Blood Clots
Blood clots can also cause swollen feet and ankles. A blood clot in the leg, called a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can cause swelling, pain, and redness in the leg. If a blood clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, it’s called a pulmonary embolism (PE). This can be a life-threatening condition, so if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of a blood clot, such as swelling in the feet and ankles, pain in the leg, chest pain, shortness of breath, or rapid heartbeat, go to the emergency room immediately.
Diabetes
Most people are aware when they develop diabetes, however, if you aren’t aware of all the symptoms the swelling in your feet and ankles can come as a shock. When blood sugar levels are high, the body tries to get rid of the excess sugar by spilling it into the urine. This causes the body to release more water, which leads to swelling, most commonly in the feet and ankles. Along with swollen feet and ankles, common symptoms of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and weight loss.
Infection
An infection, such as cellulitis, can also cause swollen feet and ankles. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that affects the skin and tissues underneath the skin. This infection can cause the affected area to become red, warm, swollen, and painful. Along with swollen feet and ankles, common symptoms of cellulitis include fever, chills, body aches, and a general feeling of being unwell. Other types of infections that may lead to swelling in the feet or ankles include abscesses and fungal infections.
Peripheral Vasculopathy
Peripheral vasculopathy is a condition that affects the blood vessels outside of the heart. This condition can cause feet and ankles to swell, as well as the hands and arms. The reason for this swelling is that the blood vessels can’t transport blood and oxygen as efficiently as they should, which causes fluid to build up in the tissues. Other common symptoms you may experience due to peripheral vasculopathy include numbness and tingling in the extremities, pain in the extremities, and blue or purplish color to the skin.
Edema
Edema is a condition that is characterized by an accumulation of fluid in the tissues. This can lead to swelling in the feet and ankles, as well as the hands and face. The cause of edema can be many things, such as severe protein deficiency, cirrhosis of the liver, damage to certain veins, and pregnancy. You may also notice other common symptoms of edema such as difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, and chest pain.
Conclusion
So, what do swollen feet and ankles mean for your health? In short, there are a few things that could be causing the swelling, some of which are more serious than others. If you’re experiencing any other symptoms along with swollen feet and ankles, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Swollen feet and ankles can be a sign of something as simple as dehydration, but they can also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as diabetes or liver disease. By being aware of the various causes of swollen feet and ankles, you can better assess your own risk and take the necessary steps to protect your health.
