Treatment FAQ

when to seek treatment for swollen feet

by Dr. Antonetta Feil Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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You should go to the hospital immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms along with foot, leg, and ankle swelling: pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest area. dizziness. confusion.

Healthline.com

1. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day...

2. Buy compression socks...

3. Soak in a cool Epsom salt bath for about 15 to 20 minutes...

4. Elevate your feet, preferably above your heart...

5. Get moving...

6. Magnesium supplements can be helpful for some people...

7. Make some dietary changes...

Learn More...

Top10homeremedies.com

1. Contrast Hydrotherapy...

2. Massage...

3. Ginger...

4. Dandelion...

5. Lemon Water...

6. Apple Cider Vinegar...

7. Coriander Seeds...

8. Exercise...

Learn More...

Homeremedyshop.com

1. Magnesium Supplements...

2. Epsom Salt Soak...

3. Elevation...

4. Exercise...

5. Foot Massage...

6. Proper Hydration...

7. Peppermint Eucalyptus Essential Oils...

8. Swimming...

Learn More...

Tinyqualityhomes.org

1. Use Tonic Water...

2. Ice Pack...

3. Epsom Salt...

4. Contrast Hydrotherapy...

5. Baking Soda with Starch Water...

6. Use Lemon...

7. Cucumber Bandage...

8. Ginger...

Learn More...

Healthyandnaturalworld.com

1. Exercise...

2. Raise your legs...

3. Walk around...

4. Compression socks...

5. Foot massage...

6. Reduce salt intake...

7. Stop smoking...

8. Soak in Epsom salts...

Learn More...

What can I do about swollen feet?

Elevating the feet above the heart, drinking plenty of water, and reducing salt intake may all help minimize swelling. Soaking the feet in cold water can also relieve symptoms.

When do you need to see a specialist for swollen feet?

Depending on the results, you may need to be referred to a specialist for further evaluation. Swollen Feet: Your Treatment and Prevention Plan. Treatment for swollen feet depends on the cause of the swelling. Generally, your doctor will try to treat the cause first to see if there is a reduction in the swelling.

When should you seek medical treatment for swelling of the leg?

Seek immediate medical attention from your primary physician if the swelling is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, fever, redness, and warmth. You should also seek medical treatment if the swelling has failed to resolve or worsened after you have taken steps to control it.

When should I be worried about swollen feet during pregnancy?

However, if it comes on suddenly or it’s severe, the swelling could indicate preeclampsia, which is a serious condition. If there are other symptoms as well, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or headaches, you should talk to a doctor right away. An injury such as a sprained ankle can cause your foot to swell.

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When should you see a doctor for 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.

How do I know if my foot swelling is serious?

If you experience severe swelling or swelling accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, headaches, infrequent urination, nausea and vomiting, or vision changes, call your doctor immediately.

When should swelling be a concern?

If your swelling is chronic, or lasts longer than 2-3 weeks, you should see your doctor. Your doctor will be able to recommend medication, exercise or therapy to resolve the swelling. Remember, swelling is the body's reaction to an injury; if the swelling is still present, so is the injury.

Should I go to urgent care for swollen feet?

You may not need to call 911, but you should contact your doctor immediately or visit an urgent care clinic if you have new or increasing ankle swelling and: You have a history of heart disease. You have a history of kidney disease. You are pregnant and the swelling has gotten worse or appeared suddenly.

When should you go to the hospital for swollen feet and legs?

Seek medical care right away if your legs swell for no apparent reason, especially if you have unexplained leg pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain or other warning signs of a blood clot in your lungs or a heart condition.

Why is my left foot swollen without injury?

A swollen foot may be caused blood vessel blockage, lymphatic blockage, or trauma from an injury. Other causes of swelling in one foot include skin infections like cellulitis, or ankle arthritis which can also be the cause of one swollen ankle.

What happens if edema is left untreated?

Edema left untreated can cause skin stretching to a point of pruritus and discomfort accompanied by painful swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Swollen areas are at increased risk of skin ulcers and infection.

What does it mean if your feet and ankles are swollen?

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 do I make the swelling in my feet go down?

Other ways to alleviate swollen feet include:drinking plenty of water.wearing compression socks or stockings.soaking the feet in cool water.raising the feet above the heart regularly.staying active.losing weight if overweight.eating a healthful diet and being mindful of salt intake.massaging the feet.More items...

