Swollen feet: the main causes

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Extract from the article: The bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments of each foot work in synergy to support the body's weight. They enable us to stand, walk, run and jump. But all these actions sometimes cause wear and tear. Circulation to and from the feet slows down, and bl

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The bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments of each foot work in synergy to support the body's weight. They enable us to stand, walk, run and jump. But all these actions sometimes cause wear and tear. Circulation to and from the feet slows down, and blood begins to pool in the many blood vessels distributed along the toes, heels and ankles. There are many reasons for this symptom. They may be pressure, inactivity, injury or other. None should be taken lightly.

When blood and fluids don't circulate well in the body, the feet are the first to show symptoms. In some cases, it's simply a lack of exercise, pregnancy or ill-fitting medication. But in other cases, swollen feet can hide serious problems. In all cases, you should consider these symptoms and speak to a health professional, especially if the swelling lasts several days, develops suddenly, affects only one foot, is accompanied by pain, or if the skin color changes.

A sedentary lifestyle

When you don't move around enough, your feet suffer.Sitting for long periods can reduce blood circulation in this area of the body, causing swelling.Try to take regular breaks to change position throughout the day.

 Pregnancy

The body produces more fluid than usual during pregnancy.In the third trimester of pregnancy, the weight of the uterus can add extra pressure and lead to water retention in the legs and feet. If this part of the body tends to swell, it should return to its normal appearance after delivery.But if the swelling is very bothersome, massage can provide relief.

Feet that swell during pregnancy should be medically examined to rule out pre-eclampsia, which can be harmful to both mother and baby.

A blood clot

One foot is swollen, but not the other? It could be a blood clot. In this case, the swelling may be accompanied by other symptoms such as heat and redness of the affected foot. When a clot forms in the veins, it can dislodge and become lodged in the lungs or heart. It is important to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Medications

Swollen feet and ankles can be side effects of certain medications. A healthcare professional can help you find more suitable alternatives

Organ problems

If certain essential organs have trouble functioning properly, blood and fluids can accumulate in veins and tissues.In the most serious cases, this can be heart failure, kidney disease or liver disease.In these cases, other parts of the body such as the hands and face may also swell. A thorough medical examination will enable a precise diagnosis to be made.

William O.

Article validated by Dr Jean-Claude Bakpatina, General Practitioner at the “Floreal” clinic in Lomé.