Are Your Legs Prepared For Summer?
Hot weather can increase fluid, also called “edema”, in your legs causing your ankles to swell. The leading cause of ankle swelling is vein disease! When it’s hot, the blood vessels in your legs dilate, which cause blood to pool in the legs, leading to increased swelling. This is a problem for people with vein disease, as they already have poor circulation in their legs. The increased venous blood pressure leads to edema which is a soft tissue fluid buildup resulting in swelling of your ankles and lower legs..
Vein disease is the improper functioning of veins and their valves. The valves in our veins are the only thing preventing the backflow of blood. When our veins enlarge, valves do not shut completely, and blood leaks through the valves and down towards your feet. Vein valve leaks usually start at the top of your leg. This is similar to “a leak in the attic causing a flood in the basement”. Your ankle swelling represents a flood in the basement.
To reduce edema and swelling in your legs during hot weather, it’s important to stay well hydrated, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, stay active, and wear high quality, graduated, measured and fitted, knee-high compression socks. Compression socks reduce edema and swelling and improve poor circulation in your legs.If you have significant swelling or other symptoms related to vein disease, it’s important to consult with a vein care specialists like the award-winning, world-renowned experts at Vein911® Vein Treatment Centers. We treat patients with mild, moderate and severe leg swelling. Hidden vein disease that has been unrecognized or ignored can damage your lymphatic vessels leading to severe and permanent swelling called lymphedema, so don’t wait. Give us a call to schedule your initial medical consultation today at 855-834-6911.
