Swollen feet can be extremely uncomfortable but often doesn’t cause alarm as there is usually a harmless reason why.
It could be that we’ve been on our feet all day and all that’s required is rest and a bowl of cold water.
But, for some people swollen feet can be a sign of something more serious. If your feet start swelling out of nowhere, it could be a sign of a serious condition.
Here are five reasons your feet may swell that you cannot ignore.
Cause #1: Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a painful joint disease caused by wear and tear. Your chances of developing this painful condition increases as you get older.
It’s the most common form of arthritis and can affect the many bones and joints in your feet causing swelling, stiffness and tenderness.
Osteoarthritis can be treated in many ways including steroid medication, pain relievers, custom shoes and physical therapy.
Cause #2: Heart failure
Signs of heart failure may be subtle, but one sign is swollen feet due to a buildup of excess fluid in the body.
According to the American Heart Association, swollen feet alone may be nothing to worry about but if it coincides with another warning sign such as shortness of breath, fatigue, lack of appetite, then you should consult a doctor.
You must ask your healthcare professional for an evaluation of your heart is you suspect any issues.
Cause #3: Gout
Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis and occurs when too much uric acid accumulates in the body, according to the National Institute of Arthritis.
The symptoms of Gout are usually worse at night. Often, the inner joints of the big toe become tender, red, and swollen.
If you have severe pain or if it’s the first time you’ve experienced this, seek medical advice immediately.
Cause #4: Foot Bursitis
Bursitis is the swelling of a bursa; a fluid-filled sac which cushions your bones, tendons, and muscles. It’s common in shoulders, hips, and elbows, but can also affect knees, heels, and feet.
In the foot, there is only one bursa between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone. This condition can cause major pain in the foot.
Although very painful most cases can be treated at home by resting the affected area and placing an ice pack on the swelling. Painkillers will also help speed up the recovery.
Cause 5: Rheumatoid arthritis
You can experience Rheumatoid arthritis in your feet and the symptoms and how long they last can vary.
Although the disease varies greatly from person to person, often the joints become swollen, sore or severely inflamed.
“In about 20 percent of RA cases, foot and ankle symptoms are even among the first signs of the disease,” according to Creaky Joints.
If you suspect you have RA consult a healthcare professional; there are many ways to alleviate the pain of this condition including physical therapy, losing weight, exercise and pain medication.
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