If you have ever flown on a long-haul flight, the airlines sometimes provide compression socks to prevent your sweet feet from swelling. However, you may have chronically swollen feet for other reasons that will require a podiatrist’s help. There are several underlying medical ailments or injuries your podiatrist wants you to be aware of, and these are just a few of them.
Pregnancy
Swollen ankles and feet are quite common with expectant mothers due to the amount of fluid the body retains. Try to keep your feet elevated as much as possible. A local podiatrist can also recommend supportive footwear such as compression socks or prescribe customized shoe inserts.
Preeclampsia
However, swollen feet can be a cause for alarm during pregnancy if you've been diagnosed with the condition known as preeclampsia. This condition is quite serious, as it comes with elevated blood pressure and excessive fluid retention that will often show up with swollen feet and ankles. It can increase a person’s risk of stroke and bleeding.
Injury
Any physical trauma like a sprained ankle will swell as part of its healing process. If you've fallen recently and noticed your ankle is hurting, it may be due to a sprain that a local podiatrist should check. Be careful to avoid placing extra weight on your feet, and you can temporarily soothe it with ice packs.
A person with diabetes must be mindful of the smallest injury to the feet. For example, if you stub your toe or bruise your foot in any way, it can swell in reaction to the injury. However, with diabetes, the body has more difficulty fighting infections, and you’re less likely to be aware of injuries. That's why even the slightest injury to your feet must be followed by immediate attention from your podiatrist. Otherwise, a small injury like a cut could eventually lead to amputation.
If you're active, your Achilles tendon is vulnerable to injury. When that happens, it can swell and cause major pain, particularly in your heel. You may also experience heel pain and swelling from bone changes or inflammation.
Sedentary Lifestyle
Your lifestyle can also contribute to swollen feet. A lack of movement means your blood and lymphatic fluids won't circulate well. If you have a sedentary job that requires you to sit most of the day, take frequent breaks to stretch and walk around as much as possible. Your local podiatrist can show you techniques to stretch the plantar fasciitis, which runs along the bottom of your foot, and improve foot circulation.
Medication
Medication can sometimes affect your body negatively while helping it in others. Examples of medication that can cause your feet to swell include:
- Steroids
- Birth control
- Blood pressure pills
Consult with your doctor immediately if swelling results from a prescription.
Cardiovascular Issues
Heart issues like congestive heart failure cause fluid build-up in the body. A blood clot can also cause fluid retention as it blocks blood flow. If you have a localized vascular issue in your lower extremities, it can affect the blood flow from the legs to the heart.
Lymphedema
You have lymph nodes all over your body and are responsible for helping to drain toxins. When this system has a problem doing its job, that fluid will continue to build until it finally can drain. While you may swell anywhere that lymphatic fluid builds, it’s most common in your limbs.
Besides the aforementioned lack of mobility, potential causes of this condition include:
- Genetics
- Radiation
- Scar tissue build-up
- Infections
- Diseased veins
- Abnormal lymph nodes
This newsletter is to help patients remain informed about what can cause swollen feet. It could be something as simple as a sprain or more dangerous, like preeclampsia. Pay attention to other underlying conditions you may have, as your swollen feet may be a symptom of a chronic illness. If this condition lingers, always seek professional care from your local podiatrist and primary physician.