Why Is My Feet Swelling?

January 03, 2024
Posted by Justin T
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This article takes an in-depth look at the problem of oedema in the feet that plagues many people. From the common problem of prolonged standing or sitting, to swelling caused by injury, trauma, oedema, venous insufficiency, etc., Fivali breaks down the reasons behind each of these. In addition, the article pays special attention to the special conditions of pregnant women and people on long-term medication.

The detailed description of the conditions of swollen feet is provided to help readers better realise the problem. The importance of pursuing early advice from a healthcare professional in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis and a targeted treatment plan is also emphasised.

In addition to causes and diagnosis, the article offers practical advice to give readers relief from foot oedema, improve circulation, and maintain the overall health of their feet. Both lifestyle modifications and daily care can help readers better manage foot oedema.

Causes of Foot Swelling

Swelling in the feet can be caused by a variety of things, and it's pivotal to define the potential problem from there. Following are a few examples of common reasons:

Prolonged Standing or Sitting: Protracted periods of standing or sitting without exercise can cause water to build up in the feet and ankles, which results in oedema of the feet and ankles at the same time.
Injury or Trauma: Suffering a foot injury, such as a sprain, strain or fracture, results in swelling as being part of the body's natural healing response.
Edema: The accumulation of extra fluid in the body organisations is known as oedema. There are many causes of oedema such as kidney disease, heart failure, liver disease, certain medications or hormonal change.
Venous Insufficiency: Frequent fluid retention and swelling of the feet and ankles occurs when the veins in the legs have trouble transporting blood to the heart.
Pregnancy: Changes in hormone levels and an elevated volume of blood circulation can cause fluid to build up in the feet and ankles, creating oedema to develop from it.
Medications: Depending on the type of medication, such as calcium channel blockers, non-steroidal anti-infammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or hormones, this can lead either to fluid retention and subsequent oedema of the foot.

Please be sure to consult a doctor if your feet continue to swell and become severely swollen, so as not to delay your treatment. They can either help determine the underlying cause and recommend particular strategies to reduce the oedema.

Symptoms of Foot Swelling

Foot swelling can cause a variety of symptoms. Here are some of the most prevalent indications and symptoms of foot swelling:

Noticeable Swelling: The main manifestation of this disease is a remarkable enlargement of the foot, accompanied by a tense or full feeling.
Puffiness or Bloating: The feet may appear puffy or bloated, making it difficult to put on shoes or walk comfortably.
Agony or Discomfort: Swollen feet can cause discomfort, soreness, or even agony. This can make standing, walking, and other daily activities difficult.
Reduced Range of Motion: Foot oedema can occasionally lead to reduced range of motion in the ankles and feet. This can make it difficult to freely flex or move the feet.
Skin Changes: Swelling can cause a number of variations in the skin, including redness, warmth, tightness, and possibly even a shiny or tight feeling.
Difficulty Fitting into Shoes: Because of swelling, it may be difficult to fit into conventional shoes or some other form of footwear.

Tips for Reducing Foot Swelling

Here are some suggestions to help minimize foot swelling:

Elevation: Wherever practicable, elevate your feet above your heart. Increasing the height of your feet by means of pillows or footpads can effectively promote blood circulations in the lower limbs, reduce fluid build-up and soothe discomfort at the same time.
Rest and Movement: Avoid standing or sitting for any extended period of time. Regularly relax, extend your legs and feet, and get some walking around. Soft activities such as rotating the ankles and extending the calves help to improves their circulation.
Compression Socks or Stockings: Compression socks or stockings would help improve blood flow and lessen swollen feet and ankles a great deal. The pressure in these garments is graduated, with the most pressure at the ankle and decreasing towards the calf.
Cold Water Soak: Soaking your feet in cold water for 15-20 minutes will help reduce edema. The cold compresses blood vessels and lowers inflammation. Hot water should be avoided because it can exacerbate swelling.
Avoid Shoes That Are Too Tight: To avoid oedema, it is recommended to pick shoes which are loose and comfortable with soft soles, as well as avoiding tight or thin fitting shoes for this application at all times.
Limit Your Salt Intake: The excessive sodium can contribute to the retention of physical fluids and aggravate the swelling that occurs. Reduce your salt intake, skip processed foods and eat more fresh, natural foods.
Stay Hydrated: By drinking plenty of water all throughout the day you will help to flush out excess fluids from your body and maintain optimal hydration levels.
Massage: Gently scrubbing the feet and ankles will help to improve circulation and reduce oedema. To be sure to increase fluid drainage, tap upwards towards the heart.

It is extremely valuable to be aware that while these recommendations may provide such temporary relief, it is imperative that you treat the actual underlying cause of the swelling in your feet. If you have chronic or serious swelling, or other bothersome symptoms, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.