10 Causes of Swollen Feet

By jolene

Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky

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The feet are an important part of your body required for mobility (standing, walking, and running). Swollen feet is a common issue that may affect almost everyone at one point of time in their life. Swollen feet usually occur due to retention of fluid in the soft tissues where it moves out of the blood vessels. It then collects in the surrounding tissues. It can happen when there is an increase in levels of sodium (salt) and water.

There are many causes of swollen feet where some are serious while those that are not serious usually resolve on their own. While it may not be serious, you may still want to try to reduce the swelling to reduce the pain you are experiencing. Serious cases may require medical attention and treatment. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience warmth, tenderness, redness, fever, breathlessness, chest pain, or if associated with pregnancy.

Cause #1: Edema

Edema is a medical term that refers to an abnormal fluid accumulation in the interstitium located underneath the skin. This leads to a puffy appearance and swelling of the surrounding area in the feet, ankles, and legs. It may even affect your hands. Some patients also experience tightly stretched skin, shiny skin (a sign that skin is stretched), difficulty walking, and dimpling of the skin after it is pressed on for a few seconds (this is known as pitting edema).

Mild cases of edema usually resolve on its own. You can also try lying down with your feet elevated, wearing support stockings, reducing salt intake, and taking medication such as diuretics if prescribed by your doctor.