Swollen Feet: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention
What are Swollen Feet?
Swollen Feet is a condition where the muscles in the feet have an excessive build-up of fluid. Gravity pulls the fluids to your feet and ankles, causing them to swell.
What causes Swollen Feet?
Swelling can be caused by a serious condition of the kidney, heart, liver or blood vessels. Some other causes of swelling are:
- Eating a poor diet high in salt and carbohydrates.
- Taking birth control or hormone replacement therapy pills.
- Pregnancy.
- PMS.
- Sodium retention.
- Muscle injury.
- Varicose veins.
- History of phlebitis.
- Allergic reactions.
- Neuromuscular disorders.
Treatment and prevention of Swollen Feet
Treatment of Swollen Feet/Swollen foot will depend on the cause of the swelling.
- Cut back on salt.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Put your feet up Lying on your back, rest your feet at least 12 inches above the level of your heart for 10 to 15 minutes, three or four times a day.
- Use support stockings.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid standing in place for long period of time.
- Avoid long periods of sitting.
- Lose excess weight.
This information is for guidance only. If you are in doubt at all, please consult your nearest health professional.