Swollen feet and ankles could be caused by many things: standing for long periods of time, being overweight, wearing tight shoes or socks that don’t fit properly, pregnancy, or varicose veins. The list goes on. Even if you’re not experiencing any other symptoms with your swollen feet or ankle pain, it’s important to tell your doctor about them so they can do blood work and an examination to find out what the problem may be, especially if this isn’t a regular occurrence. To help you get a better understanding of the different issues that may be causing this, this article will take a look at what swollen ankles and feet could mean for your health.
Dehydration
If you’re dehydrated, one of the first places your body will seek to keep water is in your tissues. This is because storing moisture is easier for your body than manufacturing more. If you are dehydrated, you may experience swelling in your feet and ankles. Dehydration can be treated in a variety of ways, depending on how severe the condition is. If you believe you might be dehydrated, drink lots of non-alcoholic fluids such as water or juice. Salty foods, high in salt, sodium, or potassium, can also help to relieve fluid accumulation due to dehydration.
Kidney Disease
One potential health issue that swollen feet and ankles could be a sign of is kidney disease. When the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, they can’t get rid of the excess fluid in the body, which causes swelling, primarily in the lower extremities. This is because the veins in the lower body have to work harder to pump blood up to the heart, and the extra fluid makes it difficult for them to do so. Along with swollen feet and ankles, common symptoms of kidney disease include fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, itchy skin, and muscle cramps.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is a serious condition in which the heart isn’t able to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Swollen feet and ankles are common in people with heart failure, as well as other symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and rapid or irregular heartbeat. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. As scary as heart failure sounds, early diagnosis and treatment can often prolong life.
Liver Disease
Liver disease can be another ailment that can cause swollen feet and ankles. When the liver isn’t functioning properly, it can’t get rid of the toxins in the body, which causes fluid to build up. This extra fluid leads to swelling, most commonly in the abdomen, but it can also cause swelling in the feet and ankles. Along with swollen feet and ankles, common symptoms of liver disease include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, jaundice, and pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.
