Ever tried to put your shoes on only to realize your feet have become swollen? Swollen feet can sometimes be painful, but they’re usually just annoying, especially if you don’t know what caused them. The good news is that more often than not, swollen feet aren’t a cause for concern. However, it’s still important to recognize their cause so you can prevent it from happening again.
Here you will find five common causes for swollen feet and what you can do about it.
5 causes for swollen feet
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You stand too much: Being on your feet all day can cause them to become swollen and achy. Ensure that you are taking appropriate breaks, and if possible, elevate your feet to get the blood circulating again. Swelling caused by being on your feet will go away throughout the night while you are sleeping.
You’re wearing the wrong shoes: Improperly fitting shoes can cause your feet to become swollen. When shoes don’t fit properly, the tightness restricts blood flow. Finding a good supportive shoe can help reduce swelling.
You’ve gained weight: If you gain weight, your feet have more to support, which can cause them to swell. The good news is that losing those additional pounds will cause your feet to stop swelling. You can still help reduce swelling by wearing proper shoes and elevating your feet when possible, but if you are overweight, it is in your best interest to drop those extra pounds.
You have poor circulation: If your hands and feet are swollen but you don’t stand too much, your shoes are comfortable, and you haven’t gained weight, it could be a sign of a circulation problem. Varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and blood clots can cause your extremities to swell. It’s best you see your doctor for treatment.
You have an infection: A bacterial or fungal infection of the foot or toes can contribute to swelling. In many cases, an antibacterial or antifungal will get your feet back to normal, but it’s best not wait. As soon as you notice changes to your feet, you should see your doctor.
As you can see, there can be a variety of causes of swollen feet, some more serious than others. If you’re ever concerned about feet swelling or you begin to experience other symptoms along with swollen feet, speak to your doctor right away.
