Are your legs still swollen?

By Dr. Sonja Stiller, Center for Advanced Vein Care

Leg swelling in the summer is not uncommon. That’s because our veins dilate as a part of thermal regulation, that is, regulating the body’s temperature. The hotter the temperature, the more dilation.

However, our bodies are adept at adjusting to change in our environment, so after about a month in warmer weather, your legs should acclimate to the heat and the swelling should disappear.

If you are still experiencing leg swelling this far into summer, you may have an underlying condition. Unfortunately, many patients are instructed to take a diuretic or “water pill” to reduce swelling. This not only causes a loss of nutrients and electrolytes, it addresses the symptom rather than the cause, which could be an easily treatable vein or lymphatic disease, even if you do not notice any suspicious veins on the surface.

If you do notice spider veins, dark blue veins or a bulging, twisting vein—especially if accompanied by continued swelling—it’s a good idea to get checked out. Your solution could be simple vein treatments, compression socks, or even more walking.

Your calf muscle is your “second heart.” It helps pump blood up and out of your lower legs, and walking is one of the best things you can do to strengthen your calf. And don’t be intimidated by that goal of 10,000 steps. Recent research shows that people who walk as little as 4,500 steps a day live years longer than those who do not.

Give our office a call if you’re experiencing greater swelling this time of year or any of the following symptoms: chronic leg pain • fatigue • itching • burning • inflammation • leg cramps • Restless Leg Syndrome.

Dr. Sonja Stiller is a diplomat of both the American Board of Emergency Medicine and the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. She is the founder of the Center for Advanced Vein Care, a Tier 1 provider with Lake Health Hospital System, located at 7200 Mentor Avenue, in Mentor. For an appointment, call 440-710-1140. More info can be found at YourHealthyVeins.com.