Swollen feet are a common symptom. Especially on hot days, many people suffer from swollen feet. But the cause is not always the weather or lack of exercise.
What are swollen feet?
Swollen feet are swelling that occurs in the area of the foot, that is, in the area below the ankle. It is also referred to as foot edema. Swollen feet refers to swelling that occurs in the area of the foot, that is, in the area below the ankle. This is also referred to as foot edema. Swollen feet are to be distinguished from swollen legs. However, foot swelling often occurs in combination with swelling of the legs.
Causes
An important clue to the cause of swollen feet is provided by the localization of the swelling. For example, unilateral edema of the foot occurs when there is congestion in the small blood vessels (capillaries). One cause of this blood stasis can be venous thrombosis. An obstruction of the outflow in the veins due to varicose veins, for example, can also lead to blood stasis and thus swelling of the feet. However, not only a disturbed blood outflow, but also a disturbed lymph flow can result in swelling. This foot swelling also occurs on one side and characteristically starts at the toes. If the foot swelling occurs on both sides, a disorder of the internal organs should always be considered. Thus, heart or kidney diseases can result in fluid accumulation in the feet. Thyroid and liver diseases can also manifest themselves in foot edema. In advanced stages, foot swelling also occurs with diabetes. Likewise, some medications and also excessive consumption of alcohol cause foot swelling. Due to high estrogen levels, many pregnant women suffer from swollen feet. Increased salt consumption can also result in water retention in the tissues. Another common cause of swelling in the foot area is injuries such as torn ligaments or fractures. If the swollen feet are due to an allergic reaction, it is called Quincke’s edema.
Diseases with this symptom
- Venous thrombosis
- Quincke’s edema
- Diabetes mellitus
- Sprain
- Torn ligament
- Thrombosis
Diagnosis and course
In most cases, edema is harmless and often disappears by itself within 24 hours. However, if the swellings occur more often or persist for a long time should see a doctor, because the backwater of the affected tissues can lead to undersupply of the affected foot. The consequences are for example skin irritations or in worse cases even ulcers. In addition, every swelling can also conceal a serious illness. Since the causes of swollen feet are manifold, a thorough anamnesis is necessary for diagnosis. Already by the nature of the foot edema conclusions can be drawn about the cause. Additional symptoms of the underlying disease should also be taken into account. Blood tests or tissue samples of the swollen foot provide clues here. Further clues in making a diagnosis are provided by procedures such as ultrasound (sonography), computed tomography (CT), X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Complications
Complications cannot be ruled out with swollen feet. If the symptoms occur chronically, the accumulation of fluid in the legs can restrict the supply of nutrients to the cells, causing cell damage. In extreme cases, cell death occurs. Circulatory disorders can also occur, and the complaints often interact with swollen feet. The consequence of insufficient blood circulation is initially a feeling of numbness in the legs, as often occurs with limbs that have fallen asleep. If the problem persists, there is severe pain in the affected regions. However, the cardiovascular system is under the greatest strain, reacting to the disturbed blood circulation in the feet with an increased pulse and heartbeat. Here, too, there is usually already a circulatory disorder, which occurs in interaction with the swollen feet. Further complications depend on the underlying disease. Swollen feet that occur as a result of hypothyroidism may be accompanied by fatigue, fever, headache and stomach problems such as nausea and vomiting.If the “fat feet” are the cause of congested liver or liver cancer, complications such as blood in the urine (hematuria) or flank pain are to be expected. Under certain circumstances, the swollen feet may also be the result of an allergic reaction. The subsequent symptoms depend mainly on the allergy in question and the time at which treatment is started. In conclusion, the complications of swollen feet can only be determined by a physician due to the variety of possible causes and courses of the disease.
When should you see a doctor?
