Do you also have swollen ankles and feet? (Swollen Ankles and Feet) Let's find out the causes and what to do

You may have noticed that your ankles and feet are a little swollen after standing for a long time, after being stuck on a bus, or after walking all day, when you come home. This is actually normal and there is nothing to worry about. However, if this swelling persists, or if other symptoms appear at the same time, it could be a sign of a serious health problem inside our body. So today, let's talk about what causes swollen legs and when we should see a doctor.

Common and serious causes of swelling

Let's look at what could be causing this condition. Some of them are normal, but some of them require us to be very careful.

Pregnancy and swelling

It is very common for a mother's ankles and feet to swell during pregnancy . This is due to the extra fluid in the body and the pressure of the growing uterus on the veins in the legs.

However, if this swelling suddenly increases excessively, and is accompanied by symptoms such as severe headache , vision changes , upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting , and decreased frequency of urination , it could be a sign of a dangerous condition called preeclampsia . This condition is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

An accident to the leg or ankle

Swelling can occur due to an injury to the leg or ankle. The most common is a sprained ankle. This happens when the ligaments that hold the ankle joint together are stretched beyond their limits when you step on them incorrectly.

Reduce swelling caused by an accident like this:

• Rest: Avoid walking on the injured leg.
• Apply ice: Wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it on the injured area for 15-20 minutes.
• Apply compression: Apply a compression bandage to control swelling.
• Keep it up: Keep your leg up on a chair or pillow.

If the swelling and pain are severe, or if these home treatments do not help, be sure to see a doctor .

Lymphedema (a problem with the lymphatic system)

This is a buildup of lymphatic fluid in our body's tissues. This condition can occur when there is a problem with our body's lymph vessels, they are absent from birth, or after lymph nodes are removed during cancer surgery. Lymph is a protein-rich fluid. It travels through a network of vessels throughout our body and is filtered through the lymph nodes. There, it filters out and destroys unwanted things like bacteria.

But if this movement is interrupted, fluid can accumulate in one place and cause swelling. If left untreated, it can delay wound healing, lead to infection, and cause deformities. If this swelling occurs in someone who has had radiation therapy or surgery for cancer, see a doctor immediately .

Serious illnesses to be aware of

Sometimes, a serious medical condition may be hidden behind this swelling.

Venous Insufficiency

Swelling in the legs and ankles can be an early sign of a condition called venous insufficiency. This is when the veins that carry blood from the legs back to the heart become weak. Veins usually have valves that allow blood to flow in only one direction. When these valves become weak or damaged, blood leaks back down and fluid builds up in the tissues of the legs, especially the ankles and feet. If this condition continues, it can lead to skin changes, non-healing wounds (skin ulcers), and infections. If you have these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor.

Infections

Swelling in the feet and ankles can also be a sign of infection. This is especially true for people with diabetic neuropathy, which can cause nerve damage. Because nerve damage reduces the ability to feel pain, even a small blister or sore on the foot can quickly develop into a larger infection.

Blood clot in blood vessels

When blood clots form in the veins of the legs, they block the flow of blood from the legs to the heart. As a result, the legs and ankles swell. These blood clots can form in the veins just under the skin (superficial) or in the veins deep within the body (deep). When blood clots form in the deep veins, we call them Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) .

If these deep blood clots break loose and become lodged in the heart or lungs, it can be life-threatening .

Heart, liver, or kidney disease

Sometimes, leg swelling can be a sign of a bigger problem, such as heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease.

• Heart Disease: If the right side of the heart fails (right-sided heart failure), blood cannot be pumped properly, causing fluid and salt to accumulate in the body. This can cause swelling in the ankles, especially in the evening.
• Kidney Disease: When the kidneys are not working properly, they are unable to remove excess fluid and waste products from the body. This fluid builds up in the body and causes swelling.
• Liver Disease: Albumin, a protein produced by the liver, prevents blood from leaking out of blood vessels into surrounding tissues. When liver disease reduces the production of this protein, fluid leaks out and causes swelling. Due to gravity, this fluid can accumulate most often in the legs and ankles, but it can also accumulate in the abdomen or chest.

If your swelling is accompanied by symptoms such as extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight gain , see a doctor immediately. If you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, or tightness , go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately .

Could the medications you are taking be a cause?

Yes, some medications can cause swelling in the legs and ankles as a side effect. Check to see if you are taking any of these medications.

If you suspect that your swelling is caused by a medication you are taking, talk to your doctor about it . Never stop taking a medication or change the dosage without first asking your doctor. Sometimes, a little swelling can be tolerated in comparison to the benefits of the medication. However, if the swelling is severe, your doctor may decide to change the medication or change the dosage.

Leg swelling, Ankle swelling, Swollen Ankles, Venous Insufficiency, Lymphedema, Deep Vein Thrombosis, Preeclampsia