This causes your body to retain lymphatic fluid and can cause swollen feet. Severe lymphedema may require surgery. Treatment options include: light exercises that encourage lymph fluid drainage bandages for wrapping your foot or leg manual lymph drainage massage pneumatic compression compression garments complete decongestive therapy CDT. Foot injuries such as broken bones , strains, and sprains can cause swollen feet.
When you hurt your foot, swelling occurs as a result of blood rushing to the affected area. The R. This method involves: Rest. Rest the affected limb as much as possible, and avoid putting pressure on it. Ice your foot for 20 minutes at a time throughout the day. Use a compression bandage to stop swelling.
Depending on the severity of your injury, your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription pain reliever. You may need to wear a brace or splint.
Severe cases may require surgery. Chronic venous insufficiency. Chronic venous insufficiency CVI is a condition that causes swollen feet due to damaged valves or from standing or sitting for extended periods. This affects blood moving up to your heart from your legs and feet. Blood can collect in the veins of your legs and feet, which leads to swelling. You may experience the following symptoms: aching or tiredness in the legs new varicose veins leathery looking skin on the legs flaky, itchy skin on the legs or feet stasis or venous stasis ulcers infections See your doctor if you have signs of venous insufficiency.
Treatments include: avoiding extended periods of standing or sitting doing leg, feet, and ankle exercises during long periods of sitting taking breaks to elevate your feet during long periods of standing walking and exercising regularly losing weight elevating your legs above heart level while resting wearing compression stockings using antibiotics to treat skin infections practicing good skin hygiene.
Kidney disease. This causes you to retain water, which can lead to swelling in your feet and ankles. The following symptoms may also be present: difficulty concentrating poor appetite feeling tired and weak having less energy difficulty sleeping muscle twitching and cramping puffy eyes dry, itchy skin increased urination nausea and vomiting chest pain shortness of breath high blood pressure Treatment options include: high blood pressure medications diuretics cholesterol-lowering medications anemia medications low-protein diet calcium and vitamin D supplements phosphate binder medications Ultimately, kidney failure may be treated with a kidney transplant or dialysis.
Liver disease. Liver disease can cause foot swelling due to the liver not functioning properly. This leads to excess fluid in your legs and feet, which causes swelling. It can be caused by genetic factors. Viruses, alcohol, and obesity are also linked to liver damage. Other symptoms include: yellowish skin and eyes jaundice painful and swollen abdomen itchy skin dark urine pale , bloody, or tar-colored stool fatigue nausea or vomiting poor appetite bruising easily Treatment options include: weight loss abstaining from alcohol medications surgery.
Blood clot. Blood clots are solid clumps of blood. They can form in the veins of your legs. This hampers blood flow up to your heart and leads to swollen ankles and feet. Often it occurs on one side of your body.
Swelling may be accompanied by: pain tenderness a warm sensation redness or a change in color in the affected area fever Treatment options and preventive measures include: taking blood thinners avoiding extended periods of sitting exercising regularly increasing your fluid intake making healthy lifestyle changes.
Swollen feet may be caused by infections and the accompanying inflammation. People with diabetic neuropathy or other nerve conditions of the feet are more prone to foot infections.
Infections can be caused by wounds such as blisters, burns, and insect bites. You may also experience pain, redness, and irritation. You may be prescribed oral or topical antibiotics to treat the infection. This can cause the ankles and feet to swell. Deep vein thrombosis DVT occurs when blood clots form deep in the legs. DVT is a serious condition that can cause a blockage in the major leg veins.
In some cases, the clots may break loose and move to the heart or lungs. If a person notices any signs of DVT, they should seek urgent medical attention. A doctor may prescribe blood-thinning medication to treat blood clots. People can help prevent blood clots by wearing tights, compression stockings, or clothing that is loose-fitting around the ankles. Other prevention methods include keeping active and reducing salt intake.
It is also best to avoid standing or sitting still, especially with crossed legs, for extended periods. The lymphatic system helps the body get rid of unwanted substances, such as bacteria and toxins. Lymphedema occurs when lymphatic fluid gathers in the tissues as a result of problems with the lymph vessels.
If the lymph vessels are damaged or absent, lymphatic fluid can build up and lead to infection, slow wound healing, and even deformity. People who undergo radiation therapy or lymph node removal have a higher risk of lymphedema. Anyone who has undergone cancer treatment and experiences swelling should contact their doctor immediately.
Treatment options for lymphedema include exercises and targeted massage, which can both help drain the excess fluid. Wearing bandages or compression garments may also be beneficial. Swelling of the feet could be a sign of heart disease or heart failure. If the heart is damaged, it cannot pump blood to the heart efficiently.
Right-sided heart failure can cause the body to retain salt and water, resulting in swollen feet. Treatment options for heart failure include medications, medical devices to help support the heart, and surgery. People with poorly functioning kidneys may not be able to flush out fluid, which can build up in the body.
Kidney disease may not present any symptoms until it is severe and the kidneys are beginning to fail. Signs and symptoms of kidney failure include:. Treatment options for kidney disease include medication, a low-protein diet, and supplements of vitamin D and calcium.
Liver disease can inhibit the production of albumin. Albumin is a protein that helps stop the blood leaking from blood vessels. A lack of albumin means that the blood may leak, causing fluid to pool in the legs and feet, which can result in swelling.
To treat liver disease, a doctor may prescribe medication. They may also suggest making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or reducing alcohol intake. Many cases of swollen feet tend to resolve without medical care, although home remedies and lifestyle changes can help reduce the swelling.
If the swelling does not go away or it occurs repeatedly, it is essential to make an appointment with a doctor to determine whether there is an underlying cause.
If swollen feet occur alongside shortness of breath, chest pain, or pressure in the chest, call the emergency services immediately. Read this article in Spanish. Toe cramps can have a variety of causes. Learn more about the causes of toe cramps and how to treat them here. This article takes a look at some foot exercises for strength, flexibility, and pain relief.
Page last reviewed: 14 November Next review due: 14 November Swollen ankles, feet and legs oedema. Common causes of swollen ankles, feet and legs Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs is often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas, called oedema.
Oedema is usually caused by: standing or sitting in the same position for too long eating too much salty food being overweight being pregnant — read about swollen ankles, feet and fingers in pregnancy taking certain medicines — such as some blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, antidepressants or steroids Oedema can also be caused by: an injury — such as a strain or sprain an insect bite or sting problems with your kidneys, liver or heart a blood clot an infection Check if you have oedema Symptoms of oedema include: Swollen or puffy ankles, feet or legs.
Do lie down and use pillows to raise the swollen area when you can get some gentle exercise, like walking, to improve your blood flow wear wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole wash, dry and moisturise your feet to avoid infections. Non-urgent advice: See a GP if your ankle, foot or leg is swollen and:.
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