Feet Swelling

[mrbill]

I've just gotten back in to biking. I'm noticing that by late afternoon or evening after biking - usually earlier in the day & only several miles to 8 or 10 - my feet seem to swell. I'm wearing New Balance shoes w/orthodic inserts, for what ever that's worth. Any ideas?? My BP is on the low side w/medication.
Thanks,
Mr Bill

[beatnik]

I am no doc but a lot of cats swear by icing down put your legs in ice cold water for 5 minutes


e-richie told me about it
cheers

[Mojo Slim]

Are you pregnant? :lol:

[Beverly]

Here are a few suggestions from a website. I don't think the clipless pedals are necessary but you might want to be sure you have a fairly stiff soled shoe for riding.




Avoid long rides in soft soled sneakers.
Invest in clipless pedals and cycling shoes.
Loosen shoes and straps to allow for normal foot swelling.
Ensure cleats are placed so the ball of the foot is over the pedal axle and heels align naturally.
If you ride with toe clips, make sure they are the correct size; don't ride with light straps for extended periods.
If you use bike shoes make sure they are the correct width for your foot and fit a good quality innersole to reduce pressure.

[mrbill]

Well, I hadn't thought of the icing. I've lost 35 # but have that much to go & I don't think it's due to pregnancy :-) (where are these smilile things when you need them??) & I think the list of suggestions including shoes may be very helpful. Thanks all,

[stapfam]

No need to invest in the clipless pedals- unless you want to- but the Shimano MTB shoe- or other make MTB shoe is far better than any trainer or normal shoe when riding. The sole is very firm and aids Cycling efficiency and stops a lot of foot pain. Don't know about the swelling side- but well woth a try.

[Tom Bombadil]

There are something like 50-60 possible reasons to have swollen feet. I've had them a couple of times and it seemed to be traceable to eating too much salt over the previous 24-48 hours. Both times were during business trips where I both A) ate too much salty food, and B) was on my feet much more than normal. In those two cases, my ankles swelled up like they were softballs and were very stiff.

[acw6745]

Oddly enough, I have found sugar, especially glucose & high-fructose corn syrup, to be even more of an issue than salt. Energy bars and hydrating drinks have a LOT of sugar in them. Not only does that make my feet swell, but I don't get enough water unless I mix the drink with at least half water, and carry a plain water bottle as well. I only drink the hydrating drink when I have changed from sweating a LOT to NOT sweating.

You might also check that your socks are not tight around the ankles. Some tights help by massaging the leg as you move as well as by not having any pressure areas.

[Tom Bombadil]

There are many reports of people having swollen feet after eating too many carbohydrates ... whether it is sugar or other carbs.

[fthomas]

Not wanting to cause undue alarm, but swelling of feet is known as peripheral edema. You may want to go in for a check up with the Doc!

Congrat's on the weight loss! It isn't easy!!! I'm working on that myself and have combined jogging 3 miles 3 times per week along with the bike and weight lifting.

[Terex]

Have you been cleared by a physician for this, or any, activity? Had a physical lately? Stress test?

On days when you don't ride, is there a clear indentation around your leg from the pressure of the top of the sock?

fthomas beat me to it: peripheral edema. Like he said, see a doc if you haven't.

[Timtruro]

Feet swell later in the day for most, drinking more water usually helps.

[10 Wheels]

I've just gotten back in to biking. I'm noticing that by late afternoon or evening after biking - usually earlier in the day & only several miles to 8 or 10 - my feet seem to swell. I'm wearing New Balance shoes w/orthodic inserts, for what ever that's worth. Any ideas?? My BP is on the low side w/medication.
Thanks,
Mr Bill

Some BP meds can cause this. I had the swelling on one of them.
Google your meds and look at the side effects to see if it lists swelling.

[Longfemur]

There could be many different medical reasons, and you should look into that for sure. There's no particular cycling reason why your feet would swell after riding as you describe.

[DnvrFox]

There are something like 50-60 possible reasons to have swollen feet. I've had them a couple of times and it seemed to be traceable to eating too much salt over the previous 24-48 hours. Both times were during business trips where I both A) ate too much salty food, and B) was on my feet much more than normal. In those two cases, my ankles swelled up like they were softballs and were very stiff.


+1

[mrbill]

Again, thank you! I will check w/my Dr, who has actually been cutting back my bp meds. Also, salt & carbs/sugars may be a part as the last few weeks I haven't been on my diet as much. All good advice.
This place is great, I've learned a lot from reading other threads.
Take care,
Mr Bill