What is the main cause of swollen feet?

Swelling of the foot, ankle and leg can be severe enough to leave an indentation (pit) when you press on the area. This swelling (edema) is the result of excess fluid in your tissues — often caused by congestive heart failure or blockage in a leg vein.

When should I be concerned about swollen feet?

When should you call the doctor? “Report your symptoms to your doctor if there’s so much swelling that it leaves an indentation if you press your finger into it, or if it has developed suddenly, lasts for more than a few days, affects just one foot, or is accompanied by pain or discoloration of the skin,” Dr.

Does dehydration cause swollen feet?

Stay Hydrated – dehydration causes the constriction of blood vessels leading to the forcing of fluids into the extracellular spaces between cells leading to retention particularly in the lower limbs.

Can high blood pressure cause swollen ankles?

Your ankles can swell up after a long flight or from standing up for a long period of time, especially in hot weather. Swollen ankles can occur as a side effect of some high blood pressure medicines, for example calcium channel blockers.

What deficiency causes swollen feet and ankles?

ANSWER: Ankle swelling can be a sign of any kind of anemia. I should explain pernicious anemia. It stems from a lack of B-12, essential in building red blood cells. The vitamin deficiency exists because the stomach lacks the substance vital for its absorption (intrinsic factor).

Does walking help with swollen ankles?

Tips to reduce ankle and foot swelling

Simple lifestyle changes — such as exercise and weight loss — also can help reduce or prevent swelling while also improving your overall health, says Dr. Botek. She suggested activities such as walking and swimming.

How do you get rid of water retention overnight?

4 ways to lose water weight immediately
  1. Drink more water. It might be a little difficult to believe but drinking more water can actually help you shed water weight. …
  2. Reduce intake of salt. Too much salt or sodium in your diet may be contributing to water retention. …
  3. Consume fewer carbs. …
  4. Exercise.

Does drinking water reduce inflammation?

Hydration Fights Inflammation

Hydration helps our bodies fight inflammation by flushing out toxins. Adequate water intake can also help keep our joints well lubricated and prevent gout attacks.

Why do old people’s feet swell?

Edema (or swelling) of the lower limbs is common in older adults. The most common cause (about 70%) of leg edema is due to Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). Other serious causes of edema include congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and liver disease.

Why do elderly people’s feet swell?

Legs, ankles, and feet swell when excess fluid is pulled down by gravity and builds up in the lower body. This is called edema and it’s common in older adults and usually happens on both sides of the body. It can be caused by a variety of health conditions including heart failure, kidney disease, gout, and arthritis.

Does swollen ankles mean heart failure?

Summary. Swelling of the feet is a common sign of heart failure. You may also notice swelling in your legs, ankles, and stomach. Many things can cause swelling, so it’s important to see your doctor to diagnose the cause.

What medications can cause swollen ankles?

These 7 Medications Can Cause Puffy Legs and Ankles
  • First, how do you determine the cause of swelling? Gradual swelling in your legs and feet might not be obvious. …
  • 1) Amlodipine. …
  • 2) Gabapentin. …
  • 3) Pregabalin. …
  • 4) NSAIDs. …
  • 5) Oral contraceptives. …
  • 6) Oral organic compounds. …
  • 7) Pioglitazone and rosiglitazone.

How do you drain fluid from your legs?

Hold the swollen part of your body above the level of your heart several times a day. In some cases, elevating the affected body part while you sleep may be helpful. Massage. Stroking the affected area toward your heart using firm, but not painful, pressure may help move the excess fluid out of that area.

Does walking help swollen legs?

The best weapon in the fight against swollen legs is a simple one: walking. Getting your legs moving means circulation is improved which will sweep up that collected fluid and get it shifted.

How do I know if swollen ankles are serious?

If your swelling is accompanied by other symptoms, including fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight gain, see your doctor right away. If you feel short of breath or have chest pain, pressure, or tightness, call 911.

Can sitting cause swollen feet?

The abnormal buildup of fluid in the body is called edema. Edema is commonly seen in the feet and ankles, because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in these locations. Common causes of edema are prolonged standing, prolonged sitting, pregnancy, being overweight, and increase in age.

How can I stop retaining water?

6 Simple Ways to Reduce Water Retention
  1. Eat Less Salt. Salt is made of sodium and chloride. …
  2. Increase Your Magnesium Intake. Magnesium is a very important mineral. …
  3. Increase Vitamin B6 Intake. Vitamin B6 is a group of several related vitamins. …
  4. Eat More Potassium-Rich Foods. …
  5. Try Taking Dandelion. …
  6. Avoid Refined Carbs.

When should I be worried about water retention?

Fluid retention can accompany serious or even life-threatening conditions. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, an inability to urinate, or a decrease in urination.

What happens if edema goes untreated?

If left untreated, edema can lead to increasingly painful swelling, stiffness, difficulty walking, stretched or itchy skin, skin ulcers, scarring, and decreased blood circulation.