Overheating of swollen feet
If the swelling of the foot is accompanied by overheating, this can have several causes. In the case of an injury, there is often overheating because the injured tissue is supplied with more blood to accelerate the healing process. Even in the presence of a thrombosis, the affected section may be overheated because the warm blood cannot be drained.
Swollen feet and legs are a common problem during pregnancy. The hormone changes and an increase in blood volume lead to water retention in the legs and arms. There is no causal therapy, but the symptoms can be somewhat alleviated by sufficient exercise and regular elevation of the legs. However, the swellings do not in themselves have any disease value.
Swollen feet in the baby
In babies, swelling of the foot can occur if the baby has bumped, for example. The swelling is then caused by injury. Gentle cooling of the affected foot may be helpful.
Swelling caused by an insect bite can also occur. Swelling on both sides of the feet is usually an indication of an organ disease, such as a disturbance of the lymphatic drainage or the heart performance. Such diseases are very rare in babies.
Swollen feet in winter
In winter, the feet normally do not swell more than usual. Rather, the summer with very hot temperatures is known to cause a slight swelling of feet, ankles and legs.
Swollen feet due to medication
There are drugs that can cause swelling of the legs, especially the lower legs, as a side effect. These include above all the group of calcium antagonists used to lower blood pressure. If swelling occurs after the first application of the drug, treatment with this drug should be discontinued.
Swollen feet in children
Foot swelling involving the ankle usually has no other possible causes than those listed above, which include insect bites, thrombosis, or conditions such as lymphedema or cardiac edema. If the swelling of the ankle is one-sided, one should always consider an injury-related swelling, which usually causes additional pain and a pain-related restriction of movement. If the swelling persists over a longer period of time or is accompanied by complaints, a doctor should be consulted. Cooling and regular elevation of the affected foot are often helpful.