You may get worried when you see your swollen feet and find no reason. There may be other causes that increase healthcare concerns. Sometimes, minor injury leads to swollen feet. It is also believed that swollen feet indicate a sign of any serious condition. People who travel a lot may also see swollen feet for a few days. But in this condition, you should not get worried as it can go on its own. But if it lasts longer than a few weeks, you can consult with the best medical specialist, Dr.Sana Iqbal.
This article will help you learn what can cause swollen feet and also what you need to do.
Table of Contents
Causes of Swollen Feet and their Treatment
Swollen feet often indicate that you may have any health condition. You should not avoid swelling on the feet or ankle and look for the right treatment.
An Injury
You can have an injury while doing any physical activity or even while playing sports. An injury to the foot or ankle can also cause swelling in this area. Overstretching of ligaments can also lead to swollen feet.
How to Treat it?
If you have an injury caused by a swollen foot, try to elevate it especially when you are lying down on the bed. An ice pack is also an effective home remedy that can help reduce swelling and ease discomfort. Your primary healthcare provider can also suggest the use of OTC medications for pain relief. You can also try a compression bandage that reduces the swelling.
Pregnancy
Women experience swelling on their feet during late pregnancy. This condition makes ankles and feet swell. Fluid retention and increased pressure on the vein during pregnancy lead to swollen feet.
How to Treat it?
A swollen foot is a common symptom of late pregnancy, and you can elevate this symptom with some simple yet effective home remedies. Try to wear some supportive footwear and do not stand for a long period. Fluid retention causes swelling on feet, which you can deal with by increasing water intake and avoiding intake of salt.
Wearing compression socks can also help decrease swelling.
Preeclampsia
Swelling on the ankle or feet is very common during pregnancy but when it becomes severe, it raises health concerns. This condition is known as preeclampsia. A woman can develop this condition during or after pregnancy.
High blood pressure and rapid excessive fluid retention are the symptoms of preeclampsia. The latter half of pregnancy puts you at high risk of developing this condition. If you have the following signs and symptoms along with swollen feet, it indicates that you have preeclampsia conditions, such as:
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Severe swelling
- Vision changes
- Headaches
- Less frequent urination
How to Treat it?
In this condition, you need to see a doctor to get proper treatment and not use any medicine on your own.
Medicine Side Effects
Certain medicines can cause swelling in the feet. It happens because some of the medicines can cause water retention. If you are taking certain medications, you should share the side effects of the medicine with a doctor. You may experience some side effects when you take certain medications, such as antidepressants, hormone drugs, diabetes medicines, calcium-channel blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, etc.
How to Treat it?
You should see a doctor if your intake of any medicine leaves side effects.
Hot Weather
Some people experience swelling on their feet because their veins expand to cool their bodies. It leads to fluid leakage into the surrounding tissues, which gets collected in the feet and ankle. During hot weather, it is good to stay indoors and avoid going outside during peak hours.
How to Treat it?
Hot weather puts you at high risk of dehydration. So, make sure that you drink plenty of water and wear comfortable shoes. It can help to prevent swelling in such hot weather.
Blood Clot
When blood does not flow around the body it can lead to a blood clot by causing platelets to stick together. Blood clots in the leg veins lead to swelling in the feet and ankles. It may prevent the blood from moving back to the heart.
It may also indicate a serious condition, which is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It can cause blockage in the major veins of the leg. You may experience some of its symptoms, such as a color change in the leg, pain or discomfort in the leg, swelling in the leg, etc.
How to Treat it?
You should get medical help if you experience any such symptoms of DVT. The health experts will provide proper treatment for this condition.
Heart Disease
Yes, heart disease or heart failure can also cause swelling in the feet. Right-sided heart failure often leads to water and salt retention, which causes swollen feet. You may experience the following symptoms if you have the symptoms such as coughing or wheezing, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, white or pink phlegm, rapid heartbeat, abdominal swelling, etc.
How to Treat it?
Experiencing any of the above symptoms indicates that you need medical emergency help.
Edema
When the fluid becomes trapped in the tissues of the body that may indicate the medical term also known as Edema. This condition affects the feet and legs, or may any other part of your body. It also brings other symptoms, such as discomfort, reduced mobility, shiny, stretched skin over the affected area, difficulty breathing, etc.
How to Treat it?
It may go away on its own, but sometimes, you may need medical treatment. You can also wear support stockings and lie down while elevating your legs above your chest.
The Bottom Line!
If you follow home remedies and still find no difference in feet swelling, consult with the doctor. Experts from Maroof International Hospital say that wearing comfortable and supportive shoes can help decrease swelling in feet and ankles. There are some other causes of swollen feet as well, which can be associated with some other underlying health conditions. You should seek medical emergency services if you experience shortness of breath with swollen feet.
