If you’ve noticed that your feet have become swollen recently, do not fear. In most cases, swollen feet are not a permanent problem. More than likely, swollen feet is not a symptom for you to worry about overly much.
Swollen Feet, What Are The Causes?
It is good to know how to reduce swelling and thus knowing the causes can be beneficial.
Common factors that cause swelling in feet
While your feet could be swollen due to a number of reasons, more often than not this condition is caused due to surgery, during pregnancy or even if one overuse their feet. For a clearer idea on the reason for your feet swelling, some causes have been listed below.
Edema
What is edema? Edema is a condition which occurs when excess fluid is trapped in the tissues of body. This results in puffiness which causes swelling. Edema can also be identified by symptoms such as stretched skin (or shiny skin), increase in the size of one’s abdomen, trouble while walking, etc. Edema could be the reason behind your swollen feet.
Usually mild forms of edema can be resolved on its own. However if you want to prevent swollen feet due to this condition you should: Decrease the amount of salt consumption, rest while elevating your feet, wear stockings that can offer support, etc.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women are often known to complain about swollen ankles and feet. Pregnancy is often a cause of swollen feet. This is due to the fact that when pregnant, your body has the tendency to retain water. Pregnant women also produce more blood and body fluids than usual. Most cases are seen during the fifth month of pregnancy when the woman has been on her feet for the whole day. Usually, their feet swell during the evenings.
The best way to avoid swollen ankles and feet during pregnancy is to avoid standing for an extended period of time, elevate your feet when you rest, drink more water, wear comfortable shoes, etc.
Drinking alcohol
A commonly known fact is that drinking alcohol makes your body retain more water. Your feet Is likely to swell after drinking alcohol. One should be concerned if the swelling does not reduce after a certain point in time. In such cases swollen feet an indication of a problem with either your liver, heart, or kidneys. This is usually a sign that one has consumed an excessive amount of alcohol.
The best way to alleviate the symptom of swollen feet due to excessive alcohol consumption is to drink a lot of water. One should also try to reduce the amount of salt that they consume, soak their feet in cold water or even rest and elevate their feet.
Hot weather
Hot weather causes our veins to expand so as to cool the body down. This results in swollen feet which are seen especially in people who have circulatory problems. The recommended way to deal with the problem is to soak your feet in cold water. You can also exercise or walk a little.
Injury
Swollen feet are often a side effect of injuries whether it is a broken bone or a sprain. After an accident which injured your foot swelling usually occurs because blood rushes to the injured area. In order to treat swollen feet that are caused due to injuries, one should employ the R.I.C.E. treatment. This treatment includes Resting the injured foot, applying ice on the area for 20 minutes at a time, wrap a compression bandage around the swollen area. The next step in this method is to keep your feet elevated especially during the night.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic Venous Insufficiency also known as CVI, Is a condition that occurs when the valves in your body are damaged due to long periods of standing or sitting. Chronic Venous insufficiency causes swelling in your feet. People who suffer from this condition also experience varicose veins, legs that ache due to tiredness, flaky or itch skin, etc.
In order to treat this problem and prevent swollen feet, many doctors advise treatments that include the exercise of the legs, ankles, and feet. You can also prevent swollen feet by decreasing the amount of time spent standing and sitting at a shot.