Do your feet often swell up after a long day of work? Do they feel achy and uncomfortable? If so, you are not alone. Swollen feet are a common problem, especially among people who spend a lot of time on their feet. If you think you need treatment, Align Foot & Ankle Center is a podiatrist in Santa Barbara, CA. Check them out.
This article will discuss some tips and solutions for swollen feet. Keep reading to learn more.
What Are the Causes of Swollen Feet and Ankles?
Swollen feet and ankles are common ailments. The medical term for swollen feet is edema, which simply means fluid has accumulated in your body tissues. Edema can happen anywhere on the body, but it’s mostly seen on the hands, arms, legs, and ankles. You may be familiar with this feeling if you’ve worn a tight pair of shoes all day or if you’ve been sitting in an airplane for hours. That “pinched off” feeling can cause your feet and ankles to swell up when you finally get them out from under the pressure of ill-fitting footwear.
If other symptoms accompany swollen feet, there could be another issue at play, and you should consult with your doctor.
How Can You Reduce the Swelling?
You can reduce swelling in your feet and ankles by making a few simple lifestyle changes. If you have to sit or stand for long periods of time, try to do exercises that promote blood circulation, like flexing your toes and rotating your ankles every so often. Doing this will help keep the fluid from pooling in your lower extremities.
If you have to sit at a desk all day, try placing your feet on a low stool or footrest. This will keep them slightly elevated and reduce swelling. If you are able to alternate standing with sitting, this would be even better for reducing fluid build-up in your legs and ankles. Another thing that can help is wearing compression socks or stockings. These will help “push” the fluid back up towards your upper body.
There are also a number of home remedies that can help reduce swelling in the feet and ankles. One can use a cold compress, which can help constrict the blood vessels and reduce the swelling. Another remedy is to soak your feet in cool water with Epsom salts, which can help to draw the fluid out of your tissues.
When Is It Necessary to See a Doctor?
If you have swollen feet and ankles, it’s best to see your doctor if:
-The swelling is accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. These could be signs of a serious medical problem such as congestive heart failure (CHF), blood clots, or pulmonary embolism.
-The swelling is severe or sudden. These are indications that there may be something more going on than just fluid retention in the lower extremities.
If your doctor determines that it’s not a serious medical issue, they may prescribe diuretics (water pills) to help flush out excess fluid from the body and reduce swelling in the feet and ankles.
-They may also recommend wearing compression socks or stockings to help push the fluid back up towards your upper body, which will reduce swelling in the lower extremities.
Helpful Tips for Keeping Your Feet Healthy
-Wear comfortable shoes that fit well and don’t pinch at the toes or heel. Try to avoid walking barefoot on hard surfaces like cement, tile floors, etc. Stick with softer surfaces when possible.
-Keep some petroleum jelly handy for chapped heels and dry skin patches by rubbing it lightly into these areas before bedtime.
-If you do a lot of walking or standing, take regular breaks to rest your feet and give them a chance to recover. If possible, elevate your feet above heart level for a few minutes every hour or so.
-Massage your feet regularly using a good foot cream or oil – this will help keep the skin supple and prevent cracking.
-Try to get regular pedicures to keep the nails trimmed short, clean under them as needed, remove any calluses or corns on toes (gently), and moisturize with lotion afterward.
-Always wear socks when you sleep so that they are not exposed to air while sleeping.
Swollen feet is a problem that many people face. But don’t worry. There are plenty of home remedies and podiatric treatments to help you address this issue. Start taking care of your feet today and feel like a million bucks!