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Are
your feet swollen?
Causes
Pregnancy
Swollen feet have many causes, and
are often one of the discomforts experienced during pregnancy. It may be
unsettling for a pregnant woman to notice her feet swelling but there is
no cause for worry, as swollen feet are very common at this time. This
is because pregnancy puts a strain on the circulatory system. The uterus,
which is growing in size, puts pressure on the vena cava, which is the
vein that receives blood from the legs. Due to this pressure, the blood
cannot flow upwards easily, and gets trapped in the lower limbs, forcing
water down to your feet and ankles. This is not excessive fluid; it is
simply concentrated in the feet instead of being distributed around the
body. Thus, while a natural impulse would be to take diuretics (substances
that flush water out of your body, like coffee), as you would in the case
of water retention, these diuretics are not recommended for this condition,
as they may cause dehydration, even if the swelling is indeed caused by
excessive water retention. Pregnant women do tend to retain excessive water,
which adds to the swelling.
Similarly, your hands may swell up
a little as well. But if you notice excessive swelling in the hands or
face, you should consult a doctor, as this may be a symptom of pre-eclampsia.
Journey
In addition to pregnancy, there are
various other causes for swollen feet. If you have been on a long journey,
an air flight or a bus ride, you may develop swollen feet due to the lack
of movement. In fact, sitting anywhere for a prolonged period of time is
definitely not good for circulation, and it is advisable to get up and
walk around every once in a while.
Health Conditions
Other causes include a condition
formerly known as dropsy, where the heart cannot keep up with the pace
of the blood being circulated back to it. Swelling is also caused due to
malnutrition or kidney problems. Advanced age too can cause swelling, as
ageing veins lose their ability to return blood to the heart as efficiently
as they once did.
Treatment
Cold water is very good, as it gives
a boost to blood circulation. Keep your feet under running cold water for
a while, and then raise them. Do this by lying next to a wall, and propping
your feet up against it, at a 90 degree angle. Alternatively, try lying
down on a mattress, and rest your feet on a raised surface like a chair.
Stay in this position for at least ten to fifteen minutes. The swelling
will reduce.
You could also try wrapping your
feet in a cold compress, and then raising them.
Of course, you cannot spend the entire
day sitting with your feet propped up, but you could spritz some cool water
or cooling foot spray on your feet whenever possible.
Even though swelling is caused due
to pools of water in your feet, it is advisable to drink plenty of water.
Yes, keeping your body well hydrated will reduce swelling. You could, however,
avoid salty foods and snacks.
At any time when you are sitting,
either at work or at home, keep a footstool or any object that can serve
as a footstool, and prop your legs up on it.
In case of swelling due to ageing,
it is best if you try and keep yourself as active as possible. Go for regular
walks - this does wonders for blood circulation. While resting, keep your
feet elevated, and while lying down, keep feet above the level of the heart
for a short while everyday.
And, of course, exercise at the level
recommended by your doctor. Keep moving.
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