Swollen feet/ankles

Swollen feet/ankles is a condition also known as edema is due to excessive buildup of fluids. It can lead to increase in weight.

Slight swelling is common warm summer months and if your job involves a lot of standing or walking. But if you experience persistent swelling, or swelling that damages your skin causing ulcers then is when you need to see a podiatrist. If you have swelling with shortness of breath then you need to contact your family doctor.

CAUSES: gravity pulls fluids to feet and ankles causing swelling. A serious condition of swelling can be caused by kidney or heart or liver problems. A poor diet with high content of sodium can cause swelling. Also if you are taking birth control pills or hormone replacement medication, if you are pregnant, experiencing PMS or varicose veins, laxative abuse or diuretic abuse can all contribute to swelling.

Can swelling in your feet be treated? Yes but it depends on the cause of the swelling. To help with the swelling you should try elevating your legs above the level of heart and wear support stockings.

TIPS to decrease the swelling- cut back on sodium, drink lots of water, elevate your feet, do not abuse laxatives, exercise and avoid standing in one place, and avoid long periods of sitting. So if you do much international flying it is very important to get up and exercise legs and ankles.

Excessive swelling can cause ulcerations in feet or ankles. If you have ulcerations in feet then is when a podiatrist should be visited.

At our website http://www.vailfoot.com/ we offer support stockings that can help with mild swelling.