Foot Problems---Swelling Feet or Ankles

Are swollen feet and ankles driving you crazy? I've experienced both and know how this uncomfortable condition makes you feel. Swollen feet and ankles usually don't cause horrible pain---if they did, most of us would be heading for the nearest emergency room.

Many of us have already been to a doctor, and, even though they have tried several medications on us, our feet and ankles still swell. Our shoes don't fit right any more, we can't walk very far without worsening the condition, and we spend most of our time sitting around the house, shoeless, and discouraged. (Not to mention that we risk alienating family and friends because our ailment has turned us into constant complainers and grouches.)

What usually causes swollen feet and ankles?

Our feet, ankles, and occasionally our legs, swell because too much fluid builds up in body tissues. Usually, the condition is not life-threatening and can be relieved by medications that get rid of the excess fluid, or by self-treatment that can be undertaken at home by the person suffering the malady.

The largest proportion of people who suffer from feet and ankle swelling are those who are elderly and by people who are on their feet most of the time. Pregnancy, obesity, and occupations where one is required to sit in one position for long periods of time also increase the likelihood of having feet and ankle swelling episodes. Excess salt in the diet is sometimes blamed for swelling, and some people notice that their feet and legs are more likely to swell in hot weather, or whenever they wear a particular pair of shoes.

What are some things one can do at home to relieve swollen feet and ankles?

1. Cut back on salt in your diet.

2. Drink plenty of water.

3. Lose weight if you are overweight.

4. Wear comfortable shoes-avoid high heels or shoes that put pressure on your feet.

5. Avoid sitting for long periods of time. Stand up and walk around occasionally.

6. Try hot or cold water massages on your feet and legs.

7. Follow a regular exercise program if your condition allows it.

8. Elevate your feet and legs for 15 minute periods several times a day.

9. Use leg wedges to elevate your feet while you sleep at night.

10. Try using support socks. Most drug departments handle them.

11. Exercise your feet by rotating the ankles, and by stretching the toes and feet.

What to do if home remedies for swollen feet and ankles don't work.

More serious causes of feet, ankle and leg swelling can be various vitamin or mineral deficiencies, reactions to certain prescription medicines, kidney disease, heart failure, liver failure, and arthritis so if attempts to remedy the situation with the above suggestions do not give relief in a short period of time, you should see your doctor for a more thorough diagnosis of your problem.

And, if any of these problems accompany swollen feet and ankles, don't wait at all, but call a doctor immediately.

1. Shortness of breath.

2. Chest pains.

3. Redness and/or severe pain in the swollen areas.

4. A temperature above normal.

5. A decrease in urine output.

Write down things your doctor will probably want to know such as, what times of day your swelling is worse, exactly what body parts are affected by the swelling, and whether or not any of the remedies you may have tried have helped.

Swelling of the feet and legs is no fun. If it does turn out that your case of swelling is just something you will have to put up with, don't give up. Collect all the tips you can find on how to make the problem as unobtrusive in your life as possible and use them. It may be a nuisance to leave your chair in front of the computer every hour or so to elevate your feet but if we start looking at it as "break time" it won't seen nearly as bad. If you find some new tips that work for you, send them along in a comment to this article so other readers can try them, too.