Your feet can become severely swollen to the point where you can’t even get your shoes on. The cause can simply be fluid retention that can occur from your everyday activities. But swelling in the feet and ankles can also occur while sitting for long periods such as during a long bus ride or plane trip. Getting up and moving around a few times during the trip will help improve circulation and decrease any swelling.
5 common causes of swollen feet include the following:Edema—is the medical term for fluid retention in the soft tissues that lie underneath the skin. It is a condition that often occurs with aging and may also be a side effect of certain medications or from having too much sodium in your diet. Arthritis can also be a major contributor to fluid retention in the feet.Being severely overweight—Obesity increases the stress and pressure on your feet and ankles often causing redness, pain, and swelling.Side effects of medications—Antidepressants, corticosteroids, blood pressure reduction meds, and hormone replacement therapy can have the side effect of causing swelling in the feet and ankles.Poor blood circulation—Atherosclerosis and other artery and vein diseases can cause blood to pool in your extremities causing your feet to swell.Ankle sprains and other injuries—A twisting of your ankle can cause a sprain that can lead to severe swelling, pain, and discomfort. Even a minor sprain or injury can cause severe swelling.If you are experiencing problems with swollen feet, you should see your podiatrist to determine the cause and to receive the best treatment. Consult with our board-certified podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC. The center offers convenient locations in Fort Lee NJ, Ringwood NJ, Flushing Queens NY, Woodhaven NY, Brooklyn NY, and Forest Hills NY. Contact us at (201) 363-9844 and schedule an appointment today!