You put on your shoes in the morning and everything feels fine, but what you may be experiencing by late afternoon is edema. After a warm day on your feet, those same shoes feel like they belong to someone else. If this sounds familiar, you are not imagining it. Summer heat has a way of making the body hold onto fluid, and for older adults, that puffiness can be more pronounced and more persistent.
At The Orchards Health Center in Rancho Mission Viejo, our team supports residents through every season, including the ones that come with extra swelling. Here is what you should know about edema, why summer tends to make it worse, and what can help.
What Is Edema?
Edema is the medical term for swelling caused by excess fluid that builds up in the body’s tissues. It most commonly shows up in the legs, feet, and ankles, though it can affect other areas of the body as well. According to Cleveland Clinic, edema can affect anyone, but it is especially common in adults over 65 and in people who spend long periods sitting or standing (Cleveland Clinic, 2026).
Mild edema in warm weather is very common and often has a straightforward cause. That said, edema can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition, which is why it is worth paying attention to and discussing with a healthcare provider when it is new, sudden, or accompanied by other symptoms.
Why Hot Weather Makes Edema Worse
Heat causes the blood vessels near the surface of the skin to expand, which is the body’s way of trying to cool itself down. When those vessels widen, fluid can leak more easily into the surrounding tissue, causing swelling to build up, particularly in the lower legs and feet where gravity pulls fluid downward. Older adults may be more susceptible to this effect, and factors like a higher salt intake, certain medications, or conditions like venous insufficiency can make edema more likely in hot weather (Bilodeau, 2021).
Tips for Managing Edema in the Summer Heat
The good news is that there are practical steps that may help reduce discomfort from edema on hot days:
- Elevate your legs when sitting or resting, ideally above the level of your heart, to help fluid drain
- Stay hydrated throughout the day, since adequate fluid intake can actually help the body regulate itself
- Limit salt intake, as sodium encourages the body to retain water
- Wear compression socks, which may support circulation in the legs (check with a provider before starting)
- Avoid sitting or standing for long stretches without taking short walks or moving your ankles to keep circulation going
- Stay cool and indoors during peak heat hours, typically late morning through mid-afternoon in Southern California
When to Talk to a Doctor
Most mild swelling on a hot day is not cause for alarm, but certain signs may warrant a conversation with a healthcare provider. According to Cleveland Clinic, it is a good idea to reach out if you notice swelling in only one leg, swelling that comes on suddenly or feels different from what you normally experience, or swelling that is accompanied by pain, redness, fever, or shortness of breath (Cleveland Clinic, 2026). When in doubt, checking in with a provider is always the right call.
Staying Comfortable All Summer Long
Edema is common, manageable, and for many older adults, simply a part of navigating warm weather. Understanding what is happening in the body can make it feel less alarming and help you take steps that actually provide relief. At The Orchards Health Center, our care team works closely with residents to support their comfort and well-being year round, including during the hottest months of the year.
To learn more about life at The Orchards Health Center, click here to schedule a tour.
References
Bilodeau, K. (2021, July 1). Easing summer swelling. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/easing-summer-swelling
Cleveland Clinic. (2026, February 4). Edema. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12564-edema
Frequently Asked Questions About Edema
What causes edema in older adults?
Edema in older adults is often related to factors like prolonged sitting or standing, higher salt intake, certain medications, heat, or underlying conditions such as venous insufficiency. A healthcare provider can help identify the cause.
Can drinking more water help with edema?
It may seem counterintuitive, but staying well hydrated may actually help the body manage fluid more effectively. Dehydration can sometimes cause the body to retain more water, not less.
When should swelling be considered a medical concern?
Swelling that appears suddenly, affects only one limb, or is accompanied by pain, shortness of breath, or fever may warrant prompt medical attention. If something feels different or concerning, reaching out to a provider is always the right move.