As many people can attest, standing on your feet all day can cause swelling to occur in your feet and ankles. Sitting during a long car, plane, or bus trip can cause fluid to pool in your feet and ankles too, especially if you have chronic diseases like peripheral artery disease and diabetes.

Some of the reasons for your feet and ankles to swell include the following:

• Obesity—Being overweight puts extra pressure on your feet when you walk, stand, or exercise and the added pressure can greatly contribute to foot and ankle swelling.
• Systemic diseases—Kidney, liver, heart, and lung disease can contribute to swelling in the feet and ankles.
• Medication side effects—Side effects of blood pressure reducers, antidepressants, steroids, and hormone replacement therapy can contribute to foot swelling.
• Poor blood circulation and edema—Constricted arteries and blood vessels and arteries can prevent fluids from being reabsorbed with a resultant swelling of the extremities. Edema is can be caused by medications and by too much salt in your food.
• Injuries—Twisting or spraining your ankle can cause trauma to the foot and a rapid onset of inflammation and pain,
• Pregnancy complications—While some swelling in your feet and ankles during pregnancy is normal, if it becomes excessive and doesn’t decrease with rest you should have it checked out by your doctor.

If your feet and ankles remain inflamed for more than 2 or 3 days even after resting, icing, and elevating, then you should have an evaluation with your foot doctor to determine the cause, especially if a headache and fever accompany the swelling. Call Syracuse Podiatry, a podiatry office serving Central New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Payel Ghosh, and their dedicated staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or contact us to make an appointment today.