For most of us, our daily routine puts a heavy burden on our feet and, by the time we get home, they are exhausted and in pain. According to The Pharmaceutical Journal, “in their lifetime, the average person walks approximately 100,000 miles. But all too often, we do not place the same emphasis on looking after our feet as we do on other parts of our body.”

Since our feet are the body’s foundation, maintaining proper foot health is vital to our overall health. If you’re dealing with swollen ankles, swollen feet, or swollen toes that aren’t getting better, it can be an indication of a severe health problem.

Why Are My Feet Swollen?

The reason for your feet to remain swollen can be the result of:

Edema

Edema refers to a build-up of fluids that occurs in the legs, ankles, and feet due to:

• Standing or sitting for extended periods
• Food high in salt
• Being overweight
• Side effects of certain medications

Lymphedema

Like edema, lymphedema also refers to fluids building up, but it occurs in the soft body tissues. The reason for this build-up is that the lymph system gets damaged or blocked. This system is a network of lymph vessels, tissues, and organs that carry lymph throughout the body.

Other Medical Conditions

Swollen feet, ankles, and toes can also be symptoms of these health problems:

• Venous insufficiency. A condition where blood inadequately moves up the veins from the legs and feet up to the heart. The one-way valves that enable blood to flow upward get damaged or become weak, leading to blood leaking back down the vessels and causing swelling in the ankles and feet.
• Heart, liver, or kidney disease. When any of these organs stop functioning correctly, then the ankles and feet start to swell. Heart failure will lead to the body retaining salt and water, while kidney disease causes fluid build-up. Problems with the liver’s ability to produce albumin will lead to blood leaking out of the blood vessels and accumulating at the ankles and feet.
• Blood clot. When blood clots in the veins of the legs, then blood will accumulate in the ankles and feet, leading to swelling.

• Infections

Foot or Ankle Injury

Any injury sustained to the foot or ankle can cause your feet to swell. However, the most common foot injury is an ankle sprain. When it comes to most foot or ankle injuries, the best treatment includes resting and an ice bath for swollen feet.

Dropping something heavy on your foot can also cause swelling on top of the foot.

How to Prevent Swollen Feet

The ideal way to prevent swollen feet is to take care of them, and you can do so by doing the following daily:

• Drink plenty of water
• Raise your feet above the heart
• Exercise
• Eat healthy

Let Canyon Oaks Foot and Ankle Take Care of Your Feet

 The best treatment options for your swollen feet will depend on the cause, which needs to be determined by a medical professional. That’s why the trustworthy podiatrist team at Canyon Oaks Foot and Ankle has the experience to determine the cause of your swollen feet.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment at one of our offices in Fresno, Visalia, or Porterville, CA!