Swollen Feet and Ankles
Painless swelling may affect both legs and may include the calves or
even the thighs. Because of the effect of gravity, swelling is
particularly noticeable in the lower part of the body and is reffered to as peripheral edema.
Slight swelling of the lower legs commonly occurs in warm summer months and is more likely to occur if a person has been standing or walking a lot due to gravity.
Foot, leg, and ankle swelling is common with the following situations:
- Prolonged standing
- Long airplane flights or travel
- Menstrual periods (for some women)
- Pregnancy
- Being overweight
- Increased age
- Injury or trauma to your ankle or foot
Causes of Swollen feet and legs:
- Conditions of the heart, live or blood vessels.
- Hormones - HRT, Birth control or PMS etc
- Pregnancy
- Pre eclampsia
- Sodium retention
- Muscle injury or other injury, trauma, surgery or burns
- Varicose Veins or a history of phlebitis
- Allergic reactions and bites/stings
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Laxative, diuretic or drug abuse
- Infection
- Blockage of Lymph Nodes in the legs
- Some medications such as antidepressants, tricyclics, and steroids.
See a doctor if you have persistent swelling, swelling accompanied by shortness of breath and weight gain, or swelling that damages the skin or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns.
Pr
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the cause of the swelling. One of the first treatment options is to elevate the legs above the level of the heart. Anti-inflammatory medicine can also help reduce swelling.
Other treatment options that may be discussed by your podiatrist include:
Slight swelling of the lower legs commonly occurs in warm summer months and is more likely to occur if a person has been standing or walking a lot due to gravity.
Foot, leg, and ankle swelling is common with the following situations:
- Prolonged standing
- Long airplane flights or travel
- Menstrual periods (for some women)
- Pregnancy
- Being overweight
- Increased age
- Injury or trauma to your ankle or foot
Causes of Swollen feet and legs:
- Conditions of the heart, live or blood vessels.
- Hormones - HRT, Birth control or PMS etc
- Pregnancy
- Pre eclampsia
- Sodium retention
- Muscle injury or other injury, trauma, surgery or burns
- Varicose Veins or a history of phlebitis
- Allergic reactions and bites/stings
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Laxative, diuretic or drug abuse
- Infection
- Blockage of Lymph Nodes in the legs
- Some medications such as antidepressants, tricyclics, and steroids.
See a doctor if you have persistent swelling, swelling accompanied by shortness of breath and weight gain, or swelling that damages the skin or if you have specific medical conditions or concerns.
Pr
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the cause of the swelling. One of the first treatment options is to elevate the legs above the level of the heart. Anti-inflammatory medicine can also help reduce swelling.
Other treatment options that may be discussed by your podiatrist include:
- Leg wedges to elevate the feet while sleeping.
- Support socks and stocking
- Support socks and stockings come in various gradients depending on the pressure needed, and various lengths depending on the level of the edema. Roll these on in the morning to promote circulation and limit
gravitation movement of fluids. Most medical supply or drug stores carry
these.
- Support socks and stockings come in various gradients depending on the pressure needed, and various lengths depending on the level of the edema. Roll these on in the morning to promote circulation and limit
gravitation movement of fluids. Most medical supply or drug stores carry
these.
- Proper fitting shoes and socks.
- Cut back on salt
- Excess salt contributes to fluid retention.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Put your feet up
- Lying on your back, rest your feet at least 12 inches above the level of your heart for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times a day.
- Do not abuse laxatives
- Exercise regularly
- Regular exercise improves circulation.
- Avoid standing in place for long period of time.
- Lose excess weight
- Excess weight slows circulation of body fluids and puts extra pressure on your veins.
- Increase muscle activity with walking.
- Avoid long periods of sitting
- Every one or two hours, get up and walk.
- Review your medication with your doctors -Certain drugs, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories and calcium channel blockers, can contribute to swelling.
Sport Podiatry
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General Podiatry
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