Why Do My Feet Swell Up?

Being on your feet all day for work or during extensive exercising or while playing sports can contribute to swelling in your feet and ankles. You can also experience swelling during periods of inactivity such as from prolonged sitting in car, plane, and bus journeys. This is especially so if you have chronic diseases like diabetes or peripheral artery disease, so be sure to make regular visits to your foot doctor to help avoid complications.

Some common causes of swelling in your feet and ankles include the following:

1)    Carrying too much extra weight—Carrying extra pounds puts excess pressure on your feet and ankles when you walk, stand, or exercise causing swelling and pain.

2)    Diseases—Problems with your kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs can contribute to swelling in the feet and ankles.

3)    Side effects from certain medications—Blood pressure medications, antidepressants, steroids, and hormone replacements can all exacerbate foot and ankle swelling.

4)    Poor blood circulation—Having constricted arteries and blood vessels and can prevent fluids from being properly absorbed thereby causing swelling in the hands and feet.

5)    Trauma to the foot and ankle—Spraining your ankle can cause trauma to the foot and considerable inflammation and pain,

6)    Complications during pregnancy—Some swelling in your feet and ankles during pregnancy is normal. However, if it becomes excessive and doesn’t decrease after resting, you should have it checked by your podiatrist.

If your feet and ankles are swelling up, we highly recommend that you consult our board-certified podiatrists Andrew Shapiro, DPM and Michael Barkin, DPM. With access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, we can assist you with heel pain, ankle sprains, diabetic foot care, toe deformities, nail fungus, and skin problems, among many other conditions. Our practice is conveniently located on West Merrick Road in Valley Stream to accommodate all of your foot care needs. Call (516) 825-3860 or book an appointment online today!