Various causes are conceivable for swollen feet. By the way, swollen feet are also common under the name foot edema. The swellings are here alone in the foot area below the ankle. Unless swollen feet occur as a one-time or rare episode on certain occasions, such as extremely warm weather, they are a reason to see a doctor. It is best for people with swollen feet to see their family doctor first. He usually knows his patients for several years and is accordingly well informed about their state of health. Swollen feet can be caused by various organ disorders, such as diseases of the heart, liver or kidneys. Thyroid diseases or advanced diabetes mellitus also often cause swollen feet. Also to be clarified are possible outflow obstructions in the venous or lymphatic system. Swollen feet are also characteristic of many pregnant women, caused by their high estrogen levels. Foot injuries such as fractures or torn ligaments often result in foot swelling. Patients should also be prepared for critical questioning from their physician regarding high alcohol consumption or medication use. Sometimes swollen feet extend only to the toe area. But even then, affected individuals should see a doctor in their own interest.
Treatment and therapy
Swollen feet are usually only a symptom, so their treatment is through therapy of the original disease. In many underlying diseases, such as renal insufficiency, drug therapy is required. If the swelling occurs due to impaired lymphatic drainage, lymphatic drainage, massage or exercise therapy may be helpful. Fractures, stretched ligaments or torn ligaments are treated by immobilization using a cast or splint. The swelling then disappears on its own within 2-3 weeks. In the case of some underlying diseases, such as heart failure, surgery may also be necessary. However, those affected can also take action themselves. To relieve the tissue and the vessels, it is recommended to elevate the feet as often as possible. But beware: If the swollen feet are due to a heart condition, this is absolutely contraindicated, as the already weakened heart can quickly be overwhelmed by the returning blood.
Outlook and prognosis
Swollen feet are a first sign of water accumulation in the legs. At first glance, edema in the legs is not a worrying clinical picture, because very many people suffer from water in the legs. In most cases, this symptom also disappears completely on its own. Especially on hot days there is an accumulation of water in the legs. If there is no explicit underlying disease, the accumulation of water disappears after several hours. However, if the affected person suffers from a venous disease, then the accumulation of water remains permanently. The blood no longer circulates properly in the body, so it collects in the feet. In order to achieve a quick and effective cure, a visit to the doctor should not be delayed for long. Only with appropriate treatment and the right medication can a quick cure be achieved. If the affected person does not go to the doctor, then there may be significant complications. Thus, swollen feet are not always due to an underlying disease. In many cases, the swollen feet disappear on their own. Only if the swelling is permanent, a doctor should be consulted.
Prevention
Just like therapy, prevention of swollen feet depends on the underlying disease. In general, cellular and vascular toxins such as alcohol or cigarettes should be avoided. A balanced diet can also prevent swollen feet. Poison for the vessels of the leg and feet is lack of exercise. Prolonged standing or sitting should be avoided.Even small exercises in between can strengthen the vessels and prevent venous disorders that can lead to swollen feet. Regular physical activity can prevent swelling of the feet. Particularly recommended sports are swimming and cycling. However, regular walks are also a good prevention option. If applied daily, a foot bath with cold water according to Father Kneipp can also strengthen the veins and prevent swelling. Alternating showers have a similar effect on the vessels. To prevent swelling after a fall or injury, or to keep swelling to a minimum, it is important to cool the affected area quickly. If vein disorders are known in the family or there are family members who are prone to swollen feet, compression stockings can also be used for prevention.
What you can do yourself
Several measures help relieve swelling in feet. Against swollen feet often help foot baths. A lukewarm water bath with coarse sea salt is recommended. Oatmeal also relieves swelling and also removes skin impurities. Sage helps against fluid retention. For this purpose, a tea with a handful of sage leaves per cup is boiled and mixed with the water for the foot bath. Foot baths with essential oils, for example with lavender, sage or rosemary, are also useful. Swollen feet should be bathed for about 30 minutes. To drain excess fluid that accumulates in the feet, herbs often help for teas and fruits. Draining fruits include strawberries, pineapple and tamarind, for example. Draining medicinal herbs include hibiscus flowers and horsetail, for example. Cold can also reduce swelling in feet. Simply pound a few ice cubes into a cloth and place it on the feet. The ice should never be placed directly on the skin. It makes sense to elevate swollen feet. On the sofa, the legs can easily be elevated with several pillows. People with swollen feet can also lie down on the floor and rest their feet against the wall of the room. With the help of a foot massage, blood circulation is promoted and swelling is relieved. Physical exercise keeps feet fit and healthy and helps prevent and relieve swelling.