A
person might experience swollen feet for a number of reasons. Some causes, such
as minor injury, are apparent and easy to treat. Others, however, may be signs
of a serious underlying health condition that needs prompt medical attention. The feet are an important part of your body required for
mobility (standing, walking, and running).
If one or both of your feet are
swollen, you may have difficulty in moving. Swollen
feet usually occur due to retention of fluid in the soft tissues where it moves
out of the blood vessels. It then collects in the surrounding tissues. It can
happen when there is an increase in levels of sodium (salt) and water. Below
are causes for swollen feet (and in some cases how to lessen swelling):
A Side Effect
of Medication-Steroids can cause swelling in the feet. Taking certain medications can
result in the feet swelling, especially if they cause water retention. Medications
that may cause the feet to swell include hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone,
calcium-channel blockers that help control blood pressure, steroids, both androgenic and anabolic, and
corticosteroids, antidepressants, nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, and medication to help manage diabetes. Anyone who thinks that their
medication is causing their feet to swell should speak with a doctor, who may
be able to alter the dosage or prescribe a different type of medication.
Alcohol-You might be surprised to learn that drinking alcohol can
also cause swollen feet. This is because your body retains more water after
drinking too much. In the case of alcohol, swollen feet usually go down within
a day or two. If your feet consistently swell after drinking or stay swollen
for over 2 days, you should make an appointment with your doctor.
Blood Clot-Blood clots occur when the blood fails to
flow around the body correctly, causing platelets to stick together. If blood
clots develop in the leg veins, they may prevent the blood from moving back to
the heart. This can cause the ankles and feet to swell. Deep
vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when blood clots form deep in the legs.
DVT is a serious condition that can cause a blockage in the major leg veins. In
some cases, the clots may break loose and move to the heart or lungs.
Signs of
DVT include swelling in one leg, pain or discomfort in the leg, low-grade fever,
and color changes in the leg. If a person notices any signs of DVT, they should
seek urgent medical attention. A doctor may prescribe blood-thinning medication
to treat blood clots. People can help prevent blood clots by wearing tights,
compression stockings, or clothing that is loose-fitting around the ankles. Other
prevention methods include keeping active and reducing salt intake. It is also
best to avoid standing or sitting still, especially with crossed legs, for
extended periods.
Chronic
Venous Insufficiency-This is when
the valves in the veins are damaged and can't return the blood to the heart
from the lower limbs, causing swelling in the feet and legs. It can also lead
to pain in the legs, a feeling of having heavy legs, new varicose veins,
itching, flaky skin, infection, and poor wound healing. Losing weight, raising
your feet, avoiding longtime standing or sitting, exercising regularly may help
you recover.
Edema-Edema occurs when your body holds on too much fluid. It can
cause swelling in the ankles, feet legs, and even the hands and face. Mild
cases of edema usually go away by themselves. If you're experiencing edema, try
these home remedies: keeping your legs elevated when lying down, wearing
support stockings and reducing your salt intake. If the swelling doesn't
improve, talk to your doctor.
Heart Disease-Heart disease is a condition in which the heart doesn't
pump blood the way it should. The fluid in blood vessels tends to travel
downward because of gravity. Consequently, the fluid builds up in the legs and
feet, causing swollen feet. In heart failure, your heart may beat faster or
have an unusual rhythm, and you may feel too uncomfortable to lie down flat.
Remember that heart disease is a severe illness that requires immediate medical
attention.
Hot weather-During hot weather, the feet can
swell because their veins expand to cool the body. This process can cause fluid
to leak into the surrounding tissue. Fluid can also collect in the ankles and
feet. Home remedies include drinking plenty of water and wearing well-fitting,
comfortable shoes that allow some ventilation can help prevent the feet from
swelling in warm weather.
Kidney Disease-Your kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products
in your body. If they aren't working properly for some reason like diabetes or
high blood pressure, excess fluid and sodium can stay in your blood causing
swelling in the ankles and feet. The swelling is usually worse in the morning.
Other symptoms of kidney disease include nausea, vomiting, lethargy, fatigue,
shortness of breath, muscle twitches, persistent itching, and chest pain. If
you notice these signs, you are advised to see a doctor.
Lifestyle factors-Some lifestyle
factors can also lead to swollen feet. These factors include having a sedentary
lifestyle, being overweight, and wearing ill-fitting shoes. Home remedies
include exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk
of swollen feet, drinking plenty of water, wearing compression socks or
stockings, soaking the feet in cool water, raising the feet above the heart
regularly, staying active, losing weight if overweight, eating a healthful diet
and being mindful of salt intake, massaging the feet, and eating more
potassium-rich foods, as these can help reduce water retention
Liver Disease- In liver disease, the blood can't flow through the liver
as it should. The blockage causes portal hypertension (increased blood pressure
in the portal vein), which makes it harder for blood to flow back to the heart.
This can result in excessive liquid retention in the feet, causing
swelling. Other symptoms of liver disease include yellowish skin and eyes,
swollen abdomen, itchy skin, chronic fatigue, nausea, vomiting, pale or bloody
stool, and weight loss. If you're experiencing any of these signs repeatedly,
seek medical help.
Lymphedema-Lymphedema is most likely to occur when the lymph vessels,
which are part of the immune system, are blocked or unable to drain lymph
fluid. As a result, swelling presents in the affected area, such as feet or
legs. Lymphedema is most seen in patients who have undergone radiation therapy
or had their lymph nodes removed. Patients suffering from Lymphedema can also
experience a feeling of heaviness, recurring infections, hardening of the skin,
and limited motion. Treatment may include massages, light exercise, compression
sleeves or socks, and surgery in severe cases.
Trauma or Injury-Swollen feet can be the result of severe trauma or injury
to or around the foot like a sprained or fractured ankle. In an injury that
does not require medical treatment, the rule of thumb is "RICE." R
stands for rest. I is for ice and means you should apply ice packs to the
affected area to reduce the swelling. C stands for compression and means the
use of compression of bandages to stop the skin from stretching. E stands for
elevation and means to elevate your feet to let the blood flow away from your feet.
If none of these home remedies work, see a doctor.
[i] Sources used:
·
“10 Causes of Swollen
Feet” by Jolene Sim
·
“10 Common Causes of
Swollen Feet” by LiveFit 101
·
“Swollen Ankles and Feet” by WebMD
·
“Why are my feet swollen?” by Bethany Cadman
No comments:
Post a Comment