If your feet are swollen or painfully swollen often, then it may be a sign of a problem. Swollen ankles make standing or walking difficult. You may even have problems putting on your shoes in some cases. Fortunately, you don't have to live with swollen feet. Your doctor and a podiatrist can help you in many instances. Here are some reasons why your feet swell and ways you can get relief.
Why Do Feet Swell?
Feet swell for a variety of reasons. Some causes are related to medical conditions, and some indicate a problem with the foot itself. Here are some of the most common reasons for swollen feet.
Injury
Broken bones and sprains can cause blood to rush to the surrounding injury. Injuries like these cause the tissue to swell, sometimes very noticeably.
Vein Problems
You are at a higher chance of swollen feet if you have venous insufficiency. People with this condition have weakened blood vessel valves. This problem causes blood to leak and pool around the legs and feet.
High Salt Intake
Many people experience fluid retention when they've had too much salt. Sometimes, this excess fluid pools around the ankles and feet.
Medications
Some medications cause swelling in various parts of the body, including around the feet. Medications for hormones, calcium channel blockers, and diabetes are common culprits.
Inactivity
Sitting all day can increase the chance of swelling in the ankles and feet. Also, if your feet may swell up if you try to do too much after a long period of inactivity.
Infection
Your feet will swell if you have a serious foot infection from a cut or insect bite. Be especially careful about your feet if you have diabetic neuropathy. You could have injuries and sores without realising it.
What Helps Relieve Swollen Feet?
You can get some relief from chronically swollen feet in various ways. First of all, if you have a medical or medication problem, talk to your medical physician first. Otherwise, try some of these remedies:
- Use the RICE method for injured feet. See a podiatrist if you suspect a severe strain or broken bone.
- Get up and walk around occasionally if you sit at a desk all day.
- Eat a healthy diet and moderate your salt intake.
- If you have diabetes, check your feet for wounds often.
Swelling for obvious reasons, like an unusually long day on your feet, don't need medical attention. You can often find relief by resting your feet. However, if you experience chronic swelling and pain, then you may see a podiatrist. You should particularly see a podiatrist if you have swelling in only one foot or a foot injury.
From a morning ache in the heel to persistent forefoot pain when walking, foot pain comes in many different forms. Most people find it difficult to work out what is causing the pain and decide what to do to resolve it.
The posts on this website can help you understand how the foot functions and what can go wrong with it to cause pain. In addition to suggesting stretches and footwear changes that might help, they can also let you know when you need to see a podiatrist for specialist help.
Don't put up with foot pain. Read our posts and then reach out to a podiatrist to get the relief you need.