Swollen feet

Swollen feet are a common symptom. Many people suffer from swollen feet, especially on hot days. But the cause is not always the weather or a lack of exercise.

What are swollen feet?

Swollen feet are swellings that occur in the foot area, i.e. in the area below the ankle. One also speaks of foot edema.

Swollen feet are to be distinguished from swollen legs. However, foot swelling often occurs in combination with swelling of the legs.

causes

The location of the swelling provides an important clue as to the cause of swollen feet. Unilateral edema of the foot occurs, for example, when there is a backlog in the small blood vessels (capillaries).

A vein thrombosis can be a cause of this blood congestion. An obstruction to drainage in the veins, for example by varicose veins, can lead to blood congestion and thus swelling of the feet. But not only an impaired blood flow, but also an impaired lymph flow can result in swelling. This foot swelling also occurs on one side and typically begins on the toes.

If the foot swelling occurs on both sides, a disturbance of the internal organs should always be considered. Heart or kidney problems can cause fluid to build up in the feet. Thyroid and liver diseases can also show up in foot edema. At an advanced stage, foot swelling also occurs in diabetes.

Some medications and excessive consumption of alcohol also cause foot swelling. Because of the high levels of estrogen, many pregnant women suffer from swollen feet. Increased salt consumption can also result in water retention in the tissue.

Another common cause of swelling in the foot area is injuries such as torn ligaments or breaks. If the swollen feet are due to an allergic reaction, it is called Quincke's edema.

Diseases with this symptom

• Venous thrombosis
• Quincke's edema

• Diabetes mellitus
• sprain

• Torn ligament
• thrombosis

Diagnosis & course

In most cases, edema is harmless and often disappears on its own within 24 hours. However, if the swelling occurs more often or persists for a long time, a doctor should be consulted, because the backlog of the affected tissue can lead to insufficient supply of the affected foot . The result is, for example, skin irritation or, in worse cases, even ulcers. In addition, every swelling can hide a serious illness.

Since the causes of swollen feet are varied, a thorough anamnesis is necessary for diagnosis. Conclusions about the cause can be drawn from the nature of the foot edema. Additional symptoms of the underlying disease should also be considered. Blood tests or tissue samples from the swollen foot provide information.

Methods such as ultrasound (sonography), computed tomography (CT), x-rays or magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) provide further information when making a diagnosis.

Complications

If the feet are swollen, complications cannot be ruled out. If the symptoms are chronic, the accumulation of fluid in the legs can limit the supply of nutrients to the cells and cause cell damage. In extreme cases, cells die. Circulatory disorders can also occur, the symptoms often being related to swollen feet.

The result of insufficient blood circulation is initially a feeling of numbness in the legs, which often occurs when limbs are asleep. If the problem persists, severe pain occurs in the affected areas. The cardiovascular system, which reacts to the impaired blood circulation in the feet with an increased pulse and heartbeat, is the most stressed. Here, too, there is usually already a circulatory disorder, which occurs in interaction with the swollen feet. Other complications depend on the underlying condition. Swollen feet, which occur as a result of an underactive thyroid, can also cause fatigue, fever, headache and stomach problems such as nausea and vomiting.

If the "fat feet" are the cause of congestive liver or liver cancer, complications such as blood in the urine (hematuria) or flank pain are to be expected. Under certain circumstances, the swollen feet can also be caused by an allergic reaction. The subsequent symptoms essentially depend on the particular allergy and when the treatment was started. Finally, due to the multitude of possible causes and disease courses, the complications of swollen feet can only be determined by a doctor.

When should you go to the doctor?

There are various possible causes for swollen feet. Incidentally, swollen feet are also known as foot edema. The swellings are only found in the foot area below the ankle. Unless swollen feet occur as a one-off or infrequent episode on certain occasions such as extremely warm weather, they are a reason to see a doctor.

