Swelling of Feet and Ankles
Feet and ankles swell up quite often and are usually nothing to worry about, especially if your occupation requires you to stand long hours or walk a lot. However, if they do contain their swelling for a long time and also demonstrate other symptoms, there is room for concern. In this article, we look at some plausible causes for swelling and advise when you seek medical treatment. Should you have any questions, leave us a comment. Please remember that this article serves as an information source and should not be replaced with actual medical care.
Complications of pregnancy
Some swelling is normal during pregnancy and it is not a concerning matter. However, if swelling appears all of a sudden and there is an excessive amount of it, care should be taken. This can be a sign of a disease called Preeclampsia. This is a severe condition in which high blood pressure and protein in the urine appear around the 20th week of pregnancy. Some accompanying symptoms could be headaches, infrequent urination, nausea and vomiting, and abdominal pain. In this case, you need to refer to the doctor immediately as this could put you in a high-risk pregnancy category.
Injury of foot or ankle
Have you ever sprained your ankle and seen that it got swollen? This happens when an injury causes the ligaments that hold the ankle together to be stretched beyond their limit. To get rid of the swelling rest and elevate your foot on a pillow or stool. You can also use ice packs or compression stockings to help you further. If the swelling does not improve, please seek medical help.
Lymphedema
If the lymph nodes are removed or if there is an issue with the lymph vessels, lymph fluid builds up which causes edema and hence swollen state. Lymph is a protein-rich fluid that is filtered through the lymph system and destroys unwanted microorganisms. This is fairly common following radiotherapy or cancer treatments which lead to the removal of the lymph nodes.
Venous insufficiency
When the blood has difficulty going up the veins from the feet to the heart, we develop a condition known as venous insufficiency. Veins keep the blood from flowing back with one-way valves but at times these valves become weakened and blood leaks back. Chronic venous insufficiency can lead to various conditions such as ulcers and infections. It should definitely be discussed with a doctor. There are also various over-the-counter medications that can help i the long term.
Infection
Swollen feet can be a sign of foot infection as well. People with nerve damage to the feet or diabetic neuropathy are at a greater risk of infections. Given nerve damage can numb the pain sensation, it is vital to check the foot for blisters on a daily. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, please refer to your medical professional.
Blood clot
Blood clots that form in the veins can cause the blood to be blocked in the veins and not return properly to the heart. This causes swelling in the ankles or feet which is more red than usual. The clots can be categorized as superficial or deep vein thrombosis. The superficial clots form on the veins just beneath the skin surface but the deep ones are very well in the veins and are more complex. These clots can be life-threatening if they detach and travel to the heart or lungs. If the swelling affects one of the legs predominantly and is accompanied by low-grade fever, seek medical attention immediately. The doctor may prescribe blood thinners for you.
Heart, Liver, or Kidney disease
sometimes swelling can indicate a problem such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. Ankles that swell in the evening could be a sign of retaining salt and water because of right-sided heart failure. Kidney disease can also cause foot and ankle swelling. When kidneys are not functioning properly, fluid can build up in the body. Liver disease can affect the liver’s production of a protein called albumin, which keeps the blood from leaking out of the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues. If there is not enough albumin produced, fluid can leak. The pull of gravity causes fluid to accumulate in the feet and ankles but also the chest and abdomen. If you experience any of the following symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite or weight gain call the emergency number and go to a doctor.
Medication side effects
Many medications have these as common side effects. It is important to recognize it. If you sense that you ahve excessive symptoms, refer to your healthcare professional immediately.
Hormones such as estrogen (found in oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy) and testosterone
- Calcium channel blockers, a type of blood pressure medication, which includes nifedipine (Adalat, Afeditab, Nifediac, Nifedical, Procardia), amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia, Dilacor, Diltia, Tiazac), felodipine (Plendil), and verapamil (Calan, Covera-HS, Isoptin, Isoptin SR, Verelan)
- Steroids, including androgenic and anabolic steroids and corticosteroids such as prednisone
- Antidepressants, including tricyclics, such as nortriptyline (Pamelor, Aventyl), desipramine (Norpramin), and amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep, Vanatrip); and monoamine oxidases (MAO) inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate)
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Diabetes medications
If you experience excessive swelling, please speak to your doctor. It could be that they suggest an alternative or reduce the dosage frequency.