How do doctors treat swollen feet?

Mild edema usually goes away on its own, particularly if you help things along by raising the affected limb higher than your heart. More-severe edema may be treated with drugs that help your body expel excess fluid in the form of urine (diuretics). One of the most common diuretics is furosemide (Lasix).

What can doctors prescribe for swollen feet?

Common Drugs to Treat Ankle SwellingThiazide diuretics - relax the blood vessels.Loop diuretics - used in cases of heart failure.Potassium-sparing diuretics - keeps potassium in the body.

Does swollen ankles mean heart failure?

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 causes a swollen ankle?

This can cause the ankles and feet to swell. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when blood clots form deep in the legs. DVT is a serious condition that can cause a blockage in the major leg veins. In some cases, the clots may break loose and move to the heart or lungs. Signs of DVT include: swelling in one leg.

What is edema in the body?

Share on Pinterest. Edema refers to swelling that results from trapped fluid. Edema is the medical term for swelling that occurs when fluid becomes trapped in the body’s tissues. It usually affects the legs and feet but can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the face or abdomen. Other signs of edema include:

How to treat venous insufficiency?

To treat venous insufficiency, a doctor may recommend making some lifestyle changes, such as taking up exercise to help keep the blood pumping around the body efficiently. Compression stockings and medication to prevent blood clots can also help.

How to reduce swelling in a swollen ear?

Using an ice pack or compression bandage can help reduce swelling, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease discomfort. If the swelling and pain do not go away, a person might need to see their doctor to rule out more severe damage. 3. Pregnancy.

What does it mean when you have swelling during pregnancy?

If swelling during pregnancy comes on suddenly and is severe, it could be a sign of preeclampsia. This is a condition that can occur during pregnancy or immediately after the birth. Symptoms include protein in the urine, rapid excessive fluid retention, and high blood pressure.

How to stop swelling in legs?

Home remedies include wearing support stockings, reducing salt intake, and lying down while raising the legs above the chest. If the swelling does not improve, a person should talk to their doctor to check for any underlying causes. 2. Foot or ankle injury.

What happens when blood clots form?

Blood clots occur when the blood fails to flow around the body correctly, causing platelets to stick together.

Why are my feet swollen after sitting?

Not all swollen feet are the same. But I guess you already knew that. For instance, swollen feet after sitting are different from lymphedema . Even the most common conditions can be confusing. For instance, swollen feet during pregnancy; they could have many reasons. Sometimes the reason is simple, like fluid overload. But sometimes it is something dangerous, like a blood clot, DVT. Or another example. Swelling from dependent edema can sometimes look just like swelling from a heart condition or kidney disease. But they are obviously very different. So you see, it becomes obvious that the first step in swollen feet treatment is to identify the cause.

Do compression stockings help with swelling?

The most important thing to remember about compression stockings is that they do not cure swelling. But compression stockings are good for controlling symptoms. The trick is to find compression stockings that fit well and have the correct amount of compression. Also, for some causes for swollen feet, compression stockings are more important than for others. For instance, lymphedema.

Does walking reduce swelling?

Movement, like walking, can reduce swelling. When we walk, our calve muscles pump fluid and pressure out of our lower legs. People who sit all day tend to have more swelling than active people.

Can gravity help you move your feet?

Gravity can be our friend. If we raise our feet, gravity can help pull fluid out of our feet. It’s physics. Raising the feet above the level of the heart is even better. But I always tell my patients not to overdo this. I do not think it makes sense not to be active just to raise your legs. What I do think makes sense is to raise your legs when you are not moving anyway. For instance, if you are sitting reading or watching TV. And of course, some people cannot raise their legs because of back issues. One can only do what one can do.

How Are My Swollen Feet Diagnosed?

To determine the cause of your swollen feet, your doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms and provide a detailed medical history. He or she will be able to tell a lot about your swollen feet just by looking at them.

What is the term for swelling of the foot and lower leg?

The medical term for excessive swelling of the foot and lower leg is peripheral edema. Peripheral edema can happen to anyone at any age, but is more common among adults. Elderly people also experience peripheral edema from wear and tear on their muscles and blood vessels and from medical conditions, such as diabetes.

