Excess of fluid accumulation in the feet causes swollen feet. It would rapidly increase your weight if swelling is due to edema. This condition is different from slight swelling of feet during summer. There should not be swelling without any reason and it should not affect you persistently.
Swollen Feet Causes :
There are many factors that trigger swelling of feet and ankles. Some of them are discussed below:
- Pregnancy : Swelling of feet is quite common during pregnancy. But if it is very severe then it is indicative of high blood pressure. You need to consult your doctor if there is excess of swelling with headaches, abdominal pain and nausea.
- Foot Injury : Any mild to moderate injury to the foot can cause swollen feet. It may be due to sprain in ankle also. Sometimes, there may be injury in the ligaments which is holding the ankle when it is stretched beyond limit.
- Lymphedema : When there is excess of fluid accumulation in the lymph vessels it may cause swelling. This happens if there is problem in the lymph nodes or vessels. However, lymphedema is common for cancer patients who are undergoing radiation therapy.
- Venous Insufficiency : Swollen feet can be a symptom of venous insufficiency. This happens when there is inadequate supply of blood that is moving upwards from the legs to the heart. Normally, veins allow blood flow through one-way operation valves. Venous insufficiency occurs when there is any problem in the valves thus leaking the blood down into the vessels of the lower legs.
Underlying disease in the heart or liver or kidney can cause swollen feet. For some people, swelling happens in the evening indicating retention of salt and heart failure. If there is any problem in the normal functions of kidney it can also cause swollen feet. Inadequate secretion of albumin can cause liver disease which can create swelling in the ankles.
Finally, it can be due to side effects of any drugs of calcium channel blockers and antidepressant medicines. It can also be due to hormonal imbalance. Certain allergic reactions, varicose veins and using contraceptive pills may also cause swollen feet.