Foot swelling
Painless swelling may affect both legs and may include the calves or even the thighs. Because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in the lower part of the body.
Alternative Names
Swelling of the ankles – feet – legs; Ankle swelling; Foot swelling; Leg swelling; Edema – peripheral; Peripheral edema
Causes of Foot swelling
Foot swelling
The following medical conditions are some of the possible causes of Foot swelling. There are likely to be other possible causes, so ask your doctor about your symptoms.
- Fracture of the metatarsals
- Lymphedema
- Venous ulcer
- Arterial ulcer
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Cardiac failure
- Hypoalbuminemia
- Cirrhosis of liver
- Infected cut
- Thorn or splinter
- Hypoproteinemia
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Preeclampsia
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Severe malnutrition
- Liver failure
- Glomerulonephritis
Causes of Foot swelling
The following medical conditions are some of the possible causes of Big toe swelling. There are likely to be other possible causes, so ask your doctor about your symptoms.
- Diabetic foot
- Wet gangrene
- Fracture of the metatarsals
- Lymphedema
- Venous ulcer
- Arterial ulcer
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Cardiac failure
- Hypoalbuminemia
- Cirrhosis of liver
Can Swollen Feet be Treated?
Yes. Treatment will depend on the cause of the swelling. One of the first treatment options is to elevate the legs above the level of the heart. Anti-inflammatory medicine can also help reduce swelling.
Other treatment options are
Leg wedges to elevate the feet while sleeping.
Support socks and stocking
Support socks and stockings come in various gradients depending on the pressure needed, and various lengths depending on the level of the edema.
Proper fitting shoes and socks.
Tips to Reduce Swelling
Cut back on salt
Salt contributes to fluid retention.
Drink plenty of water.
Put your feet up
Lying on your back, rest your feet at least 12 inches above the level of your heart for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times a day.
Do not abuse laxatives
Use support stockings
Roll these on in the morning to promote circulation and limit gravitation movement of fluids. Most medical supply or drug stores carry these.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise improves circulation.
Avoid standing in place for long period of time.
Lose excess weight
Excess weight slows circulation of body fluids and puts extra pressure on your veins.
Increase muscle activity with walking.
Avoid long periods of sitting
Every one or two hours, get up and walk.
Review your medication with your doctors
Certain drugs, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and calcium channel blockers, can contribute to swelling.
Complications of Swelling
Excess swelling can cause skin ulcerations.
[...] it is almost a certain fact that everyone at some time in their life will suffer from some type of foot pain symptoms. Be it something simple like athletes foot, or an ingrown toenail to more complicated [...]