Why Do You Feel Your Feet Are Swollen?
Swollen ankles and swollen feet are common, especially – if you have been standing or walking a lot. If your feet and ankles stay swollen or are accompanied by other symptoms, this could signal a serious health problem. Here are some of the reasons that can result in swollen feet and ankles are:
1. Edema
Edema is the abnormal accumulation of fluid (water) in certain tissues within the body. It can make your feet puffy as well as your hands and face. You might notice swollen feet and ankles if you stand for hours at a time or after a long airplane flight. Some women may experience swollen feet around their monthly period. The swelling usually goes down by itself. But if swelling doesn’t go down within some days, consult with your healthcare provider as it can be a sign of potential health problems such as low protein levels, heart failure, or kidney or liver disease.
2. Lymphedema
Lymphedema refers to swelling that generally occurs in one of your arms or legs. Sometimes both arms and both legs swell. It usually occurs due to damage or removal of your lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment. Lymphedema can be treated with a treatment called pneumatic compression. In this treatment, you wear a sleeve over the affected areas, and air is pumped into it to put pressure over that area to move fluid away. Exercises, massage, and compression sleeves or socks may help, too.
3. Heart Failure
This is when your heart doesn’t pump blood properly. If blood doesn’t flow in the proper way, it can back up in your legs as well as feet and can cause swelling. With heart failure, your heart may beat faster, and you might feel difficulty in catching your breath. Get medical help right away if you notice these signs.
4. Too Much Of Salt In Your Body
The sodium is one of the biggest dietary culprits when it comes to water retention, leading to foot swelling as well. According to the American Heart Association , “The recommended amount of sodium for an adult is 2300 mg in a day.” Go easy on foods such as canned soups, salad dressing, processed snacks, cold cuts, and frozen meals etc. try to get plenty of sodium free food items such as vegetables, seeds, fruits, nuts, and whole grains to keep yourself fit and healthy.
5. You’re Overweight
One of the most common reasons people experience swollen feet is obesity. The bellies of the obese people have all the fat. This fat compresses the blood circulation in the legs and puts pressure on the lower back, resulting in swollen legs. For weight-related swelling, consult with your doctor. Moreover, try to change your lifestyle and consider making changes to your eating and exercise habits so some of the extra weight comes off.
6. Liver Disease
If you have hepatitis or you drink heavily, your liver needs to fix itself over and over. That can cause scar tissue to replace healthy tissue, and your liver can stop working like it should. If that happens, too much fluid can pool in your belly, legs, and feet, making them swell.
What Can You Do To Treat Swollen Feet?
You can use ice pack bags to treat swollen feet. It’s most useful for sprains and broken bones, but it can help if your feet are swollen for other reasons, too. Here are some other tips that you can try to reduce swelling in your feet and ankles.
- Try to take some rest and put your feet up. This will flow fluid away from your feet.
- Try ice pack bags. Ice makes blood vessels narrower, restricting blood flow to that particular area and helps with pain.
- You can wear special extra-tight socks called compression socks, or wraps around your feet. This can help push fluid away from your feet.
