Table of contents:
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Infection or injury
- Injury or trauma
- Arthritis and other joint problems
- Filariasis
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk of leg swelling?
- Complications
- What are the possible complications of swollen legs?
- Medicines & Medicines
- How is swollen feet diagnosed?
- What are the medications for swollen feet?
- Home remedies
- How to deal with swollen feet?
- Prevention
- How to prevent swollen feet?
- Take a walk
- Move your feet regularly
- Wear loose clothes
- Drink lots of water
- Watch your food intake
- Consult a doctor
When the kidneys fail to function properly, waste products and fluids can build up in the body. This causes swelling of the feet and swelling of the ankles, and soles of the feet.
Nephrotic syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder when the kidneys excrete too much protein in the urine from the body. This condition causes swelling (edema), especially in the feet and ankles and increases the risk of other health problems.
Infection or injury
Every time you have a cut, scrape, or a more serious wound in the leg area, your body multiplies the production of white blood cells and fluid to the area to attack foreign substances that cause infection.
This is what causes swollen feet. However, if the wound is already infected, you may experience swollen feet that are not only in one area.
Injury or trauma
Injuries from accidents, sports, falls, etc. that hit the foot or ankle cause increased blood flow to the area. Finally, there was a swollen leg. This is the body's natural reaction to an injury.
Arthritis and other joint problems
Some other conditions that can cause swollen feet are gout, knee bursitis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Filariasis
Filariasis is a swollen leg which is also called elephantiasis. You can experience pain or swelling of body parts for a long time, including the legs.
There may be several causes of swollen feet that were not listed above. If you are worried about other possible causes of swollen feet, do not hesitate to consult a doctor immediately. The doctor will provide more complete and accurate information to you.
Risk factors
What increases my risk of leg swelling?
There are many factors that increase the risk of leg swelling, including:
- Doing a little physical activity, such as sitting, lying down, standing too long
- Have varicose veins, which are a common cause of thromophlebitis
- Install a pacemaker in the central vein to treat certain medical conditions
- Are pregnant or have recently given birth
- Taking birth control pills or doing hormone therapy
- Have a family history of blood clotting disorders
- Have had thrombophlebitis before
- Have had a stroke
- Are over 60 years of age
- Overweight (overweight) or obesity
- Are sick with cancer
- Smoke
If you have one or more risk factors as mentioned above, consult a doctor immediately to determine an effective prevention strategy according to your needs.
Complications
What are the possible complications of swollen legs?
As explained above, the causes of swollen feet are various. Ranging from mild to severe.
However, you should not underestimate this condition. If not treated properly, swelling in the feet, ankles, or feet can cause serious complications. Here are some of the complications that may occur from swollen feet including:
Pulmonary embolism
Blood clots that occur in the legs can escape and flow to the lungs, which can block the arteries in the lungs. Because the clot blocks the flow of blood to the lungs, it can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
Taking measures to prevent blood clots in your legs will help protect you from pulmonary embolism.
Post thrombotic syndrome
This condition can occur months or even years after you have had deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This condition can cause long-term pain leading to swelling, heaviness in the affected leg, and even paralysis.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor for more information.
How is swollen feet diagnosed?
During your visit, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms.
To help diagnose the cause of swollen feet, your doctor may order one or more of the following tests:
- Blood test
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- Electrocardiogram
What are the medications for swollen feet?
If your swelling is related to lifestyle habits or a minor injury, your doctor will likely give you a home remedy for swollen feet. This swollen leg medication can be started by resting, improving food intake, and so on.
If your swelling is the result of another underlying health condition, your doctor will first try to treat that specific condition.
Swelling can be reduced with prescription medications, such as diuretics. However, these prescription swollen feet medications can cause side effects, and are usually only used if home remedies don't work.
In serious cases, your doctor may perform surgery to treat your swelling.
Home remedies
How to deal with swollen feet?
Reporting from Healthline, several ways to deal with swollen feet at home include:
- Raise your leg whenever you lie down. The legs should be raised so that they are higher than the heart. You may want to place pillows under your feet to make them more comfortable.
- Stay active and focus on stretching and moving your legs.
- Cut back on your salt intake, which can reduce the amount of fluid that can build up in your feet.
- Avoid wearing garters and other types of tight clothing around your thighs.
- If you are overweight or obese, try to lose the ideal weight according to your height.
- Wear compression stockings or socks.
- Stand or walk at least once every hour, especially if you remain sitting or standing for long periods of time.
- If the cause of your swollen feet is due to the side effects of using certain drugs, you should immediately consult a doctor. Never stop, reduce, or increase a dose of medication without your doctor's permission. The doctor will provide other drug options that suit your condition.
Prevention
How to prevent swollen feet?
Sitting during long flights or in a car for too long can cause your ankles and calves to swell, increasing the risk of thrombophlebitis. To help prevent blood clots in your legs, here are some things you should do:
Take a walk
If you are traveling long distances that take hours by plane, train, or bus, take the time to get up from your seat or walk down the aisle once every hour. If you are driving, stop every hour and move.
Move your feet regularly
To avoid foot swelling, flex your ankle by gently turning it, or by gently pressing your foot against the floor at least 10 times every hour.
Wear loose clothes
Whenever you are on a long trip, avoid wearing clothes or pants made from jeans, which make it difficult for you to move. In addition, avoid wearing tight stockings, leggings, or socks.
Drink lots of water
To avoid swollen feet, get enough fluids by drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day (about 2 liters) to avoid dehydration. However, it is up to you to judge how much water you need. Water requirements vary between individuals.
It is best to drink whenever you feel thirsty, so that your water needs are met.
Watch your food intake
For some people with a history of certain diseases, food can be one of the causes of swollen feet. Therefore, always make sure you pay attention to the food intake you consume every day.
Eat lots of fruit, vegetables and avoid various foods that are high in salt, fat and sugar.
Consult a doctor
If you do have a history of certain diseases such as kidney, liver, heart and other cardiovascular diseases, make a regular consultation with your doctor. This is so that your doctor can monitor your condition properly.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
