What Causes Foot and Ankle Swelling?
Swollen feet and ankles can be minor issues but cause serious pain and discomfort when not addressed early. They may be symptoms of other health conditions that need proper treatment. A good foot and ankle institute will give you quality podiatric treatment to relieve pain and help you resume your day-to-day activities.
In severe cases, you may not be able to walk, hampering your body’s flexibility and fitness. Minor swelling of these body parts is painless, and you do not have to spend a lot of cash on serious treatments.
6 Causes of Swollen Feet and Ankles
Injuries on your feet or ankles are the key things that cause swelling. When injured, the ligaments holding the ankle overstretch, resulting in a swollen foot. Continue reading to learn about other causes of foot and ankle swelling, as pointed out by podiatrists.
1. Edema
Edema is a medical condition that happens where there is fluid in the body tissues. As the fluid increases, the tissues also swell, causing swollen feet and ankles. Apart from swelling, the foot and ankle skin becomes stretched and shiny.
When not treated in time, edema can affect the lungs and cause problems in breathing. The condition can also subject you to severe pain, hindering your normal walking.
Waiting for this condition to go away by itself is a mistake to avoid. A medical expert will treat the condition and other possible underlying problems. Home remedies like less intake of salts and putting on support stockings can protect you from edema.
2. Pregnancy
Swollen feet and ankles are a common pregnancy sign, especially after five months. Pregnancy makes the lower parts of the body retain more water and other bodily fluids produced. The growing womb also builds up more fluid in the ankles and feet, causing swelling.
Swelling during pregnancy is more prevalent in the evening after walking all day. You don’t have to visit a doctor in this case since swelling during pregnancy is common.
Prevent ankle and foot swelling during pregnancy by avoiding walking long distances. You should also wear comfortable shoes and avoid salty foods. A cold compress is also good for preventing the build-up of fluids in the swollen ankles or feet.
3. Poor Lifestyle
Lifestyle choices can easily cause your feet or ankles to swell with time. Excessive intake of alcohol, for instance, makes the lower part of the body retain more water. Underlying problems with the heart or kidney also increase the risks of swollen feet or ankles to people drinking alcohol.
Excessive body weight is another lifestyle that subjects you to this risk. Being overweight exerts pressure on the feet and ankles, causing them to swell. Consuming a lot of water ensures that various bodily fluids don’t get retained in these parts. Regular exercises, feet massage, and applying a cold compress are key remedies to consider.
4. Medication Side Effects
Some medications cause a build-up of fluid in the body tissues (edema). Taking more doses than prescribed also increases the risks of foot and ankle swelling. Many medications can cause this problem: amlodipine, steroids, antidepressants, and oral contraceptives.
Ensure that you take the prescribed doses to reduce the chances of swollen feet. You can also visit your doctor to change the medications when you start experiencing this problem.
5. Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is sudden swelling of the lower body parts like feet and ankles. The problem mainly happens because of high blood pressure and obesity. Another common cause of this condition is first-time pregnancy. When untreated, preeclampsia becomes eclampsia, which is a more life-threatening condition.
Besides swelling of the feet or ankles, there are other signs to check out for. These include dizziness, vomiting, protein in the urine, and severe headaches. Get monitored by a good doctor throughout the pregnancy period to relieve swelling and prevent the risks of eclampsia.
6. Venous Insufficiency
Venous insufficiency occurs when the veins in the feet or ankles get damaged. The problem happens when you make it a habit of standing or sitting for a long time. This condition prevents the blood in the feet veins from flowing smoothly to the heart.
The blood then collects in the veins with time, causing swelling. Don’t overlook this condition since it can permanently damage your veins when not treated well. Severe venous insufficiency causes pain in the legs, making it difficult for the victims to walk properly.
Venous insufficiency makes the skin around the feet and ankles sag. The soft tissues in the parts can also get damaged, increasing the risks of arthritis and other illnesses.
Visit a Foot and Ankle Institute
Overlooking swelling on your feet or ankles increases other risks like varicose veins. Visit a reputable foot and ankle institute when you notice any swelling on these parts. Taking care of your lifestyle by exercising regularly and avoiding alcohol consumption can prevent foot and ankle swelling.
At Horizon Foot & Ankle Institute, we treat all foot, lower leg, and ankle conditions. We also treat arthritis, ingrown hair, skin conditions, and heel pain.