Why do my feet swell up?

These conditions produce excess fluids in the body. Other conditions that may cause swollen feet include: Blood clots. Arthritis in feet. Thyroid disease. Infection in the leg. Venous insufficiency (when the veins in your legs are unable to pump blood back to the heart adequately) Varicose veins. Insect bite.

What causes peripheral edema?

There are various causes for peripheral edema, including: Injury or trauma, such as a sprain or fractured bone. Being overweight. Aging. Pregnancy. Consuming too much salt. Consuming too much alcohol. Menstruation and/or PMS. Sitting or standing in one position for a long period of time.

What does it mean when your foot is swollen?

When to See Your Doctor. Persistent swelling of a foot or both feet may indicate an underlying problem. Seek immediate medical attention from your primary physician if the swelling is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain, fever, redness, and warmth.

What to do if your feet are swollen?

If you know that a certain activity is causing your swollen feet, you may want to avoid that activity as much as possible. It’s also important that you inform every doctor you may see of all medications you are taking.

What to do if a single cause is not apparent from your clinical presentation, medical history, and a complete?

If a single cause is not apparent from your clinical presentation, medical history, and a complete physical examination, your physician may recommend testing either to confirm a suspected cause or to help rule out other possible causes.

How to stop swelling in feet while pregnant?

At the first sign of swollen extremities, you should elevate your feet to increase blood flow. Trying propping your feet up, preferably above your heart, in 20 minute increments . You can also do this if you’re pregnant to prevent swelling in the first place.

Why do my lower extremities swell?

Additionally, travel, infections, ingrown toenails, medication side effects, tendinitis, injury and medical conditions like diabetes could also be what is causing your lower extremities to swell.

What causes swelling in the lower extremities?

What you eat and how much you eat can contribute to swelling in your lower extremities. If you commonly experience edema, try opting for lower-sodium foods. If you’re overweight, you should also consider losing weight to decrease the strain and pain caused when walking that often results in swelling.

What is compression socks?

Available in a variety of compressions and weights, compression socks are an affordable solution to swelling that can be found in most drug or grocery stores. Start with compression socks that are a lighter weight and move up until your find the kind that provides your swelling wit the most relief.

How to stop edema in legs?

Try to aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to reduce and prevent edema.

How to stop swollen feet from sitting?

Exercise/Movement. When you’re standing or sitting for long periods of time, you need to ensure you move frequently to prevent your feet and legs from becoming swollen. If you can’t squeeze in some exercise, just get moving a little at least every hour.

Why do my feet swell?

As the valves that pass blood through your veins function less efficiently over time, water in the blood can enter the tissues of your feet , ankles and legs, resulting in swelling.

What causes feet and ankles to swell?

Swelling (or what doctors refer to as edema) happens when your body retains fluid in your lower legs, ankles and feet. It most often occurs on both sides of your body. The result is uncomfortable and can keep you from moving freely.

What to do if you have a blister on your leg?

If you develop leg ulcerations or blisters, call your physician. Blisters and sores can set you up for infection, Dr. Botek says. Also, monitor your feet. Shoes that are too tight due to swelling can often cut into your skin and create wounds.

Why do compression socks help?

Compression socks offer a gentle squeeze to your legs that promotes better blood circulation. This helps prevent fluid from collecting in your ankles and feet, which works to minimize swelling and pain.

What are some ways to help with fluid retention?

Here are some ideas that can help: Advertising Policy . Compression socks. Available at your local drug store, shoe store or online, compression socks provide pain relief and prevent fluid collection in your legs, ankles and feet.

How to reduce swelling in ankles?

Increasing your overall movement, as sitting or standing in one place for too long can increase swelling. Just moving your knees and flexing your ankles may help.

What happens if you have swelling on one side of your body?

Most importantly, if swelling only occurs on one side of your body, consult your doctor immediately. You could be at risk for deep vein thrombosis.

How to treat diabetic neuropathy in feet?

If you have diabetic neuropathy in your feet, check the water with your hands first to avoid exposing your feet to extreme temperatures. Magnesium supplements.

What to do if you have a magnesium deficiency?

If you retain water, you might have a magnesium deficiency. Eating foods high in magnesium can help. Magnesium-rich foods to add to your diet include:

How to get rid of swollen feet?

