If you have ever experienced the frustration of swollen feet, you are not alone. It's a common ailment that affects many people from all walks of life. There are several reasons why your feet might puff up like marshmallows in a cup of hot cocoa, and we're here to give you the puffy truth.
Understanding Edema
Before we dive into the causes of swollen feet, it’s essential to understand what edema is. Edema is the medical term used to describe swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body tissues. It can occur anywhere in your body.
Edema usually happens when there is an imbalance between the pressure inside and outside our cells causing them to leak fluid which collects as edema /swelling).
Now that we understand what causes edema let's look at some reasons why this occurs particularly with our feet more often than any other part of our bodies.
A Sedentary Lifestyle
Sitting or standing for long periods without any movement or change in position hinders blood flow, causing fluids to accumulate (edema) mostly on lower extremities such as legs and ankles.We always remember” Sitting Is The New Smoking”.
Sodium Rich Diets
Salt makes everything taste better - right? In reality too much salt leads to retention leading us feel bloated & extra water weight around waistline , bloat makes its way down eventually settling into those tired feetseses.Pass me another bag chips please
Foods bad Salt Fighters - Nuts - Fresh fruits (Especially bananas ) - Much drinking enough water(water flushes out sodium build up)
Hormonal Fluctuations
If swabsies cause abrasions … can hormones then cause Swellbows? (awkward silence) … probably yes my friend.For example,” For pregnant people one symptom they experience would notice swollen feet caused by hormonal shifts and weight gain.We feel ya Preggo friends.
Medications
Oh the irony! The very things we take to cure us might be causing more problems. Some medication can Result in Swelling Feet issues.
Here are some of them: Medication for treating High blood pressure, depression or any other medication that promote fluid retention will result to swelling.Spicing up your diet with natural diuretics like cucumber, garlic & ginger could help lessen side effects of water heavy prescriptive drugs
Injuries And Infections
Injury is a common cause of swelling from physical traumas e.g sprains,breaks or twisted areas .while infections lead to body cells reacting with inflammation leading swollen part looking red ,warm and tenderish worse when accompanied by fever. Remember high temperature leads to increased metabolic rate thus making fluids movement faster and increased chances cells filling with extra liquids contributing towards swells.
Ageing Process
Like quality Wine aging comes all flavors ...including Edema.The ability for our bodies' veins wear out over time.it happens mostly in older people.It's known as Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), it manifests itself through Swollen legs,fatigue as well numbness&skin discolouration /you won't see this on your local On-Line store shelf...ahem.Little exercise throughout ones life would increase the incidence of developing CVI, so let's get those muscles moving!
Most importantly consider ... - Yoga - Taking regular walks(just not while counting sheep) -Limiting Sexual engagements that require strenuous postures(say No To Acrobatics!)
To experience puffy-free days..
Remember too..Investment shoes designed for wide fit & support!the high heel Flip Flops may look great but they’re only a trip away from toppling over!
Conclusion Now that you know the reasons why your feet swell, you can take steps to reduce the chances of it happening. Remember to keep moving throughout your day, reduce sodium intake and try natural diuretics. By being aware of how body works and taking steps towards preventing swelling, you will avoid taking too long in a queue looking like you are wearing football cleats with an open-toed shoe option.
Good shoes (that fit)and good bye swell feet!