Swollen feet and ankles are common complaints that many people experience occasionally, especially after long periods of standing, walking, or exposure to heat. Usually, elevating your feet and resting is enough to reduce the puffiness. However, if the swelling persists, it could be a sign of a more serious health problem that requires immediate medical attention.
Medical experts, including those at Harvard Medical School, emphasize the importance of consulting a doctor if swelling in the feet and ankles does not resolve. Persistent swelling, also known as oedema, can be indicative of serious conditions such as heart failure, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), kidney disease, or liver cirrhosis.
Gravity causes blood to pool in the veins of the legs during prolonged standing, which can lead to fluid seeping into surrounding tissues. While this is typically harmless and temporary, underlying medical conditions can disrupt fluid regulation in the body and cause continual swelling.
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One of the more dangerous causes of swelling is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where a blood clot forms in a leg vein. These clots inhibit normal blood flow back to the heart, causing swelling in the affected leg or foot. If left untreated, clots can dislodge and travel to vital organs, leading to pulmonary embolism, heart attacks, or strokes—potentially fatal complications. Harvard specialists warn that swelling in just one leg, especially if it develops suddenly, warrants immediate medical evaluation.
Heart failure is another common culprit. When the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, blood pools in the veins, leading to fluid leakage into the feet and lower legs. Additional symptoms of heart failure may include fatigue, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat.
Liver disease can also manifest as foot swelling, as damaged liver function lowers albumin levels—an essential protein that helps regulate fluid balance. Reduced albumin causes fluid to leak into tissues, not only affecting the feet and legs but also the hands and face. Signs of liver disease may include yellowing of the skin and eyes, abdominal discomfort, and fatigue.
Similarly, kidney disease impairs the body’s ability to eliminate excess fluid, causing swelling in the feet and other body parts. Other symptoms often accompanying kidney problems include changes in urination, fatigue, and elevated blood pressure.
Experts advise seeing a doctor if you notice swelling that leaves an indentation when pressed, occurs suddenly, lasts several days, affects only one foot, or is accompanied by pain or skin discoloration. Never self-diagnose, as foot swelling could be the first sign of serious conditions like heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease.
While swollen feet are often benign, persistent or severe puffiness should be evaluated promptly to rule out potentially life-threatening illnesses.