It is best for people with swollen feet to see their GP first. He has usually known his patients for several years and is accordingly well informed about their state of health. Various organ diseases such as diseases of the heart, liver or kidneys can hide behind swollen feet. Thyroid diseases or advanced diabetes mellitus also often cause swollen feet. Possible obstructions to drainage in the venous or lymphatic system must also be clarified. Swollen feet are also characteristic of many pregnant women, caused by their high levels of estrogen.

Foot injuries such as fractures or torn ligaments often result in foot swelling. Patients should also be prepared for critical questions from their doctor regarding high alcohol consumption or medication. Sometimes swollen feet only extend to the toe box. But even then, in their own interest, those affected should consult a doctor.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

Swollen feet are usually only a symptom, so they are treated by treating the original disease. Drug therapy is necessary for many underlying diseases such as kidney failure.

If the swelling occurs due to impaired lymphatic drainage, lymphatic drainage, massages or exercise therapies can be helpful. Broken, stretched or torn ligaments are treated by immobilizing them with a plaster of paris or splint. The swelling will then go away on its own within 2-3 weeks. Some underlying diseases, such as heart failure, may also require surgery.

But those affected can also take action themselves. In order to relieve the tissue and blood vessels, it is advisable to put your feet up as often as possible. But be careful: If the swollen feet are due to a heart condition, this is absolutely contraindicated, as the already weakened heart can quickly be overwhelmed by the returning blood.

Outlook & forecast

Swollen feet are the first sign that water has built up in the legs. At first glance, edema in the legs is not a worrying clinical picture, because a lot of people suffer from water in the legs. In most cases, this symptom will go away completely on its own. Especially on hot days, water accumulates in the legs. If there is no explicit underlying disease, the accumulation of water disappears after several hours.

However, if the affected person suffers from a venous disease, the accumulation of water remains permanently. The blood no longer circulates properly in the body, causing it to pool in the feet. In order to achieve a quick and effective healing, a visit to the doctor should not be delayed for long. Fast healing can only be achieved with appropriate treatment and the right medication. If the person concerned does not go to the doctor, this can lead to considerable complications.

So: swollen feet are not always due to an underlying disease. In many cases, the swollen feet will go away on their own. A doctor should only be consulted if the swelling is permanent.

prevention

Like the therapy, the prevention of swollen feet depends on the underlying disease.

In general, cell and vascular toxins such as alcohol or cigarettes should be avoided. A balanced diet can also prevent swollen feet. Lack of exercise is poison for the vessels of the leg and feet. Long standing or sitting should be avoided. Even small exercises in between can strengthen the blood vessels and avoid venous problems that can lead to swollen feet. Regular exercise can help prevent foot swelling.

Particularly recommended sports are swimming and cycling. But regular walks are also a good prevention option. If used daily, a foot pour with cold water according to Pastor Kneipp can strengthen the veins and prevent swelling. Alternating showers have a similar effect on the vessels.

To prevent swelling after a fall or an injury or to keep the swelling as low as possible, it is important to cool the affected area quickly.

If vein problems are known in the family or if there are family members who tend to have swollen feet, compression stockings can also be used for prevention.

You can do that yourself

Various measures can help relieve swelling on the feet. Foot baths often help against swollen feet. A lukewarm water bath with coarse sea salt is recommended. Oatmeal also relieves swelling and removes blemishes. Sage helps against fluid retention. To do this, a tea is made with a handful of sage leaves per cup and mixed with the water for the foot bath. Foot baths with essential oils such as lavender, sage or rosemary are also useful. Swollen feet should be bathed for about 30 minutes.

Herbs for teas and fruits often help to drain excess fluid that has accumulated in the feet. The dehydrating fruits include, for example, strawberries, pineapple and tamarind. The draining medicinal herbs include, for example, hibiscus flowers and horsetail.

Cold can also reduce foot swelling. Simply wrap some ice cubes in a cloth and place on your feet. The ice should never be placed directly on the skin. It makes sense to put up swollen feet. On the sofa, the legs can be easily raised with several pillows. People with swollen feet can also lie down on the floor and support themselves with their feet on the wall of the room. With the help of a foot massage, blood circulation is promoted and swelling is relieved. Exercise keeps feet fit and healthy and helps prevent and relieve swelling.