Footnotes / Blog

Swollen ankles and feet are common and usually not cause for concern. particularly if you have been standing or walking a lot.

However, feet and ankles that stay swollen or are accompanied by other symptoms could be indicative a more serious health problem

Below are some common reasons why feet may swell and stay swollen.

Pregnancy: Some swelling of the ankles and feet is normal during pregnancy.

• Sudden or excessive swelling, however, may be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition in which high blood pressure and protein in the urine develop after the 20th week of pregnancy.
• If you experience severe swelling or swelling accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal pain, headaches, infrequent urination, nausea and vomiting, or vision changes, call your doctor or go to the hospital immediately.

Lymphedema:  A collection of lymphatic fluid in the tissues that can develop because of the absence of or problems with the lymph vessels or after the removal of lymph nodes.

Venous insufficiency: Swelling of the ankles and feet is often an early symptom of venous insufficiency

• A condition in which blood inadequately moves up the veins from the legs and feet up to the heart.

Infection: Swelling in the feet and ankles can be a sign of infection.

• People with diabetic neuropathy or other nerve problems of the feet are at greater risk for foot infections.

Blood clot. Blood clots that form in the veins of the legs can stop the return flow of blood from the legs back up to the heart and cause swelling in the ankles and feet.

• Blood clots can be either superficial (occurring in the veins just beneath the skin), or deep (a condition known as deep vein thrombosis).
• Deep clots can block one or more of the major veins of the legs.
  • These blood clots can be life-threatening if they break loose and travel to the heart and lungs.

Kidney/Heart/Liver Disease: When patients have problems with their liver, kidney and heart, they are more likely to retain fluid in their lower extremities.

Medication Side Effects: Numerous medications can have a side effect of causing swelling in the legs. Consult with the physician who prescribed you a medication that you think may be contributing to leg swelling.

Depending on the cause of your swelling, your doctor will determine the best treatment for you, and refer to the best specialty if necessary. If you would like a podiatrist to exam the swelling in your lower legs and feet, visit one of our offices in northern New Jersey