If excess of interstitial fluid accumulates in muscles or soft tissues it results in edema. There are various underlying diseases that results in fluid accumulation and edema. during pregnancy swelling in feet and ankles is considered normal unless there are other alarming symptoms accompanied with swelling. Read this article till the end to know everything about swelling in ankles and feet.
Let’s discuss the causes of edema in ankles and feet:
- Varicose veins: varicose veins results from venous insufficiency i.e. blood moves inadequately up the veins from lower extremities to heart. Wall of veins become damaged or weak and blood starts flowing back and leads to accumulation in ankles, feet and legs.
- Injury: foot and ankle injury like sprain or strain or fracture can lead to swelling.
- Diabetes: in diabetic neuropathy person is at risk of having swollen feet and ankles.
- If blood clot forms in the veins it also results in swelling of feet and ankles.
- Underlying disease: Heart, liver or kidney disease causes foot and ankle swelling.
- Medicinal side effects: anti-depressant drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, medicines of diabetes all can cause swelling in feet and ankle.
- Poor blood circulation: in people with poor blood circulation prolonged standing makes it difficult for heart to pump blood to lower extremities.
- Joint diseases: osteoarthritis or gout are known to cause swelling of feet and ankle.
- Obesity.
- Increasing age.
- Malnutrition.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Chemotherapy.
- Increased consumption of alcohol.
Self Management:
Proper diagnosis of the cause of your swelling in feet is important. Besides the medications of the cause of swelling following tips may help you.
- While lying down raise your legs above the level of heart.
- Regular exercises like walking, stretching, swimming are very beneficial.
- Consume low salt in diet.
- Avoid junk food.
- Do not cross legs while sitting.
- If you are obese try to loose weight.
- Do not wear tight clothing.
- In case of varicose veins, wear support stocking.
- Special shoes are available in market for people having swollen feet.
- Soak feet in water and have a relaxing foot massage.
- 2-3 cups of green in a day is beneficial.
