Swelling of the feet is a fairly common complaint affecting many people.
Causes of foot swelling to be aware of!
Swelling of the feet is essentially the feet getting wet. It can be caused by a variety of reasons. They can be caused by lifestyle factors, but also by diseases of varying severity. It is often helpful to identify the cause by looking at the area affected by the oedema. Whether the whole leg is swollen or just one area is affected. It is also important to know whether the swelling is on one side or both sides.
Causes of swelling of the foot or leg, or foot watering:
Among the causes of swelling of the legs are changes in the circulatory system, changes in the excretory system (kidneys) and changes in the lymphatic system.
The causes of water retention are also related to these. It usually develops when the balance between the production of interstitial fluid and its drainage is disrupted. The water clogs up the space between the tissues.
The causes of left foot swelling and right foot swelling can often be the same or similar.
Heart failure:
can heart failure lead to swollen feet? As the heart affects all organs, including the kidneys, it can also cause swelling in the legs. Because of low blood pressure or heart disease, blood cannot circulate properly in the body and can build up in the legs.
Kidney disease:
kidney disease is asymptomatic for a long time, but after a while the kidneys become less able to do their job, which means they are not efficient enough at removing toxins or excess fluid. This fluid then accumulates in the tissues, causing oedema and swelling. Other symptoms of kidney disease can include lethargy, general weakness, inflammation and even heart rhythm disturbances.
Lymphoedema:
This is a condition where the lymphatic system does not work properly and lymph fluid builds up in the tissues, causing swelling. This can often be the cause of left leg swelling and leg pain.
Venous insufficiency:
in the case of leg swelling, varicose vein problems may be suspected. Varicose veins can’t properly circulate blood throughout the body, and blood can build up in the legs. However, there is a solution. Making various teas and decoctions is the oldest way of using and consuming herbs.
Pregnancy:
during pregnancy, the amount of fluid in the body increases and this can increase the risk of swollen feet.
Lack of movement:
when you sit or lie down for long periods of time, the blood cannot circulate properly in the body and can build up in the legs.
Injuries:
joint injuries, fractures or bruises can cause swelling in the feet.
Medicines:
some medicines can cause swelling of the feet.
Liver cirrhosis may also contribute to the processing of the foot. Unfortunately, yes, liver cirrhosis can also present with the symptom of swelling in the legs. During liver cirrhosis, liver cells can be damaged or even destroyed, leading to scarring of the liver surface. Liver cirrhosis also leads to a disruption in the functioning of the kidneys, which in turn causes oedema and swelling of the legs. Oedema is often worse if you stand or sit all day. Other symptoms of liver cirrhosis include fatigue, loss of appetite and bruising of the skin.
Physiological causes may include:
excess fluid, prolonged sitting, hot weather.
Causes of unilateral leg swelling:
deep vein thrombosis, deep vein insufficiency, injury, inflammation of the leg or joint.
Causes of bilateral leg swelling:
acute renal failure, chronic renal failure, chronic heart failure, pregnancy, cirrhosis, hormonal problems, side effects of medication, prolonged sitting, standing.
Swelling of the right leg, or more specifically, swelling of one leg, can be caused by a number of different factors. For this reason, it is important to note that a medical examination is necessary to determine the exact diagnosis.
Treatment of swollen feet at home
When treating swollen feet at home, it is important to remember that the causes can be varied and home treatment can only provide symptomatic relief.
Resting and lifting your legs: lift your legs up towards the level of your heart to help blood flow.
Cold-warm therapy: alternate hot and cold compresses on the swollen area. This can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Do not apply cold or warm directly to the skin, but use a towel or cloth with a thin layer in between.
Compression clothing: Compression socks or stockings can help improve circulation and reduce swelling.
Frequent leg movement: if you sit or stand still for long periods, try to move your legs regularly. Muscle movement stimulates blood circulation.
Avoiding alcohol and smoking: alcohol and smoking can also contribute to leg swelling, so it is recommended to avoid these at all costs!
When should you see a doctor for swelling in your feet?
If the underlying cause is unknown and the symptoms do not improve, it is always worth seeing a specialist. Often the cause of the swelling is already known, such as a fracture or an injury, so fortunately there is no need to look for it, just treat it. However, if the specific cause is not known, the swelling may be caused by a pulmonary embolism, heart failure or kidney failure. There may also be other complaints such as chest pain or choking. These are worth paying attention to as it is easier to find the source of the problem if these complaints are mentioned.
