Swollen feet: causes, drugs and how to deal with them

Definition

What are swollen feet?

Peripheral edema, also known as swollen feet, is a medical condition that occurs due to fluid buildup in the feet or ankles.

This condition can arise because you have stood, walked, or sat for too long. Swollen feet can also be a sign if you are overweight, lazy to move around, or have certain medical conditions.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, swollen feet are usually not painful, unless they are caused by an injury. Someone whose legs are swollen may be a little disturbed to carry out daily activities.

How common is leg swelling?

Swollen feet is a very common health condition. Swollen feet can afflict patients at any age. However, you can prevent leg swelling by reducing the existing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

Is swollen feet dangerous?

Swollen feet can be a common condition and shouldn't be a cause for concern. However, swollen feet can be a sign of danger and need to be treated immediately by a doctor if:

• You have heart or kidney disease and have swelling
• You have liver disease and have swelling in your legs
• The leg area is swollen red and feels warm to the touch
• Your body temperature is higher than normal
• You are pregnant and have sudden or severe swelling of your feet
• You have tried the home remedy for swollen feet, to no avail
• Your swollen feet are getting worse

In some cases, the symptoms of swollen feet can get worse, such as:

• Pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest area
• Dizzy
• Dazed
• Feel dizzy or faint
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

There may be signs and symptoms of swollen feet not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms of swollen feet, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

While swollen feet aren't something to worry about, sometimes they can be a sign of something more serious.

You should go to the hospital immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms.

Cause

What causes swollen feet?

There are many causes of swollen feet. Swelling of the feet can also spread to the ankles and soles of the feet. In most cases, the cause of swollen feet is related to certain lifestyle factors, such as:

Being overweight (o verweigh t)

Being overweight can decrease blood circulation, causing fluid buildup in the feet, ankles and soles of the feet.

Too long activity

Standing or sitting for long periods of time prevents the legs from pumping body fluids back to the heart because the muscles are not active at that time.

The cause of swollen feet can also be due to factors using certain drugs. Some medicines that can cause swollen feet include:

• Steroids
• Estrogen or testosterone
• Several antidepressants, including tricyclics and MAO inhibitors
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, and aspirin
• Heart disease drugs such as amplodipine and difedipine
• Some diabetes medications include metformin

In addition, these types of drugs can decrease blood circulation by increasing blood viscosity. Well, this is what causes swollen feet.

Be sure to consult a doctor if you suspect that your medication is causing swelling in the lower extremities. Do not stop using the drug until you have consulted your doctor first.

Other possible causes of swollen feet include:

Congestive kidney failure

Congestive kidney failure occurs when blood doesn't pump enough blood to other organs and tissues.

When one or two parts of the heart don't pump blood out, blood builds up in the heart or blocks organs or tissues, causing blood to build up in the circulatory system. Including blood circulation in the legs. This causes the feet to swell.

Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when there is a blood clot in a vein. When blood clots form in the leg veins, it can interfere with blood flow, causing swelling of the feet and a feeling of discomfort.

Thrombophlebitis

Thrombophlebitis is inflammation of the blood vessels that affects the blood clotting process. When this happens, the blood flow in the area slows down and eventually forms small clots in the blood vessels.

Inflammation of the blood vessels can cause painful, red, and swollen areas of the skin, especially in the arms or legs.

Venous insufficiency

Venous insufficiency is a health problem that occurs when the blood vessels are unable to pump blood adequately, causing blood to collect in the legs and causing them to swell.

Pericarditis

Pericarditis is a long-term inflammation of the pericardium, which is the sac-like membrane around the heart. This condition causes difficulty breathing and swelling in the feet and ankles that is chronic and severe.

Lymphadema

Lymphedema, known as lymphatic obstruction, lymphedema causes blockages in the lymphatic system. This system consists of lymph nodes and blood vessels that help carry fluids throughout the body.

Blockages in the lymphatic system cause tissue to become swollen with fluid, resulting in swelling in the arms and legs.

Hormonal changes

Natural hormonal changes such as increased levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone can decrease circulation in the legs, resulting in swelling. These changes in hormone levels can occur during pregnancy and a woman's menstrual cycle.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia causes high blood pressure during pregnancy. Increased blood pressure can lead to poor circulation and swelling of the face, hands and feet.

Cirrhosis of the liver

Cirrhosis of the liver is a condition of severe injury to the liver, often caused by alcohol abuse or an infection (hepatitis B or C). This condition can cause high blood pressure and poor circulation in the feet, ankles and soles of the feet.

Kidney failure

When the kidneys fail to function properly, waste products and fluids can build up in the body. This causes swelling of the feet and swelling of the ankles, and soles of the feet.

Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder when the kidneys excrete too much protein in the urine from the body. This condition causes swelling (edema), especially in the feet and ankles and increases the risk of other health problems.

Infection or injury

Every time you have a cut, scrape, or a more serious wound in the leg area, your body multiplies the production of white blood cells and fluid to the area to attack foreign substances that cause infection.

