3 Reasons Your Foot Pain Gets Worse in the Heat 

When the temperature rises, do you notice your feet throbbing, aching, or swelling? Many people find that their foot discomfort spikes during the warmest months of the year.

At Podiatry Hotline Foot & Ankle in Mission Viejo, California, Thomas Rambacher, DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA, helps patients identify the root causes of seasonal foot pain. Whether you’re dealing with sudden swelling or sharp heel pain, we provide personalized care to keep you moving comfortably.

Why does foot pain get worse in the heat? 

Warm weather triggers several physical changes in your body and lifestyle that directly impact your feet. From blood vessel expansion to changes in your daily footwear, summer brings unique challenges for foot health.

Understanding these environmental and behavioral triggers is the first step toward finding relief. Here’s why your feet may hurt more when it gets hot outside.

3 reasons your foot pain gets worse in the heat

The three main reasons for increased summer foot discomfort are heat-induced swelling, unsupportive seasonal footwear, and a higher risk of fungal infections.

1. Heat edema and swelling: High temperatures cause your blood vessels to expand, which allows fluid to pool in your lower extremities. According to the National Institutes of Health (2025), nearly 68% of all heat-related illnesses, including extremity swelling like heat edema, occur during the summer season.
2. Changes in footwear: Ditching supportive shoes for flat sandals or walking barefoot can strain your arches and heels. Research from the National Institutes of Health (2024) shows that about 11.1% of American adults experience plantar heel pain, which frequently spikes after summer due to sudden changes in shoe-wearing habits.
3. Fungal infections: Warm, humid environments are breeding grounds for fungi that cause athlete’s foot and nail issues. The National Institutes of Health (2025) reports that cases of superficial fungal infections rise significantly during the summer because warm weather encourages barefoot walking.

How to protect your feet in warm weather

Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer through the season. Moving to a cool, shaded environment and drinking plenty of water can help manage mild swelling, while elevating your legs is the best way to treat heat edema.

If you’re struggling with arch or heel pain, wearing medical-grade custom orthotics can provide the structural support your feet need. For those experiencing itchy, peeling skin or discolored nails, our targeted treatments for fungal nails can restore your foot health quickly.

Don’t let seasonal discomfort keep you from enjoying your favorite summer activities. If your feet are aching, contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rambacher.