Swollen Feet & Ankles: 8 Causes You Should Know

If your feet and ankles swell, it's usually nothing to worry about, especially if you've been standing or walking for a long time. Edema is the medical name for swelling, which occurs when an excessive amount of fluid accumulates in the tissues of the human body. Swollen feet and ankles are typically painless, but they can remain longer. 

Swollen feet and ankles may be caused by a significant medical condition. So, it's critical to figure out what's causing your edema and see your doctor if you're having problems walking, feeling weight in your legs, or have strained, pitted, or glossy skin.

A variety of factors can cause swelling in your feet and ankles, including:

It is common to experience some swelling during pregnancy. However, if it occurs quickly or your feet and ankles swell significantly, it could be a sign of preeclampsia, a dangerously high blood pressure condition that can occur in the second half of your pregnancy or shortly after childbirth. If your edema is severe or you have additional symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort, headaches, infrequent urination, nausea and vomiting, or vision abnormalities, see your doctor immediately.

The most frequent injury that causes swelling in your ankle is a sprained ankle, which causes the ligaments that keep the ankle in place to extend beyond their normal range. To reduce swelling after a sprain, avoid walking on the injured ankle or foot, apply ice packs, wrap your foot or ankle in a compression bandage, and elevate your foot on a stool or pillow. If home remedies don't work, consult your doctor.

This is an accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the tissues. This can occur because to the absence of or difficulties with lymph vessels, as well as after the lymph nodes have been removed. Lymphedema is frequent after radiation therapy or lymph node excision in cancer patients. If you've undergone cancer treatment and are experiencing swelling, consult your doctor immediately away.

Swelling in your ankles and feet is frequently an early sign of venous insufficiency, a condition in which the veins in your legs struggle to return blood to your heart. Chronic venous insufficiency can cause skin changes, ulceration, and infections. If you have symptoms of venous insufficiency, consult your doctor. Learn more about chronic venous insufficiency.

Swelling in the feet and ankles can be indicative of infection. People with diabetic neuropathy or other foot nerve disorders are more likely to get foot infections. If you have diabetes, you should inspect your feet frequently for blisters and sores since nerve damage can reduce pain feeling and cause foot problems to worsen quickly. If you detect a swollen foot or a blister that appears to be infected, call your doctor immediately. Learn more about diabetic foot care. 

Gravity may cause fluid to build up in your lower legs, resulting in swelling.

Hormonal changes, such as those seen during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, can cause decreased blood flow to your lower legs and other limbs. This can cause your ankles to swell. 

This sort of vein inflammation can produce itching, redness, and soreness to the touch, as well as swelling of the legs. It is especially prevalent in patients who have varicose veins.

In the heat, your blood vessels expand, resulting in swollen feet and ankles. 

Blood clots in your legs' veins can prevent blood from returning to your heart, causing swelling in your ankles and feet. Blood clots can be superficial (seen in veins immediately beneath the skin) or deep (known as deep vein thrombosis).

Deep clots can block one or more of your leg's major veins. These blood clots can be deadly if they break free and go to your heart or lungs. If you have swelling in one leg, pain, a low-grade fever, and/or a change in color in your afflicted leg, see your doctor very away. Blood thinner treatment may be necessary.

Swelling may indicate additional issues: 

Heart failure. Ankles that swell in the evening may indicate that your body is storing salt and water due to right-sided heart failure. 

Kidney disease. When your kidneys don't work properly, fluid can accumulate in your body. 

Liver illness. Liver disease can impair your liver's synthesis of albumin, a protein that prevents blood from seeping out of blood vessels and into surrounding tissue. Failure to produce enough albumin can result in fluid leakage. Gravity causes excess fluid to gather in your feet, ankles, and, in certain cases, your abdomen and chest. 

If the swelling is accompanied by other symptoms such as exhaustion, lack of appetite, or weight gain, visit your doctor immediately. If you are short of breath or have chest pain, pressure, or tightness, dial 911. Learn about kidney illness and its symptoms.

Many medications can induce swelling in the feet and ankles as a side effect. They include:

Hormones like estrogen (in oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy) and testosterone

Calcium channel blockers are a type of blood pressure medication that includes amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia, Dilacor, Diltia, Tiazac), felodipine (Plendil), nifedipine (Adalat, Afeditab, Nifediac, Nifedical, Procardia), and verapamil (Calan, Covera-HS, Isoptin, Isoptin SR, Verelan).

Steroids, include androgenic and anabolic steroids, and corticosteroids like prednisone.

Antidepressants, including tricyclics, such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep, Vanatrip), desipramine (Norpramin), and nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate).

Diabetes medications

If you suspect that your swelling is caused by a medication you are taking, consult your doctor. Although the drug's benefits may outweigh any swelling, severe edema may necessitate a change in treatment or dosage.

Your ankles and feet can swell simultaneously. Here are some therapies you can perform at home:

Wear compression socks.

Get up and move around, especially if you have been sitting for an extended amount of time.

When you are sitting, elevate your feet.

Follow a healthful, low-sodium diet.

Exercise regularly.

Swelling in your ankles and feet normally resolves on its own, but in rare circumstances, you may need to consult your doctor. If you have a history of diabetes, renal illness, or heart disease, swelling ankles and feet could indicate a more serious condition. 

If you have rapid swelling in your ankles and feet, it lasts more than a few days, it only occurs on one side of your body, or you have pitting – a sensation in which you press on your swollen foot or ankle and leave a permanent indent.

In most cases, swollen feet and ankles are innocuous and eventually resolve themselves. Most of the time, swelling in your feet and ankles indicates edema, or fluid buildup, which can occur for a variety of reasons, including consuming salty foods or sitting for an extended amount of time. If your symptoms do not improve on their own, you can try some home remedies, including as wearing compression socks, eating a low-sodium diet, and exercising. If you have a history of diabetes, liver illness, renal disease, or heart disease, speak with your doctor about other treatment choices. They may be able to give a diuretic or other medication to alleviate swelling in your feet and ankles.

Can walking alleviate swelling ankles and feet?

Walking helps relieve swelling ankles and feet. Exercise is an effective strategy to enhance blood flow.

Are there any particular shoes for swelling ankles and feet?

Yes, there are specialized shoes for swelling ankles and feet. These shoes are frequently broader and have additional supporting elements. Visit your local shoe store today and speak with a customer care professional about several solutions to meet your needs.

What exactly does a swollen ankle indicate?

Swollen ankles usually suggest fluid buildup, an illness, or an accident.

How can I make my swollen ankle go down?

Lowering your salt consumption, exercising, wearing compression socks, and elevating your feet are all ways to reduce swelling in your ankle. 

Are swelling ankles a concern?

There's no need to be concerned if your ankles are swelling somewhat. If the swelling is severe or persists, you should consult your doctor, especially if you have heart disease, liver illness, or renal disease. 

How are swollen ankles treated?

There are a few treatment options for swollen feet. These include working out, wearing compression socks, eating a low-sodium diet, and elevating your feet. For severe cases of swelling ankles, your doctor may prescribe diuretics.