Thursday 29 August 2013

Foot swelling – probable causes and remedies

Having swollen feet can be really problematic. You can’t stand for long, walk properly and of course can’t flaunt your fancy footwear. Certain work conditions demand standing for long hours. This may result in foot swelling. While you can’t stop working just because you need to stand continuously, but if the problem persists for long then this may signal towards other complications. Often people have this tendency to ignore foot conditions, thinking that these would heal naturally. The fact is that your feet actually act as indicator for other serious health problems. Hence don’t ignore foot pain or swelling. Causes of sudden foot swelling are many, few of which are discussed here.

Pregnancy is bliss but the would-be-mom has to endure several irritating health complications, feet swelling being one of them. However if the problem continues and takes serious shape then this may be a sign of over-pronation and edema. Sudden rise in high blood pressure level and protein in urine may trigger this problem along with some other complications like abdominal pain, headache, etc. Few precautionary measures, like using proper footwear or keeping your feet in an elevated position if sitting for long can reduce swelling to great extent. Foot or ankle injury, especially an ankle sprain can lead to inflammation. Best way to reduce the swelling effect is avoid putting much stress on the injured part. Doctors often prescribe compression bandage or ice packs for sprains and swellings. Foot infections can take serious shape, mainly for diabetic patients or those with nerve problems. This may result in sudden swelling of feet and ankles. Hence those suffering from diabetic neuropathy need to consult a podiatrist from time to time, whenever they notice any abnormality in their feet.

If you ever experience swelling of one leg, along with low-grade fever as well as change in color of the affected leg then this in all probability is because of blood clot. While superficial clots occurring just beneath the skin may not be that serious but the deeper ones can prove to be life-threatening. These can block major veins of your leg thus affecting heart or lungs. Venous insufficiency is another condition which can cause feet and ankle swelling. Damaged valves fail to carry blood from feet and legs up to the heart which results in blood leaking back down and getting deposited in softer tissues of your ankles and feet.

Certain medications have side effects. Those who have to take regular medicine for high blood pressure, depression or diabetes are prone to foot inflammation. Again drugs related to hormone replacement therapy may also lead to ankle or foot swelling. It is not possible for a common man to know about such side effects. However, if certain foot conditions develop within few days of starting the new medicine then prompt action is advised.

Don’t just consult any general physician for foot problems. Get the guidance of an expert podiatric physician who is the right person to understand the gravity of the situation. Remember that your foot is one significant body part whose erratic functioning can come in the way of healthy living.

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