9 Causes Of Swollen Feet & Ankles

Swollen ankles and swollen feet are also known as peripheral edema commonly refer to the accumulation of fluids in these areas. They mostly occur in the lower parts of the body due to the gravitational force.

The most common reason for such swelling these days is due to long sitting hours in the workplaces. Inability to avoid such circumstances often leads to severe health issues starting from a mere swelling.

Apart from this, there could be varied reasons which could cause these swellings. Have a quick look at the below-mentioned causes:

#1. Foot injury

A foot injury caused due to breaking of a bone or spraining your ankle might cause swelling in the affected area. A sprain causes the ligament to stretch beyond their limit often causing a tear. Although the swelling reduces as the wound heals.

  Remedy

- Take rest by avoiding walking or any other physical activity that requires the feet. Consult your physiotherapist for a faster healing. 

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#2. Insect bites\stings

A swelling may occur due to a mosquito/insect bite or a bee sting. An allergic reaction may also cause heavy swelling. The affected area might suffer flaming irritation or constant itchiness.

Remedy

- Applying honey, baking soda, apple cider vinegar or even toothpaste helps reduce the pain. Dabbing a wet aspirin solution to the affected area may also help.

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#3. Burn wounds

Too much exposure to the sun or spilling of hot liquid on the feet may cause swelling. The affected area often turns red and forms blisters. This could cause excessive irritation and itchiness.

Remedy

- Rinse the burn with cold water and clean it with washed hands. Apply a bandage in case of open blisters to avoid infections.

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#4. Deep vein thrombosis

Sitting for long periods be in the workplace or flights causes feet swelling. This may cause bigger issues later.

Remedy

Taking a short walking or stretching breaks might help avoid it. Consulting a doctor would be recommended

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  #5. Obesity

Overweight people often suffer from feet swelling. This happens because of the extra pressure on the legs, ankle and the feet.

Remedy

Working out regularly and following a healthy diet would help to maintain the body weight.

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#6. Lymphoedema

The lymphatic fluid in the tissues may tend to collect due to the absence or removal of lymph nodes or problems with the lymph vessels. Lymph is a protein-rich fluid that travels through an extensive network of vessels and capillaries. The lymph nodes trap and destroy unwanted substances such as bacteria. When there is a problem with the vessels or lymph nodes the fluid's movement can be blocked. Lymphoedema commonly occurs due to the removal of the lymph cords done for treating cancer.

Remedy

If you have undergone cancer treatment and have been experiencing swelling since, seek medical advice.

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#7. Heart, liver or kidney failure

 Improper pumping of blood due to the failure of heart, liver or kidney leads to pooling of fluids in the lower legs, appearing as swelling.

Remedy

Consulting your doctor would be the best solution.

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#8. Complications in Pregnancy

Swelling of the ankles and feet is normal during pregnancy. The big bump creates pressure in the abdomen; causing swelling in the legs. But unexpected or excessive swelling may cause some worry. The 20th week of pregnancy might witness protein in the urine or high blood pressure. Such a condition is called Pre- eclampsia and causes severe swellings.

Remedy

Swelling accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain, headaches, infrequent urination, nausea, and vomiting needs immediate medical advice.

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#9. Insufficiency of the veins

Venous insufficiency can be counted as another cause of swelling of the ankles and feet. It is a condition in which blood moves up the veins from the legs and feet back to the heart inadequately. During damage or weakening of the valves, the blood leaks back through the vessels and the fluid leaks out into the soft tissue of the lower legs, specifically the ankles and feet.

Remedy

Venous insufficiency can lead to skin changes, skin ulcers, and infection. If you experience signs of such a condition then you should seek medical advice.

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