Common Causes of Swollen Feet

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Introduction

Do your feet feel puffy, swollen, and uncomfortable? We know, having swollen feet can make going about your day unpleasant. While some people experience it temporarily, others may be experiencing it chronically. In the latter case, there may be underlying health issues that are causing your swollen feet, which is why it’s important to understand and address what the cause is.

Common Reasons of Swollen Feet

At Precision Foot and Ankle Centers, the most common reasons of swollen feet we see are the following:

Injury

Swelling can occur when there is trauma to the foot, such as from an ankle sprain, fracture, or infection. Usually this type of swelling is temporarily and resolves over time as the injury heals.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are at an increased risk of swelling in their body. This is because the buildup of insulin in their blood can result in damage of blood vessels, leading to decreased blood circulation.

Heart, kidney, liver problems

Many underlying health conditions like heart, kidney, and liver disease leads to a decrease in circulation from the heart to other areas of the body. Since the feet are the furthest from the heart, and our bodies need to fight against gravity to get the blood back to the heart, these diseases can decrease the efficiency of blood circulation.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a condition that decreases or blocks the flow of the lymphatic system, a system of tubes and lymph nodes throughout the body that play a vital role in our immune health.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a common time for people to experience swelling in their legs. Pregnant bodies produce 50% more blood and fluids to support the growth of their babies. In combination with decreased blood circulation and the increasing pressure from a growing baby and uterus, swelling can occur in the lower extremities.

Other reasons

  • Poor nutrition
  • Varicose veins or blood clots
  • Side effects of medication
  • Standing for long period
  • Lack of exercise
  • Dehydration

How to Relieve Swelling

While some swelling can go away on its own, many conditions require treating the underlying cause, in addition to the following ways to help relieve swelling.

  1. Increasing blood circulation through exercise – This is especially beneficial if you are standing for long periods of time each day or do not exercise regularly.
  2. Increase your hydration – While it may seem counterintuitive, drinking MORE can help relieve swelling by flushing your body of toxins and other harmful substances.
  3. Watch what you eat – Eating too many salty foods can often contribute to fluid retention. Eat a well balanced diet with protein, healthy fats, and vegetables.
  4. Avoid smoking and alcohol – Smoking and alcohol can wreak havoc on your body in numerous ways, including increasing systemic inflammation.
  5. Address underlying health issue – From your primary care doctor to specialists like podiatrists, there are many health professionals who can help treat your health condition. Be sure to schedule regular visits to manage your symptoms.

How Can Precision Foot and Ankle Centers Help?

If the swelling in your feet or ankles is from an injury, or you’re not sure of what the cause is, it’s important to reach out to an experienced podiatrist to help relieve you of the discomfort and pain you may be experiencing. Our team of dedicated foot doctors at Precision Foot and Ankle Centers diagnose and treat a wide variety of podiatric issues, including heel pain, bunions, toenail issues, injuries, nerve problems, and diabetic issues. With their expertise and access to advanced technologies, our foot doctors are prepared to help you get back on your feet!

Contact us to make an appointment at any of our locations in Los Angeles, Torrance, and San Pedro, CA.

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