Crofton Office

1657 Crofton Blvd, Suite 201

Crofton, MD 21114

(410) 721-4505

(410) 721-2394

Woodbridge Office

14010 Smoketown Rd., Suite 103

Woodbridge, VA 22192

(703) 583-5959

(703) 890-4970

Chantilly Office

3914 Centreville Road, Suite 200

Chantilly, VA 20151

(703) 490-5599

(703) 583-5995

Sterling Office

46440 Benedict Dr., Suite 111

Sterling, VA 20164

(703) 444-9555

Why Do My Feet Swell Up?

Have you ever wondered why your feet get swollen? One minute your feet fit into your shoes normally, but later that day, they feel tighter or you can’t even get them on! Maybe they feel heavier or even numb. What’s going on?

Swelling of the feet, ankles, and legs is also called Peripheral Edema. It can happen to anyone, for a variety of reasons. They can be short- or long-term occurrences, happen on one or both sides, and may or may not be painful, depending on the cause of swelling. While not always caused by a serious problem, swollen feet can indicate a more serious underlying problem. The following are possible reasons for swollen feet:

  • Being Overweight, Standing for long periods of time, or Inactivity – These conditions can cause blood and fluid to have a hard time returning up to the upper part of the body. Having regular periods of activity can increase blood flow and circulation to prevent or reduce swelling in the lower part of the body.

  • Hormonal Changes, including Menstrual Periods or Pregnancy – Your body reacts to hormonal changes to try to protect you. Retaining fluid during pregnancy can be normal, as long as it is not extreme or uneven. If you have severe edema or swelling only on one foot or leg, it may be a sign of something more serious. Contact your doctor.

  • Insect Bite or Allergic Reaction – Swelling can happen as a result of these events. If swelling does not go down, use allergy medications and go to the emergency room if reaction is severe.

  • Medication or Medical Procedure Side Effect – Some medications can cause changes in the body, such as hormonal changes or causing blood to thicken. Blood or fluid can thicken and cause edema. Additionally, procedures like surgery can cause inflammation and swelling.

  • Foot or Ankle Injury – Swelling is a normal reaction to injuries as a protective measure. Use the RICE method to reduce swelling. (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevate the leg)

  • Infection – Swelling can occur when you have an infection – look for symptoms like redness, pain, or an open wound.

  • Venous Insufficiency including Blood Clot and varicose veins – Vein disorders can cause inadequate blood flow through the veins. They cause the blood to pool at the restrictive point or blockage, causing swelling. Blood clots and varicose veins are the common causes.

  • Lymphedema  – This condition is when there is damage to lymph nodes in your lymphatic system. It causes a blockage to fluids which build up and cause swelling.
     
  • Heart, Liver, or Kidney Disease – When there are problems with these organs, your body may have a reaction of swelling near the feet or ankles due to fluid buildup.

Do you have concerns about swelling in your feet or ankles? Come see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505 to get an assessment to make sure that the swelling is not an indication of something more serious. Our team is ready to assist you at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.

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Office Hours

(We have new hours as below!)

Crofton Podiatry

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-3:30 pm

Friday:

By Appointment Only

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed