the evening B) Already in the morning after sleep

      2. If you press your finger on the shin, the dent: A) Lasts for several seconds B) The skin quickly levels out but remains cold or pale

      3. The swelling is accompanied by: A) Heaviness, bursting, fatigue in the legs B) Shortness of breath, weakness, bluish lips

      If you have more answers A, it is likely about physiological summer swellings.

      If more answers B, it is better not to delay a visit to the doctor.

      Why do legs swell more often in the heat?

      The reason is in the work of the blood vessels.

      In the heat, the body tries to cool down, so the blood vessels expand. Because of this, blood rises more slowly from the legs to the heart.

      — As a result, some of the fluid begins to leak into the tissues, and the lymphatic system does not always manage to drain it, — explains the doctor.

      The situation is aggravated by:

      prolonged sitting;

      sedentary lifestyle;

      long standing;

      tight shoes;

      lack of movement.

      Therefore, office workers and people who spend a lot of time on their feet often face swellings especially in summer.

      Can hands also swell?

      Yes. Especially in hot weather and during prolonged computer work. If you sit for a long time with bent arms, lymphatic drainage may worsen. Hence the feeling of swelling in the fingers and rings that are hard to remove in the evening.

      What will help?

      1. Raise your legs above heart level Even 15–20 minutes of rest in this position helps reduce swelling.

      2. Move more Walking is the best natural "pump" for veins and the lymphatic system.

      3. Drink enough water Many mistakenly start drinking less out of fear of swelling.

      In fact, dehydration can only worsen the situation.

      4. Avoid tight clothing and shoes In summer, it is especially important not to constrict the blood vessels.

      5. If necessary, use compression garments But it’s better — after consulting a specialist.

      When is swelling a warning signal?

      Sometimes swellings can indicate problems with the heart, kidneys, or veins.

      You should see a doctor if:

      the swellings do not go away by morning;

      shortness of breath has appeared;

      the swelling occurred suddenly;

      only one leg is swelling;

      pain, redness, or hardening has appeared;

      the skin has changed color.

      — It is especially important not to self-medicate and not to take diuretics without a doctor's prescription, — warns the expert.

      The main thing to remember is that small swellings in the heat are often a physiological reaction of the body.

      But if other symptoms accompany the swellings or they become permanent, this is already a reason to undergo an examination.