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Why Are My Feet and Ankles Swollen? 6 Possible Reasons You Should Know
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Why Are Your Feet and Ankles Swollen? 6 Possible Reasons You Should Know


1. Lifestyle Habits: Simple Fixes That Make a Difference

Sometimes, temporary swelling can be caused by:  

  • Eating salty foods
  • Sitting or standing for too long
  • Traveling for long periods without moving around

Try this:

  • Move your body every hour or so
  • Stay hydrated
  • Elevate your legs at the end of the day
  • Cut back on high-sodium meals

2. Venous Insufficiency: Your Veins Are Struggling

Your veins have a tough job: they must push blood from your legs back up to your heart against gravity. They do this using tiny valves that help keep blood moving in the right direction.

But over time, especially if you sit or stand for long periods or have certain risk factors, these valves can become weak or damaged. When this happens, blood pools in the legs, leading to swelling, varicose veins, cramping, or even skin changes like thickening or ulcers.

What helps:

  • Compression socks (especially graduated compression)
  • Staying active and elevating your legs
  • Podiatry, Medical or surgical treatment for severe cases

3. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A Blood Clot Warning

Swelling in just one leg — especially if it's sudden and painful — could be caused by a deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. This is a blood clot in a deep vein, and it’s a medical emergency.

In addition to swelling, a DVT might cause:

  • Redness or warmth
  • Tenderness in the leg
  • Pain that gets worse when standing or walking

Why it matters: A clot can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, which is potentially life-threatening. If you suspect a DVT, get medical help right away.

4. Heart Problems: A Sign of Poor Circulation

If your heart isn’t pumping efficiently due to heart failure or other cardiac conditions,  fluid can back up in your legs, causing swelling. This type of swelling usually happens on both sides and may be accompanied by:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Coughing or wheezing

When to act: If you're experiencing leg swelling and any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

5. Pregnancy: Normal… But Sometimes Not

Swelling during pregnancy is extremely common. Your body retains more fluid, and the growing uterus puts pressure on veins in your abdomen, which can slow blood flow from your legs.

However, sudden or severe swelling could be a sign of preeclampsia, a dangerous condition involving high blood pressure.

Call your doctor if you also have:

  • Headaches
  • Vision changes
  • Pain under your ribs
  • Decreased urination

6. Liver or Kidney Disease: Swelling As a Systemic Sign

Both the liver and kidneys help manage your body's fluid balance. If either isn’t functioning properly, fluid can accumulate in your legs especially around the ankles.

Look out for other signs like:

  • Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
  • Pale or foamy urine
  • Fatigue or confusion
  • Changes in bowel movements

If you notice swelling along with other symptoms, a check-up and some bloodwork can help clarify what’s going on.

When to Worry About Swelling

Occasional mild swelling isn’t usually serious. But see a doctor if you notice:

  • Sudden or severe swelling
  • Swelling in just one leg
  • Pain, redness, or warmth
  • Additional symptoms like chest pain, fatigue, or difficulty breathing

Swelling is your body’s way of telling you something whether it's a lifestyle tweak or a deeper issue. Listen to it.


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