Excess fluid can really change things. It can rupture a water balloon, burst water pipes, and make you feel bloated and unwieldy. Edema in your body is a common problem, especially in your lower limbs, but most people don’t know where it comes from.
Edema in the feet and ankles can be the result of many things. It’s a problem with fluid retention in your tissues. Something causes your blood vessels to leak. Instead of your lymphatic system reabsorbing the fluid, it pools there and makes your feet puffy. It’s not usually painful itself, though it can be disconcerting and make wearing footwear uncomfortable. If the swelling is connected to an injury or another health condition, though, it could be a sign you need medical help.
One of the most common causes of swollen feet is too much pressure on your lower limbs for an extended period of time. This can happen when you either stand or sit without changing positions for too long. The pressure strains your lower limbs and creates edema. This happens with weight gain, too. Being overweight adds pressure to your feet and increases swelling in the lower limbs. Pregnancy can have a similar effect for women.
Some medications have swelling as a side effect. Edema is also a common symptom for allergic reactions, even on your lower limbs. Many injuries, including sprains and fractures, cause your feet to swell up. Chronically weak veins are highly likely to leak and cause swelling as well. Even consuming too much salt might contribute to edema.
Unfortunately, there are some serious reasons why your feet might be swollen, too. Sudden swelling might be a blood clot in your lower limbs. Also, heart failure, kidney disease, liver problems, and even pregnancy complications might cause swelling in your feet and ankles. Fortunately, these are not common—still, it’s wise to have edema checked out, just in case.
Edema in your lower limbs usually isn’t serious, but it can cause problems. You don’t want the swelling to continue. Instead, you need to take care of your lower limbs and alleviate the issue. Let our team at Podiatry Associates, P.C. help you identify the cause for your swollen feet and ankles, so you can get the care you need. Make an appointment with us through our website. You can also call our offices in Cherry Creek, Parker, and Castle Pines, CO, at (303) 805-5156.