4 Causes of Swollen Feet and What to Do About It

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Swollen feet are not only uncomfortable, but they can also be a sign of a medical condition that needs to be addressed. Swelling of the feet, also known as edema, can stem from many causes and can be the result of an injury or a more serious health issue. In this article, we’ll explore four common causes of swollen feet and provide helpful tips on how to treat them.

From lifestyle changes to medical interventions, there are a variety of ways to address this common issue. Whether you’re experiencing swelling due to a short-term injury, an underlying condition, or something else entirely, we have the information you need to help your feet feel better. We’ll also answer some of your most frequently asked questions about swollen feet and provide helpful tips for preventing them in the future.

Causes of Swollen Feet

Medication

Certain medications can cause fluid retention and lead to swollen feet. These include corticosteroids, calcium channel blockers, some antidepressants, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Standing or Sitting for long periods

Prolonged periods of standing or sitting can cause the pooling of fluid in the lower legs resulting in swelling of the feet.

Pregnancy

Swelling of the feet is common during pregnancy due to the added weight pressure on blood vessels, which can lead to fluid retention in the extremities.

Heart, Kidney, and Liver Problems

Swelling of the feet can be a symptom of a heart, kidney, or liver problem due to congestion in the venous system.

Diagnosing Swollen Feet

Ask Your Doctor

In order to better understand what’s causing your swollen feet, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and potential underlying causes.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may also be used to assess damage in bones or soft tissue that may be contributing to swollen feet.

Lab Tests

Your doctor may order several lab tests to assess any metabolic or blood issues that may be contributing to swollen feet, such as electrolyte levels or protein levels in the urine sample.

Preventing Swollen Feet

Proper Footwear

Wearing shoes that fit properly either by wearing the proper fit or getting a shoe insole to customize your shoe, can help reduce pressure on your feet and prevent the pooling of fluid, which leads to swelling.

Exercise Regularly

Staying physically active is recommended to help improve circulation and reduce any edema that may be causing swelling in the feet.

Compression Socks

Compression socks help improve circulation by providing gentle pressure on the ankles and legs, which helps reduce swelling caused by standing or sitting for long periods of time.

Elevation

Elevating your feet at least 12 inches above your heart helps reduce swelling by moving fluids away from your extremities towards the heart for processing throughout the body’s circulatory system.

Treating Swollen Feet

Ice and Compression

Applying ice or cold packs wrapped with a cloth helps reduce inflammation in sore areas while wearing a compression sleeve or wrap is beneficial for reducing swelling in the lower extremities due to wider coverage areas compared to traditional cold packs.

Frequent Breaks

Taking regular breaks while standing is important so that fluids have time to move away from your feet back up towards your heart for processing throughout the body’s circulatory system every hour or so, depending on how long you are standing for during each stretch period.

Diuretic Medication

Diuretic medications help expel excess fluids from your body by increasing urine output which helps relieve swelling in the lower extremities. Always consult with a medical professional before taking any medication.

Elevated Shoes

Shoes with a built-in heel lift are beneficial since they keep your foot elevated at all times, which helps improve circulation and reduces any edema that may be causing swelling in the feet.

Final Note

Swollen feet can be an uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition. While the causes may vary and range from medical conditions to lifestyle choices, there are ways to treat and even prevent this issue. Whether you’re experiencing swelling due to a short-term injury, an underlying medical condition, or something else, taking the proper steps to address the issue can help ensure your feet stay healthy and strong. From understanding the root causes to implementing lifestyle changes and taking the proper medications, there are many ways to combat this condition and keep your feet in tip-top shape. Now that you know more about the causes and treatments for swollen feet, you can make informed decisions about the best way to address your unique situation.