What’s causing it?

Swollen feet can be caused by factors such as overuse, surgery, or pregnancy. Normally it’s temporary and not a cause for concern. However, since it may be uncomfortable and bothersome, you’ll still want to take measures to reduce the swelling. This way, you can reduce any pain you’re experiencing, and resume your daily activities.

If your feet remain swollen, or are accompanied by other symptoms, it could be the sign of another health condition. Listed is a review of  some of the popular issues/experiences.

1. Edema

Edema is a common condition where excess fluid is trapped in your body’s tissue. This causes swelling and puffiness of the tissue directly under the skin in your feet, ankles, and legs.

2. Pregnancy

Some foot swelling is frequently experienced  during pregnancy, since your body retains more water, while producing  more blood and body fluids. You may be generally prone to swollen feet in the evening, especially after being on your feet all day. It becomes particularly noticeable from the fifth month, until the end of your pregnancy.

3. Lymphedema

Lymphedema occurs as a result of lymph nodes that are damaged or removed, sometimes due to cancer treatment. This causes your body to retain lymphatic fluid, hence the swelling. You can’t cure lymphedema, but you can manage it to reduce the swelling, and control the pain. Severe lymphedema may require surgery.

 

4. Injury

Foot injuries such as broken bones, strains, and sprains can cause swollen feet. When you hurt your foot, swelling occurs as a result of blood rushing to the affected area. The R.I.C.E. approach is often recommended to treat these injuries. This method involves rest, ice, compress and elevate.

Depending on the severity of your injury, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription pain reliever. You may need to wear a brace or splint. Severe cases may require surgery.

 

5. Chronic venous insufficiency

It is a condition that causes swollen feet, due to damaged valves, or standing or sitting for extended periods. This affects blood moving up to your heart from your legs and feet. Blood can collect in the veins of your legs and feet, which leads to swelling.

See your doctor or vascular specialist if you have signs of venous insufficiency. It’s more easily treatable the earlier it’s diagnosed.

 

6. Kidney disease

If you have kidney disease, or your kidneys aren’t working properly, you may have too much salt in your blood. This causes you to retain water, which can lead to swelling in your feet and ankles.

 

7. Liver disease

A mal-functioning liver can lead to excess fluid in your legs and feet, which in turn can cause swelling. While  genetic factors could  be responsible for liver problems, viruses, alcohol, and obesity are also linked to liver damage.

8. Blood clots

These  are solid clumps of blood. They can form in the veins of your legs. This hampers blood flow up to your heart, leading  to swollen ankles and feet. Often it occurs on one side of your body.

 

9. Infections

Swollen feet may be caused by infections and the accompanying inflammation. People with diabetic neuropathy, or other nerve conditions of the feet, are more prone to foot infections. Wounds such as blisters, burns, and insect bites are also sources of infections. You may also experience pain, redness, and irritation.

 

10. Medication side effects

As a side effect, certain medications cause fluid to collect, especially in the lower part of your body. These include:

1. hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone
2. calcium channel blockers (a type of blood pressure medication)
3. steroids
4. antidepressants
5. ACE inhibitors
6. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
7. diabetes medications

If they are causing you feet to swell, it’s important that you see your doctor. Together, you can determine if there are other options, in terms of medications or dosages. You may be prescribed a diuretic to help reduce excess fluid.

 

11. Heart failure

When your heart isn’t able to pump blood correctly, it happens. The feet swell, because your blood isn’t flowing up to your heart as it should. If your ankles swell in the evening, it could be a sign of right-sided heart failure. This causes salt and water retention. Heart failure needs lifelong management. Your doctor, and in some instances your podiatrist, can run further tests to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. Either way, see one of these professionals soon.

Thanks for your continued support in 2019… wishing you good health, continued blessings, and prosperity for 2020.

Your feet mirror your general health . . . cherish them!