Heat, long days on your feet, more frequent walking… Summer puts a real strain on our feet. One of the most common issues during the summer is swollen feet, which often gets worse by the end of the day. This can raise questions for people who wear orthotic insoles. Should they keep using them? Adjust them? Set them aside? Here are some answers.

Why do feet swell when it's hot?

Swelling of the feet in the summer is linked to natural vasodilation. In response to heat, blood vessels dilate to help regulate body temperature. This leads to venous stasis—that is, a slowing of blood flow back to the heart—which causes localized swelling.

This phenomenon is exacerbated:

· due to prolonged standing(sightseeing, waiting in line),

· walking more often while on vacation,

· dehydration,

· or underlying poor venous circulation.

What impact does this have on the use of orthotic insoles?

When feet swell, their shape may change slightly (widening, thickening of the instep, etc.). This can lead to:

· a feeling of discomfort in the shoe,

· excessive pressure from the sole on certain areas,

· poor weight distribution,

· or, conversely, increased movement of the foot inside the shoe if it is too loose.

Insoles may feel less comfortable, or even make the pain worse instead of relieving it. This doesn’t mean you should stop using them, but rather that you should adjust how you use them depending on the situation.

Should you change your insoles in the summer?

Not necessarily by following these recommendations:

Choosing the right shoes

· Choose adjustable shoes (with laces or Velcro) rather than stiff or closed-toe styles.

· Avoid shoes that are too tight or have a narrow toe box.

Keep wearing your insoles, but do it smartly

· Alternate throughout the day: wear insoles for long walks, and switch to roomier shoes in the evening.

· Watch for any redness or unusual pain: these may indicate chafing caused by swelling.

Stay well-hydrated and keep your feet moving

· Drinking water regularly helps prevent water retention.

· In the evening, elevate your legs, roll a ball under the arch of your foot, or do a few ankle exercises to boost circulation.

In the summer, swollen feet are a common but temporary occurrence. This shouldn’t stop you from wearing your orthotic insoles, especially if you’re staying active during your vacation. However, choosing the right footwear, paying attention to your comfort, and adopting a few good habits to promote circulation will make all the difference in helping you enjoy the summer to the fullest.

Find the nearest pharmacy equipped with Vistapod by downloading the Vistapod app.

www.vistapod.eu/link

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