Massage your feet. Massage can be great for swollen feet and can also promote relaxation. Massage (or have someone massage them for you!) your feet toward your heart with firm strokes and some pressure. This can help move the fluid out of the area and reduce swelling. 10.

What is it called when fluid accumulates in tissues?

certain medical conditions. When fluid accumulates in tissues, it’s called edema. While edema usually resolves on its own, there are some home remedies that may reduce the swelling more quickly and increase your own comfort. Here are 10 to try. 1.

Why do my feet swell?

Painless swelling of the feet or ankles is common and can happen for a variety of reasons. Causes of swollen feet can include: staying on your feet too long. ill-fitting shoes. pregnancy.

How to reduce swelling in feet while pregnant?

If you’re looking to reduce foot swelling while pregnant, try elevating your feet several times a day as well. Aim for about 20 minutes at a time, even on an ottoman or a chair. Try to avoid standing for long periods of time and stay off your feet when you can. 5. Get moving!

How to reduce swelling in the body?

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Though it might seem counterintuitive, getting enough fluids actually helps reduce swelling. When your body isn’t hydrated enough, it holds onto the fluid it does have. This contributes to swelling.

What to drink instead of soda?

Try drinking orange juice or low-fat milk instead of soda, too. If you have any medical conditions, especially kidney issues, talk with your doctor before adding lots of potassium to your diet.

How to get rid of dry skin on feet?

Soak in cold water. Create a cool water foot bath by getting a small tub (available at most drugstores) and filling it with cool water. Soak your feet for about 10 minutes. Gently pat your feet dry, and apply a moisturizer to protect against dryness. Don’t use ice in the water. Water that’s too cold can damage your skin.

How to get rid of swollen feet?

Examples of these steps include: Soak in cold water. Create a cool water foot bath by getting a small tub (available at most drugstores) and filling it with cool water .

How to make your urine pale yellow?

Stay hydrated. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Sunburn can lead to dehydration by drawing water to the damaged cells. Ensure you are drinking enough water, so your urine is pale yellow in color.

What is the name of the condition that causes sunburn?

It can also cause a condition known as polymorphous light eruption (PMLE) or sun poisoning. Sunburn is a “local” reaction to the sun, it affects your skin where the damage occurs. PMLE is a systemic (body-wide) reaction. Symptoms of sun poisoning include: eczema-like/scaly lesions. fever.

Why are my feet so vulnerable to sun?

Your feet are particularly vulnerable because it’s easy to forget to apply sunscreen to the tops of your feet. Plus, moisture and water exposure at the beach or pool can wash away even the most careful applications ...

What is the best medication for a swollen thigh?

Take anti-inflammatory medication. Take an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen.

What to do for a blistered skin?

severe blistering. A doctor may suggest different treatments based on the burn’s severity. In some instances, you may need: intravenous (IV) fluids to treat dehydration. prescription topical creams (such as steroids) to treat skin irritation. antibiotics and oral steroids to reduce your body’s immune response.

What can cause abnormal foot swelling?

Often foot swelling comes about due to the side effects of medication. Steroids, antidepressants, and medications for inflammation and blood pressure can all cause swelling in your feet. The same is true for medications that contain hormones such as testosterone or estrogen.

Why do diabetics have swelling in their feet?

Nerve damage can numb pain and swelling can then progress rapidly. When blood clots form in leg veins, they can prevent blood from returning from the legs back to the heart, which in turn can cause foot swelling.

What does it mean when your stomach swells?

However, if it comes on suddenly or it’s severe, the swelling could indicate preeclampsia, which is a serious condition. If there are other symptoms as well, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or headaches, you should talk to a doctor right away.

Does icing reduce swelling?

In many cases, doing as little walking as possible, and icing and elevating the foot will reduce the swelling and pain. Swelling can also be a symptom of infection, especially if you have diabetes. Therefore, diabetics are encouraged to check their feet for signs of swelling every day.

How to stop swelling in legs from fluid buildup?

Put a pillow under your legs when lying down , which may lessen swelling related to the buildup of fluid.

What causes swelling in the legs?

Leg swelling can result either from fluid buildup (fluid retention) or from inflammation in injured or diseased tissues or joints.

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