When Swelling in Your Foot is Something More Serious

Swelling in the foot and ankle is common. Most people experience foot puffiness from time to time. Standing all day, hot weather, traveling, or trauma can cause feet to swell. These instances of swelling are harmless and should subside with rest. However, when swelling becomes persistent, worsens, or occurs suddenly, it may be a sign of something more serious. Swelling can be symptomatic of an underlying medical condition that needs medical attention.

Foot Swelling 101

Swelling occurs when excess fluid collects in tissues of the foot and ankle. Normally, fluids from inside your blood vessels are contained by good circulation, protein levels within the blood, and lymphatic drainage. Benign swelling typically resolves overnight when you sleep or with elevation. Edema that continues to persist may be caused by a medical condition.

Edema that occurs on one foot, with pain or increased warmth to the touch, or continues to worsen with elevation and rest may need further evaluation.

Other details about the swelling may help determine the cause. Edema that gets worse throughout the day is typically due to poor circulation. If swelling comes on suddenly, especially on one side, this could be caused by an infection or clot. Issues with the skin, including color changes, tightness, or open sores, are other symptoms that warrant further investigation.

What Causes Foot Swelling?

Many medical conditions can cause chronic foot swelling. Poor circulation is one of the most common causes. When veins struggle to pump blood back up toward the heart, sometimes fluid will leak into surrounding tissues. This condition typically causes swelling in the ankles and feet, which can improve with elevation and worsen with long periods of standing or sitting.

Foot swelling may also be caused by certain conditions that affect the heart, kidneys, or liver. Heart conditions may cause swelling on both feet, sometimes accompanied by shortness of breath or rapid weight gain. Kidney conditions can lead to swelling due to the inability to filter excess fluid out of the body. Liver conditions can cause swelling by decreasing the amount of protein in your blood.

Injury, arthritis, infection, and certain medications can also cause swelling in the foot. Many medications for high blood pressure and diabetes can cause swelling as a side effect. Long periods of immobility, such as after surgery or prolonged travel, can cause blood clots. Blood clots should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.

When Is Foot Swelling Bad?

If you experience a sudden onset of swelling that is painful, warm to touch, or only affects one foot or leg, seek care immediately. These are signs that you may have a blood clot or infection in your leg.foot swelling in infants Seek care if your swelling has not improved after 1-2 weeks of home care. Also if swelling is causing problems such as breakdown of the skin or recurring infections.

Untreated swelling can lead to further complications such as ulcers, chronic skin changes, and rarely can worsen an undiagnosed medical condition. It is best to seek care early to allow for more treatment options and better outcomes.

How Do Doctors Evaluate Foot Swelling?

Doctors will start with taking your history and performing a physical exam. They will assess whether your swelling is symmetrical and note any differences in skin color, warmth, or tenderness. They will ask you about recent travel, injuries, surgeries, or new medications.

Depending on what they find they may order imaging to evaluate circulation, or bloodwork to check how well your internal organs are functioning.

Foot & Ankle doctors have additional training that allows them to determine if your foot swelling is caused by a problem in the foot or ankle versus a systemic medical condition.

Treatment of Foot Swelling

Benign swelling can often be improved with home care measures. Elevating your feet when possible, remaining active, decreasing salt intake, and wearing shoes with good support can help keep swelling at bay. Compression may also be recommended, but only after serious causes have been ruled out.

Treatment of swelling will vary depending on the cause. If you have an underlying condition, your podiatrist may recommend changing your medications, refer you for circulation testing, or coordinate care with your other doctors.

Here at Treasure Valley Foot & Ankle, we aim to determine the cause of your foot swelling and provide you with a treatment plan to help you live a happy, healthy life without compromising your foot health.

Seek Emergency Care for Swelling if…

You also should seek emergent medical care if you experience chest pain or shortness of breath with swelling. If you have a fever with swelling that is draining fluid or spreading down your leg, you should also seek care immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are some causes of sudden swelling in one foot?

A: Some causes of sudden swelling in one foot could be a blood clot, infection, or trauma to the foot. If there is pain, redness, or increased warmth with the swelling, it is concerning for a blood clot or infection.

Q2: Can foot swelling be caused by heart or kidney disease?

A: No, not all swelling is caused by heart or kidney disease. Some causes can be related to circulation issues, medications, trauma, or prolonged standing.

Q3: How long should swelling last before I see my doctor?

Swelling should go away within a few days. If swelling persists for more than a week or two or continues to return after you have elevated your foot, you should see your doctor. Also, if swelling is painful or only affects one foot or leg, you should be evaluated right away.

Q4: How can I prevent foot swelling?

A: You can help prevent foot swelling by staying active and avoiding long periods of sitting or standing. Keeping a healthy weight and limiting salt in your diet can also help prevent swelling. Wear shoes with good support and properly fit socks. Also be sure to manage any other health conditions you may have.

Q5: Who should I see for foot swelling?

A: You should see a foot and ankle doctor to evaluate any swelling in your feet. They can evaluate for causes in the foot and ankle versus medical conditions that can cause swelling.