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Swollen feet, medically termed oedema, refers to an abnormal buildup of fluid in the tissues of the feet and ankles. Swollen ankles can result from various factors, including standing or sitting for long periods, pregnancy, injury, or underlying health conditions such as heart, liver, or kidney diseases. Swollen feet affect about 8% of the adult population in developed countries. Also, The risk of swollen feet increases with age, with over 20% of people over 65 experiencing it.
Symptoms may include puffiness, tightness, and discomfort in the affected areas. Redness, warmth, or pain may also accompany severe cases. Swollen feet treatment generally involves elevation, compression stockings, lifestyle modifications like reducing salt intake and addressing the underlying cause. Consultation with a podiatrist is crucial for properly diagnosing and managing swollen feet.
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Swollen feet symptoms may vary based on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Here are some associated symptoms that can arise with swollen feet.
Puffiness
Tightness
Discomfort
Redness
Warmth
Pain
Decreased flexibility
Difficulty fitting into shoes
Skin indentation
Limited mobility
Here are some major swollen ankles causes
Edema: Fluid retention due to numerous factors like standing for long periods, pregnancy, or underlying health conditions like heart disease.
Venous insufficiency: Impaired blood flow from the legs back to the heart, often due to damaged valves in veins.
Lymphedema: Blockage or damage to the lymphatic system, leading to fluid buildup in tissues, commonly in arms or legs.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Blood clot formation in deep veins of the legs, causing swelling, pain, and potentially life-threatening complications.
Heart failure: Weakened heart's inability to pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid buildup in various parts of the body, including feet.
Consult our cardiologist if you are having symptoms related to the above swollen feet causes.
Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of blood flow, aiding in diagnosing conditions like deep vein thrombosis.
MRI: Provides detailed images of tissues to assess for abnormalities causing swelling, such as tumours or structural issues.
Blood tests: Measures electrolyte levels, kidney function, and markers of inflammation to identify underlying causes of swelling.
Doppler ultrasound: Assesses blood flow in veins and arteries to detect blockages or abnormalities contributing to swelling.
Echocardiogram: Evaluates heart function and structure to determine if heart failure is causing fluid buildup leading to swollen feet.
Treatment for swelling in legs and feet varies based on the severity of the condition and age. Here are a few treatment options preferred by the doctors.
Diuretics: Prescription medications that help the body remove excess fluid, often used to treat swollen feet and ankles caused by heart or kidney conditions.
Anticoagulants: Medications to prevent blood clot formation, are crucial in managing swelling due to conditions like deep vein thrombosis.
Compression therapy: Utilizes compression garments or wraps to improve circulation and reduce swelling by applying pressure to the affected area.
Physical therapy: Exercises and techniques to improve circulation, muscle strength, and mobility, beneficial for reducing swelling caused by venous insufficiency or lymphedema.
Lifestyle modifications: Include regular exercise, elevation of legs, proper hydration, and a low-sodium diet to manage underlying conditions contributing to swelling.
Here are some home remedies that can be tried as a leg swelling treatment at home to reduce the swollen feet symptoms.
Elevation: Raise legs above heart level to reduce swelling in legs by allowing excess fluid to drain back into the body.
Compression socks: Wear compression stockings to promote circulation and reduce fluid buildup in the feet and ankles.
Cold compress: Apply a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes to reduce inflammation.
Massage: Gently massage the swollen feet in an upward motion to encourage fluid drainage and improve circulation.
Hydration and diet: Drink plenty of water and reduce sodium intake to help flush out excess fluids and prevent further swelling.
If swollen feet persist for more than a few days, worsen, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or sudden weight gain, seek medical attention promptly to evaluate potential underlying causes such as heart, kidney, or liver issues.
Swollen feet can occur from numerous factors such as prolonged standing, pregnancy, or underlying health conditions like heart failure or venous insufficiency. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the potential causes are crucial steps in the effective management of swollen feet and ankles. Home remedies such as elevation, compression, cold compresses, massage, and lifestyle adjustments such as hydration and diet can alleviate discomfort. However, for persistent or severe cases, medical intervention including diagnostic tests like ultrasounds or blood tests, along with treatments such as diuretics, anticoagulants, compression therapy, and physical therapy may be necessary. Seeking timely medical advice ensures appropriate management and reduces the risk of complications.
Various factors like prolonged standing, pregnancy, or underlying conditions such as heart or kidney disease can lead to swollen feet.
Elevate legs, wear compression socks, apply cold compresses, massage gently, and maintain hydration while limiting sodium intake.
Seek medical attention if swelling in legs is sudden, severe, accompanied by pain or redness, or persists despite home remedies.
While common causes include standing or pregnancy, swollen feet can also indicate underlying health issues like heart failure or deep vein thrombosis.
Yes, by avoiding prolonged standing, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing comfortable shoes, and managing underlying health conditions effectively.
