What are the common causes of swollen feet and ankles?

Swollen ankles and feet are very common and often caused by fluid retention which is called as an edema. The buildup of its fluid is not painful, unless it’s due to an injury. Swelling is more often appears on lower parts of the body. Foot, leg and ankles are common problem in older adults. it is very common problem that will affect most of us at some point in our lives. Actually it is not a serious condition and resolve quickly, but sometimes it can be a sign of an underlying problem that requires medical attention. The swelling can occur on both sides of the body or just one side.  One or more areas of the body may be affected.  Although swelling in the foot, leg and ankles may not a sign of any major health risk but it is important to see a doctor to know the exact reason behind this problem. Swelling may indicate a more serious underlying health issues that need to treat right away.
Actually

Causes of edema

Edema occurs when tiny blood vessels in your body leak fluid. The fluid builds up in surrounding tissues which can lead to swelling. Mild cases of edema may causes because of sitting or staying in a one position for too long, eating too much salty food, premenstrual symptoms and pregnancy. This condition can be caused by some medical conditions like high blood pressure medications, steroid drugs, estrogens and certain diabetes medications. But in some cases edema may a sing of an underlying serious condition. 

Disease and condition that can cause edema are

Congestive heart failure- 

When one of your heart’s lower chambers loses their ability to pump blood effectively (as happens in congestive heart failure). Blood can back up in your legs, ankles and feet which can cause edema. Heart failure can also cause abdomen pain. Sometimes it causes fluids to accumulate in your lungs which can lead to shortness of breath.

Pregnancy complications- 

some swelling in feet and ankles is normal during pregnancy. Sudden and excessive swelling may be a sing of pre- eclampsia (a serious condition in which high blood pressure and protein in the urine develop after the 20th week of the pregnancy.  If you feel severe pain or swelling accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, headache, abdominal pain and infrequent urination, it is recommended to consult with your doctor.

Prolonged inactivity- 

Staying in the one position for long time without moving around to pump fluid back up into circulation can cause swollen feet and ankles.  For example, traveling a long distance by a plane or car. Because of gravity, fluid seeps down to your feet. To avoid that pain you have to move or walk around in every one hour or so and when you are sitting, pump your feet up and down to keep the fluid moving around your body according to studies.

Kidney disease- 

When you have kidney disease, extra fluid and sodium in your circulation may cause edema. The edema associate with kidney disease which usually occurs in your legs, feet and sometimes around your eyes.

Kidney damage- 

Damage to the tiny, filtering blood vessels in your kidney can cause nephrotic syndrome. In this syndrome declining levels of protein in your blood can lead to fluid accumulation and edema.

Foot or ankle injury- 

An injury in feet and ankle can lead to swelling.  The most common is a sprained ankle. This occurs when an injury or misstep causes the ligaments that hold the ankle in place to be starched beyond their normal stage. If you want to reduce swelling of your ankle and foot, try to avoid walking and stop pressuring on the affected area.

Symptoms of swollen foot and ankles

Initially, the legs and ankles will appear swollen as the day progresses, but after a period of time, the swelling will set in the morning and this condition going to worsen throughout the day. Continued swelling can cause skin ulceration. Over time some symptoms may develop which are

• High blood pressure
  
• Headaches
• Increased urination
• Swollen hands and wrists
• Puffy eyes
• Weight gain

These are some symptoms of this condition whenever you feel that your feet and legs are swelling then you should consult with your doctor.  Try to avoid walking in swelling always move your hands and feet to pump the fluid proper.