Swelling in Feet: Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies

Swollen feet also called peripheral oedema is a common medical condition and millions of people experience it at some point in their lives. It may signal deeper health issues. When feet swell, they can look puffy, feel tight or you may feel that they have become bigger than usual. Fluid build up in the feet can give you pain, making it hard for you to walk or standing for a long time becomes uncomfortable for you. 

This blog will explain the main reasons feet swell, talk about treatments that can help, share some home tips to bring down swelling and explain when you should see a doctor.

Causes of Swelling in Feet

Here are some things that can make your feet swell:

• Poor blood flow: When blood doesn't move well to the feet, fluid builds up and causes swelling. Health issues like diabetes, clogged arteries in the legs, and being overweight can lead to bad circulation.
• Injury or damage: Twists, breaks, and other foot injuries can make feet swell. The body tries to heal by sending more fluid to the injured area, which makes it swell.
• Standing or sitting for too long: Staying in one position for a while can cause fluid to gather in the lower legs and feet because blood doesn't move around as much.
• Pregnancy: Hormone changes and extra pressure on veins during pregnancy can cause fluid to build up and feet to swell. This swelling called oedema often happens when women are pregnant.
• Venous insufficiency: When leg veins can't send blood back to the heart well, fluid can pile up in the feet and ankles causing them to swell. One can develop venous insufficiency due to broken valves, varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Medicine side effects: Some medicines (including but not limited to calcium channel blockers, NSAIDs and corticosteroids) can have an impact on fluid buildup and foot swelling as a side effect.
• Heart or kidney issues: Issues like heart failure and chronic kidney disease can cause fluid build up which makes the feet swell.
• Swelling: Conditions that cause inflammation, like arthritis or cellulitis, can make feet and ankles puff up in certain spots.

Treatment

Treatment options are:

• Lift your feet: Raising your feet higher than your heart can help fluid drain and reduce swelling. You can use a footrest or pillow to lift your feet and get some relief.
• Put on compression stockings or socks: These can boost blood flow and stop fluid from building up in your feet. They put pressure on your legs that helps blood move back to your heart.
• Avoid tight clothes: Tight clothes or accessories, like snug socks or shoes, can limit blood flow in your arms and legs and make swelling worse. You should choose shoes & clothes that fit properly and make you feel comfortable.
• Regular exercise: Low impact activities like walking or swimming can boost your blood flow and reduce foot swelling. Talk to your doctor to find out which exercises suit your situation.
• Diuretics: If a health problem causes your body to retain fluid, your doctor may prescribe diuretics to help eliminate the excess fluid.
• Managing underlying conditions: If foot swelling comes from a health issue like liver, heart, or kidney problems, it's crucial to treat and control these conditions to reduce the swelling.

Home Remedies for Swollen Feet

You can try these below mentioned home treatments:

• Give your feet a soak: A warm soak with Epsom salt can diminish swelling and soothe your feet. Fill a bucket with warm water, add half a cup of salt, and rest your feet in it for 15 minutes.
• Rub your feet: A gentle foot massage helps improve blood flow and reduce swelling. Use gentle pressure & move your hands upward towards your heart. This will improve circulation.
• Ice pack: Put ice on swollen areas for only 15-20 minutes at a time. This helps to bring down swelling. Make sure to wrap the ice cubes in a towel or thin cloth to shield your skin.
• Herbal remedies: Herbs such as ginger, turmeric, and dandelion have anti-inflammatory properties that help combat swelling. These can help with swollen feet. Talk to your doctor before you start using any of these herbs.

When to Contact a Doctor

Immediately connect with your doctor if you notice any of these:

• Your feet have painful swelling that does not go away with home treatments or OTC pain relievers 
• If you have swelling that comes out suddenly
• You find it hard to move your feet or stand on them
• The swollen area is red, feels warm or has pus 

Conclusion

Puffy feet can signal health problems and make you feel uncomfortable. Learning why your feet swell up and how to treat them can ease the pain and boost your health. If you are worried or the swelling doesn't go away with home care, see a doctor. Look after your feet and put your health first to stay comfortable and active.

FAQs

1. What makes feet swell?

You may develop swollen feet due to bad blood flow, injuries, pregnancy, weak veins, side effects from medicine, and heart or kidney issues.

2. How can I bring down the swelling in my feet at home?

Putting your feet up wearing compression socks, working out and soaking your feet in warm Epsom salt water are some good ways to bring down foot swelling at home.

3. When should I contact a doctor about my swollen feet?

You should get in touch with a doctor if you have bad pain, your feet swell up quickly or you see signs of infection. These signs include redness, warmth, or pus where your feet are swollen.