Swelling of the arms, feet, ankles and legs is called edema. It is caused by the accumulation of extra fluid in the tissues. Due to gravity, the extra moisture in the body settles at the bottom. Arthritis, which includes a number of specific diseases, refers to a condition in which the joints swell, are painful, stiff and difficult to move. Incredibly high in older adults, it can affect joints throughout the body, including the ankles. “If I get an X-ray and I see someone has severe ankle arthritis, it can certainly explain any swelling in the area,” he said.
Swelling in the feet and ankles can be a sign of infection. People with diabetic neuropathy or other nervous foot problems are at increased risk of foot infections. If you have diabetes, it is important to inspect your feet for blisters and ulcers daily, as nerve damage can reduce pain and increase foot problems quickly.
If you have diabetic neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes that affects nerve function, an infection can be difficult to notice . To relieve swollen feet that are a normal part of pregnancy, do not stand or sit for a long time and periodically place your feet over your heart to circulate again. Compression stockings can also help, such as exercising, putting cold compresses on your feet and sleeping by your side. Decreased blood flow causes swollen feet, making shoes feel tight and uncomfortable. And if you are trapped with your blood vessels and your legs are crossed caused by the position you are in, this can make the swelling worse. Both sudden swelling of the foot due to pregnancy and swelling of the ankle due to trauma can cause damage to the foot or ankle.
A person can experience swollen feet for various reasons. Some causes, such as minor injuries, are clear and easy to treat. Others, however, may be signs of a serious underlying health condition Expert Foot Doctor Brentwood California that needs immediate medical attention. Edema can result from medications, pregnancy or an underlying disease, often congestive heart failure, kidney disease or cirrhosis of the liver.
Swelling of the ankles and feet is often an early symptom of venous insufficiency, a condition in which blood does not move well through the veins from the legs and feet to the heart. Normally, veins let blood flow with one-way valves. When damaged or weakened, these valves seep blood down through the blood vessels and retain fluid in the soft tissue of the legs, especially the ankles and feet.