Swollen feet: causes and remedies for swollen and sore feet
Swollen feet are a common problem for many of us, especially in the heat. Who has never happened to find themselves in the evening with their feet swollen like a ball and sore, without knowing what to do to bring them back to normal? Swollen feet are often synonymous with water retention, poor circulation, or poor posture. Sometimes, however, the fault is only a pair of uncomfortable shoes ...
The cause of swollen feet, however, is the accumulation of fluids inside the peripheral adipose tissues (a problem that pregnant women are familiar with ...). So let's find out together what can be the most common causes that generate this effect, and then move on to examine the most effective remedies.
Swollen feet: the causes and the relationship with the heart and liver
Swollen feet, as we have said, are due to an accumulation of fluid in the subcutaneous tissues. One of the first causes (perhaps the most obvious) that can cause this problem, especially if the feet are also painful, is wearing shoes that are too tight or with heels that are too high. The solution, in this case, is simple: change shoes! And follow the tips in this video for the best and pain-free wearing of high shoes:
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Problems related to posture can also promote the accumulation of liquids and therefore swelling of the feet: if you stand for too long in an upright position, for example, it is easy for your feet to swell, especially in hot weather. cases, on the other hand, the triggering cause can be a weight problem.
Smoking, a diet with excessive use of salt and a lack of physical activity are also not to be underestimated: all decidedly harmful habits that are not good for retention and lead to stagnation of liquids.
Swollen feet can then be the consequence of an injury to the foot or ankle: a wrong movement is enough to cause the ankle ligaments to stretch and lead to inflammation. In this case, it is good to put ice on them as soon as possible !
Again: swollen and sore feet can be an early symptom of venous insufficiency: in this case, it will be good to consult a doctor. Venous insufficiency creates difficulties in the circulation of blood from the feet and legs to the heart, and can also lead to other significant skin problems.
Circulation difficulties can also be caused by the formation of blood clots in the veins. Particular attention must be paid if these clots are formed not on the surface, but in depth, causing a real thrombosis: if in addition to sore feet you also have a change of color in the leg and a bit of fever, call your doctor for a specific treatment.
Swelling of the feet can also be a sign of the presence of an infection, especially if you suffer from diabetes. Again, if the swelling does not go away, it is best to contact your doctor. problems with the lymphatic vessels, or you have removed lymph nodes, you may have swollen feet because the movement of the lymphatic fluid is blocked: it is a lymphedema and it is quite common among those who have undergone radiation therapy or removal of lymph nodes.
At other times, swollen feet can hide problems related to the heart, liver or kidneys. If there is "heart failure", swelling of the feet and ankles is very likely. Even if kidney disease is present, fluids can accumulate more easily. Liver-related diseases, finally, can cause damage to albumin, the protein that allows the blood not to escape from the vessels, leading to the loss of fluids and their accumulation.
Swelling can also be caused by some medicines: consult your doctor to decide whether to stop treatment or not.
The best remedies for swollen and sore feet
The most classic remedy is a nice foot bath. Prepare a basin with hot water inside, but not boiling: around 37 degrees would be ideal (it is the temperature of our body). Put in a handful of coarse salt, useful for draining excess fluids, and a few drops of lavender essential oil, perfect for relaxing the skin. Immerse your feet and keep them soaking for about ten minutes. Then finish with a jet of cold water to reactivate the circulation.
A nice massage can also be helpful. If it is very hot, the ideal would be to use a refreshing gel that you have carefully stored in the fridge. Menthol or eucalyptus ones are recommended for their regenerating power, or pomegranate or red vine for their effect on circulation.
At least once a week, then, apply an exfoliant or a scrub on the thickest areas such as the heels or under the toes. And finally, don't forget to complete the massage with a nice moisturizer! In this case, emollient essential oils are also good. Find the right foot care product for you here:
Feet from (s) dance
Targeted exercises can also be helpful in preventing the problem. Place the sole of the foot on a tennis ball and let it slide back and forth, from the toes to the heels: it will perform a real draining massage, useful for strengthening the muscles, helping circulation and preventing the stagnation of liquids. Then continue with stretching, stretching the foot and bending it with a hammer, so as to stretch the calf muscle to the maximum.
If swollen feet are a constant problem, you can take specific supplements, 100% natural and suitable for promoting circulation: gotu kola, blueberry, ivy, red vine ... ask for advice at the pharmacy or your trusted herbalist!
Among the long-term remedies for c "is certainly to change some of our eating habits and lifestyles. First of all, as already mentioned, we should try to eat with as little salt as possible to avoid water retention, increasing the intake instead. of foods rich in water, vitamins and fiber, such as fruits and vegetables. Drink, drink and drink, at least 2 liters of water a day! Exercise constantly: it will also help you keep your weight under control and promote circulation, especially if you do sedentary work ...
Last, but not least: the shoes! Choose them comfortable and flexible, adapted to the shape of your foot, in order to accommodate all movements. Prefer breathable models and wear heels as little as possible and not excessively high, so as not to force the foot into an unnatural position (which, among other things, also damages the back).
Swollen feet in pregnancy: what to do?
The problem of swollen feet is completely normal in pregnancy, especially during the last three months of gestation. The root cause of the problem is always water retention, linked to the normal hormonal and physiological changes of pregnancy. Often, not only the feet are swollen, but also the ankles, legs and hands!
During pregnancy, blood changes its composition: the liquid part, that of plasma, increases, which causes stagnation in the tissues. In addition, in pregnant women, the level of the hormone called progesterone increases, which slows down blood circulation and promotes retention.
In the last trimester, the uterus also enlarges and compresses the blood vessels that carry blood from the lower limbs to the heart, making circulation more difficult.
Immediately after the birth, generally, we return to normal: therefore there is no need to worry too much. In the meantime, however, if you want to relieve the symptoms of swollen feet, you can help yourself by trying to rest your legs as much as possible with the feet held more in the same position. high of the hips, for at least one hour a day: this position favors the return of blood to the heart.
Take walks to keep fit, always wearing comfortable shoes that do not tighten, without exaggerating with physical exercise and without exposing yourself to the sun when it is very hot.
Even natural remedies can come to your rescue: from massages with refreshing creams to acupuncture, from phytotherapy to aromatherapy. If the problem of swollen feet is really very disabling, ask your doctor for advice.
For more information on swollen feet, you can visit the Humanitas Health website.
