If you’ve noticed that whenever the temperature starts to rise, so does the swelling in your feet and ankles, then you should know that you’re not alone.Dr. Pegah Panirian, a podiatrist at The Feet Institute of Los Angeles, told HuffPost in an email correspondence that heat affects circulation and fluid balance in the body, which is the main reason why lower extremity swelling is more common in hot weather.“Heat dilates blood vessels, especially in your extremities like your feet and ankles, which causes more blood to [pool] into those areas, and that can lead to fluid from your blood leaking into the surrounding tissue of your vessels,” Panirian said. She noted that the body’s tendency to retain water in warm temperatures to avoid dehydration and regulate its internal temperature can also contribute to foot and ankle puffiness. “Gravity adds to this problem, because obviously our feet are the lowest points of our body [and] gravity will naturally draw fluid downward, and into our feet and ankles,” Panirian added. Panirian called compression socks “the gold standard” when it comes to managing foot and ankle swelling, but also acknowledged that in the summertime, they might not be the most comfortable thing to wear. Fortunately, according to her, there are a ton of options for things to do or what to use when at rest to help resolve inflammation.Before Panirian and other podiatrists reveal some of their summer-appropriate solutions for foot swelling below, she said that, though foot swelling to some degree is normal for most of us, it’s always best to get things checked out with a medical professional. You want to make sure that your swelling is not an indicator of anything more serious, and to also possibly prevent future issues, especially if your swelling is recurrent and painful.The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.AmazonA leg-elevating wedge pillowNew York City-based board-certified podiatric surgeon, Dr. Stephen Dini, said that, as an alternative to compression socks, which he deems the optimal choice for foot swelling, he recommends elevating each lower extremity above the heart when resting and staying in a cool environment. He suggests this particular wedge pillow that comfortably elevates legs and features a design that's optimal for reducing foot swelling. Made from high-density foam and covered in a removable and machine-washable case, this pillow can also be used as a back pillow to help reduce back pain and prevent acid reflux. AmazonA pair of sheer, breathable compression socksAs our experts previously mentioned, compression socks are the best way to help with foot swelling, and Panirian suggested ones made out of a sheer material, which she said are popular right now. Based on this guidance, we selected this pair of knee-highs that, instead of being made of stiff or heavy fabric, are made from a sheer nylon-like material that's breathable and very lightweight. Available in several sizes and colors, they feature a non-restrictive top band and graduated pressure (15-20 mmHg).AmazonA compression bandage wrap if you don't want to deal with socks"In some individuals for whom just putting on or taking off the compression socks is the difficult part, I sometimes recommend compression wraps, such as ACE bandage wraps from the toes up," Panirian said.We found this adjustable and self-adhering bandage wrap that's made of a soft, breathable fabric. Available in two lengths, you can wrap this bandage around elbows, wrists, feet or ankles and customize the level of compression needed using the convenient hook-and-loop closure. AmazonA cooling tea-tree epsom salt foot soakPanirian also suggested foot soaks with Epsom salt, a mineral that can be absorbed into the skin to relax muscles, reduce swelling and offer pain relief. We often suggest this tea tree oil Epsom salt foot soak, which comes in a variety of essential oil infusions, has over 25,000 Amazon ratings and 4.6 out of 5 stars. It also has antifungal properties, while tea tree oil can help with symptoms of athlete's foot. Soaking your feet in this stuff for 15 to 20 minutes can help with everything from calluses and corns to brittle toenails and cracked skin.AmazonA pair of cooling gel slippersPanirian mentioned cooling gel pads, which prompted us to find this wearable pair of ice pack slippers that offers seamless cooling coverage from toes to arch and heel. They are filled with a medical-grade gel that stays pliable even when frozen and stays cold for at least 40 minutes. Just pop them in the freezer and then on your feet. AmazonA pair of compression boots to promote lymphatic drainageBoth Panirian and board-certified foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Bobby Pouziaee (The High Heel Doc) mentioned Fit King as a brand with several suitable compression boot designs. This appears to be the most popular pair of Fit King boots on Amazon (20,000+ ratings and 4.3 out of 5 stars) that uses large air chambers throughout the boot to stimulate real kneading. These knee-high boots have two massage modes, offer 10 different massage techniques and three intensity levels. AmazonA dynamic cupping device kit"Dynamic cupping is a treatment that works well for moving the fluid back up your legs," Pouziaee explained. We found this set of BPA-free silicone cups that use powerful suction to manually drain lymphatic fluid away from areas like the legs and ankles. They come in four sizes to best fit the area that you're suctioning and be sure to follow the brand's instructions for use. Close Trending In ShoppingMore In Shopping