6 Causes of Foot & Ankle Swelling
Since we cover foot and ankle swelling with this blog, what better time to mention that February is American Heart Month and swelling in your feet and ankles could be an early sign of circulation problems and heart disease. Being sedentary during a long plane or bus trip can cause swelling, so get up and stretch your legs and be sure to see your foot doctor!
6 possible causes of swelling in your feet and ankles include the following:
Being severely overweight—The adverse effects of excess pressure on your feet and ankles from being severely overweight cannot be understated. Losing weight will take the pressure off.
Systemic diseases—Kidney, liver, heart, and lung disease can all contribute to swelling in the feet and ankles.
Medication complications—Medications used to control blood pressure, antidepressants, steroids, and hormone replacement therapy may cause swelling in the extremities.
Poor circulation—Constricted arteries and blood vessels can cause fluid retention in the feet and ankles.
Sprain or fracture to the foot or ankle—Spraining or fracturing your ankle can cause considerable inflammation, pain, and mobility issues.
Complications during pregnancy or menopause—While having some swelling in your feet and ankles during pregnancy is normal, excessive swelling that doesn’t subside after rest could be a serious issue.
If your feet and ankles are swelling up, we highly recommend that you consult our board-certified foot doctor. James C. Ricketti, DPM of Hamilton Square, NJ (in Mercer County), is a board-certified podiatrist providing state of the art diagnostic and treatment options for all types of foot and ankle injuries, diseases, and deformities. From hammertoes and bunions to diabetic foot problems and sports injuries, you can rest assured that Dr. Ricketti and his staff will get you back on your feet as fast as possible. Please contact our office with any questions or to schedule an appointment. Call 609-587-1674.