Swollen Feet Symptoms
In the beginning the legs and feet normally appear swollen as the day goes by but after some time, the swelling will begin first thing in the morning and will go on to worsen during the day. Edema that is long term will cause pitting – when you press on the area that is swollen for several seconds, an indentation will be noticed in the area. Swelling that is continued can result in ulcerated skin.
Other symptoms can develop over time and these consist of:
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Urination increases
- Swollen hands or/and wrists
- Palpitations
- Weight gain
- Puffy eyes
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Foamy or brownish urine
- Purplish or enlarged vein in leg
- Fatigue
- Lack of ability to bear weight
- Joint defect
- Numbness or tingling
- Unable to point forefoot and toes down
- Tenderness, aching or pain in affected area
- Stiff or limited movement
Swollen Feet Causes
This swelling is created by the buildup of fluid in muscle tissues. The pull of gravity draws the fluid to the ankles and feet, creating this swelling.
Swelling may also happen because of medical conditions which are serious and involve the heart, liver, blood vessels, or kidney. Other causes of swelling consist of:
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- Hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills
- Eating a diet that is poor and high in carbohydrates and salt
- PMS
- Pregnancy
- Retention of sodium
- Varicose veins
- Allergies
- Muscle injury
- Phlebitis history
- Trauma
- Neuromuscular problems
- Laxative abuse
- Drug abuse
- Diuretics abuse
Swollen Feet During Pregnancy
During pregnancy there can occur excessive swelling in the hands, face and especially the feet. Swelling of the feet is normal but sudden swelling in the hands and face could indicate a problem known as preeclampsia that occurs in some pregnant women. This is a condition occurring when the mother has high blood pressure and where the growing baby may not be receiving enough blood flow.
Preeclampsia is also medically referred to as toxemia. This is one of the reasons that women who are pregnant need to have regular pre-natal visits with regular urine and blood pressure tests.
Swollen Feet Treatment
The treatment of swollen feet will depend on the reason for the swelling. But the hallmark of any treatment is to reduce the amount of swelling and the first option is to leg elevate above the level of the heart putting minimal pressure of the backs of the thighs and the knees as well as the lower back. Often merely sitting in a chair and reclining while watching television is a perfect way to elevate the legs.
There are also many different products for use at work or home which can help reduce swelling.
Some of the aids consist of:
- Leg wedges that elevate the feet while in bed
- Support stockings and socks – both custom made or over the counter
- Socks and shoes that fit properly. Shoes shopping needs to be done in the afternoon to get the best fit.
Other ways to help swelling to decrease include:
- When walking increase muscle activity
- Do not stand in place for long time periods
- Do not sit with the feet dependent
- Limit the intake of salt
- Do not abuse laxatives
- Do not abuse diuretics
- Drink lots of water – 8 glasses or more each day
Remedies and Prevention
- Exercise, particularly leg exercises can increase the circulation of blood in the legs and also help to remove some of the fluid that has accumulated in the feet.
- Reducing any excess weight can help with making circulation better
- Low salt diets will take care of fluid retention
- Sitting or standing in one position for too long a period of time needs to be avoided and stopping to take a stretch break whether at work, home or school is advised.
- Walking is the best exercise.
- For instant relief dip the feet into a container of ice cold water or keep the feet under a tap of cold water.
- Take drink cans that are ice cold from the refrigerator and roll the cans over the feet.
- Place the feet on a couple of pillows and rest for approximately 20 minutes.
- Massaging feet with peppermint oils as well as fragrant oils from herbs will improve circulation
- Roll a tennis ball under the feet for 3 to 4 minutes to exercise the feet
- Take 2 buckets of ice-cold and hot water. Soak the feet first in the hot water bucket for about 10 minutes then quickly switch to the ice cold water bucket. Repeat several times a day.
- Mix 2 teaspoons of castor or jojoba, 3 drops of lavender oil, 1 drop each of geranium oil and German chamomile oil in a bowl and use it to massage into the feet. Then elevate the feet for sometime. Wash the feet with soap and apply nourishing cream
- Massage ginger oil for the reduction of swelling. It will not only alleviate aches or pain but will also improve circulation.