This is what causes swollen feet. However, if the wound is already infected, you may experience swollen feet that are not only in one area.

Injury or trauma

Injuries from accidents, sports, falls, etc. that hit the foot or ankle cause increased blood flow to the area. Finally, there was a swollen leg. This is the body's natural reaction to an injury.

Arthritis and other joint problems

Some other conditions that can cause swollen feet are gout, knee bursitis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Filariasis

Filariasis is a swollen leg which is also called elephantiasis. You can experience pain or swelling of body parts for a long time, including the legs.

There may be several causes of swollen feet that were not listed above. If you are worried about other possible causes of swollen feet, don't hesitate to consult a doctor immediately. The doctor will provide more complete and accurate information to you.

Risk factors

What increases my risk of leg swelling?

There are many factors that increase the risk of leg swelling, including:

• Doing a little physical activity, such as sitting, lying down, standing too long
• Have varicose veins, which are a common cause of thromophlebitis
• Install a pacemaker in the central vein to treat certain medical conditions
• Are pregnant or have recently given birth
• Taking birth control pills or doing hormone therapy
• Have a family history of blood clotting disorders
• Have had thrombophlebitis before
• Have had a stroke
• Are over 60 years of age
• Overweight (overweight) or obesity
• Are sick with cancer
• Smoke

If you have one or more risk factors as mentioned above, consult a doctor immediately to determine an effective prevention strategy according to your needs.

Complications

What are the possible complications of swollen legs?

As explained above, the causes of swollen feet are various. Ranging from mild to severe.

However, you should not underestimate this condition. If not treated properly, swelling in the feet, ankles, or feet can cause serious complications. Here are some of the complications that may occur from swollen feet including:

Pulmonary embolism

Blood clots that occur in the legs can escape and flow into the lungs, which can block the arteries in the lungs. Because the clot blocks blood flow to the lungs, it can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.

Taking measures to prevent blood clots in your legs will help protect you from pulmonary embolism.

Post thrombotic syndrome

This condition can occur months or even years after you have had deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This condition can cause long-term pain leading to swelling, heaviness in the affected leg, and even paralysis.

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor for more information.

How are swollen feet diagnosed?

During your visit, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms.

To help diagnose the cause of swollen feet, your doctor may order one or more of the following tests:

• Blood test
• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• Electrocardiogram

What are the medications for swollen feet?

If your swelling is related to lifestyle habits or a minor injury, your doctor will likely give you a home remedy for swelling of the feet. This swollen leg medication can be started by resting, improving food intake, and so on.

If your swelling is the result of another underlying health condition, your doctor will first try to treat that specific condition.

Swelling can be reduced with prescription medications, such as diuretics. However, these prescription swollen feet medications can cause side effects, and are usually only used if home remedies don't work.

In serious cases, your doctor may perform surgery to treat your swelling.

Home remedies

How to deal with swollen feet?

Reporting from Healthline, several ways to deal with swollen feet at home include:

• Raise your leg whenever you lie down. The legs should be raised so that they are higher than the heart. You may want to place pillows under your feet to make them more comfortable.
• Stay active and focus on stretching and moving your legs.
• Cut back on your salt intake, which can reduce the amount of fluid that can build up in your feet.
• Avoid wearing garters and other types of tight clothing around your thighs.
• If you are overweight or obese, try to lose the ideal weight according to your height.
• Wear compression stockings or socks.
• Stand or walk at least once every hour, especially if you remain sitting or standing for long periods of time.
• If the cause of your swollen feet is due to the side effects of using certain drugs, you should immediately consult a doctor. Never stop, reduce, or increase a dose of medication without your doctor's permission. The doctor will provide other drug options that suit your condition.

Prevention

How to prevent swollen feet?

Sitting during long flights or in a car for too long can cause your ankles and calves to swell, increasing the risk of thrombophlebitis. To help prevent blood clots in your legs, here are some things you should do:

Take a walk

If you are traveling long distances that take hours by plane, train, or bus, take the time to get up from your seat or walk down the aisle once every hour. If you are driving, stop every hour and move.

Move your feet regularly

To avoid foot swelling, flex your ankle by gently turning it, or by gently pressing your foot against the floor at least 10 times every hour.

Wear loose clothes

Whenever you are on a long trip, avoid wearing clothes or pants made from jeans, which make it difficult for you to move. In addition, avoid wearing tight stockings, leggings, or socks.

Drink lots of water

To avoid swollen feet, get enough fluids by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day (about 2 liters) to avoid dehydration. However, it is up to you to judge how much water you need. Water requirements vary between individuals.

It is best to drink whenever you feel thirsty, so that your water needs are met.

Watch your food intake

For some people with a history of certain diseases, food can be one of the causes of swollen feet. Therefore, always make sure you pay attention to the food intake you consume every day.

Eat lots of fruit, vegetables and avoid various foods that are high in salt, fat and sugar.

Consult a doctor

If you do have a history of certain diseases such as kidney, liver, heart and other cardiovascular diseases, make a regular consultation with your doctor. This is so that your doctor can monitor your condition properly.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.