Swelling Feet

Swelling Feet






Normally Swollen Feet should not be a concern for many of us whose job involves standing or walking for long time. Swelling feet makes you concerned, if it is seen with other symptoms.

Causes :

Pregnancy: It is very normal that feet get swollen, when women are pregnant. But there should be excessive swelling followed by increased Blood Pressure. In case of abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting symptoms, then you should consult your doctor immediately.

Injury: Trauma or injury to the feet and ankles may cause inflammation. Your feet may become swollen due to sprain caused in ligaments. Sometimes, the ligaments may not sit properly when stretched beyond its limit for some reasons. By taking rest, this type of swelling in feet may settle down. You can also apply ice packs or keep the leg in elevated position for reducing inflammation.

LymphEdema: There will be accumulation of lymphatic fluid when there is some problem in the lymph nodes or lymph vessels. There will be continuous movement of lymphatic fluid in the bloodstream and due to any reason, if it gets blocked, it may give rise to Lymphedema. Cancer patients who undergo radiation treatment have more chance to get lymphedema.

Insufficiency of veins: This is a condition in which blood randomly moves in the veins in the region from legs to feet and up to the heart. Here the veins flow the blood moving in one way direction thus keeping the blood flow insufficient. Due to this process, the valves get damaged and in turn blood drains down the veins causing accumulation of fluid in lower legs, causing swollen feet.

Infection: Diabetic patients are more prone to infection than healthy individuals. They would get nerve problem called diabetic neuropathy causing foot infection leading to formation of sores and blisters causing nerve damage. They would not feel any sensation in their feet and hence swollen feet during diabetes is truly a matter of concern.

Clotting of Blood:

Presence of Blood Clots in the veins of feet may reduce the blood-flow from the legs to the heart. This will cause swelling of feet and ankles. Blood clots can occur either in the veins below the skin or deep inside the veins. Sometimes, this condition can become fatal if there is no absolute blood flow from the heart to the feet area.

Disease in vital organs: Swollen feet can be an indication of heart or kidney disease. There is every chance for fluid accumulation in the feet when kidneys are not functioning properly or when there is leakage in liver or when there is sudden heart failure. You need to consult your doctor when you have symptoms of fatigue, loss of breath, sudden weight gain and loss of appetite along with swollen feet.

Side effects of Medicines:

Prolonged use of contraceptives, repeated hormone therapy like estrogen can cause swollen feet. Using antidepressant drugs like norpramin, aventyl, amitriptyline, endep and nardil can cause swelling of feet.

Some doctors prescribe calcium blockers like cardizem, dilacor tiazac and plendil for certain types of Hypertension, may cause inflammation.

Pictures of Swelling Feet :

Images,Pics, Pictures and Photos of Swelling Feet

Treatment :

You have plenty of home remedies for treating swollen feet caused without any symptoms.

Keep the legs in elevated position for reducing inflammation. Use leg wedges while sleeping. You can also use support stocking and socks during night. Choose only proper fitting shoes that have breathing space and avoid tight fitting shoes.

Do exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, stop using laxatives, cut down salt intake, and avoid standing in the same position for long time.

Swelling Feet – Causes and Treatment

Swelling Feet – Causes and Treatment

Swelling Feet Causes

Swollen Feet may have a vast number of reasons. The more frequent kind of swelling is called idiopathic Edema. Idiopathic edema is very ill defined, but it is not considered dangerous. Often it is likely to identify the reason for the swelling, but often it is not.

Often women undergo swelling feet thru definite times of the menstrual cycle. But this problem is not restricted only to women and not always to a specific time of the month. Swollen feet can often be combined with retaining sodium.

In some cases of swelling feet, it can be severe. So stark that it is uncomfortable. The swelling can cause the skin to stretch, causing itching as well as pain. In these cases, a physician will need to first determine if the swelling is or not a part of a greater health concern.

Swelling in the extremities can be a symptom of heart disease, or problems with kidneys or liver. It is for this reason that it is so important not to ignore swollen feet. If you cannot reduce the swelling with rest or reducing salt in the diet, see your doctor.
Swelling develops by buildup of fluid in the soft tissues. Gravity pulls this fluid to the ankles and feet, causing swelling.

You're reading Swelling Feet – Causes and Treatment posted by minhhai2d, the information is for reference only.

Swelling can also be triggered by problems with the heart, kidney, liver or blood vessels. Some other causes of swelling can be:

• Poor diet which is high in carbohydrates as well as salt


• Taking HRT pills or birth control pills


• PMS


• Pregnancy


• Varicose Veins


• Sodium retention


• Muscle injury


• A prior history of Phlebitis


• Eclampsia">Preeclampsia


• Allergic reactions


• Neuromuscular disorders


• Abuse of laxative


• Trauma


• Drug abuse


• Abuse of diuretics

Swelling Feet Treatment

Treatment of swelling feet can be contingent on the cause for the swelling. One of the 1st treatment preferences is to raise the legs above your head or at the level of the heart. Anti-inflammatory drugs can help to also reduce the swelling.

Other options for treatment are:

• Support stocking and socks– these come in several grades contingent on the level of the edema as well as the pressure needed.


• Leg wedges to elevate the feet while sleeping

Tips to help with swelling:

• Cut down on salt as salt causes fluid retention


• Drink lots of water


• Put the feet up – lying on the back, rest the feet by putting them at least 12 inches above the level of the heart for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day


• Do not abuse laxatives


• Use support stockings – roll these on in the morning in order to promote circulation as well as limit gravitation movement of fluids. Most medical drug stores or medical supply carry them.


• Exercise regularly – this improves circulation


• Avoid long periods of standing in the same place


• Lose excess weight – excess weight slows the circulation of body fluids as well as puts additional pressure on the veins


• Avoid sitting for long periods – Get up and walk every 1 or 2 hours


• Increase muscle activity with walking


• Review any medications with your primary care physician –some medications, including anti-inflammatories, non-steroidal, and calcium channel blockers can add to any swelling of extremities

Complications of swelling

• Additional swelling can develop Skin Ulcers