What is Swollen Feet?
Hemodialysis is a medical treatment that uses a machine with a special filter to take the waste and extra water out of the blood. It is a treatment for advanced kidney failure that allows you to live a normal life despite the failing kidneys.
Blood pressure can be controlled, vitamin and mineral levels in the body can also be balanced with this treatment. Hemodialysis is used in people with end-stage kidney failure, which is the last stage of chronic kidney disease. It's also used to treat persons with acute renal injury.
Causes of Swollen Feet
Swelling of the ankle and feet is a relatively frequent symptom in most people. The swollen feet causes are numerous; examples of most of the major causes include:
- Swelling due to standing or walking (usually over some period that varies from person to person)
- Excess body weight can decrease blood circulation, causing fluid to build up in the feet, legs, and ankles.
- The normal swelling that most pregnant women experience during pregnancy
- Many medications have the side effects of fluid retention that manifests as swelling.
- Any trauma to the foot or ankle (usually sprains or fractures) can result in swelling.
- Any infection, either localized (abscess) or diffuse (cellulitis)
- Swelling due to lymph vessel or lymph node blockage of lymph fluid
- Blockage of blood vessels (usually venous) that cause fluid to leak out of vessels into tissue
- Venous insufficiency occurs when the veins are unable to pump blood adequately, causing blood to pool in the legs.
- Preeclampsia causes high blood pressure during pregnancy. The increase in blood pressure can result in poor circulation and swelling in the face, hands, and legs.
- Cirrhosis refers to severe scarring of the liver, which is often caused by alcohol abuse or infection (hepatitis B or C).
- Pericarditis is long-term inflammation of the pericardium, which is the sac-like membrane around the heart.
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Get A Second OpinionDiagnosis
Clinical observation and examination are how swollen feet and swollen ankles are diagnosed. To help diagnose the cause of the swelling, the doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests:
- Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) or blood chemistry
- Chest x-ray or extremity x-ray
- Doppler ultrasound examination of the leg veins
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- urine analysis
- If the swelling is related to a lifestyle habit or minor injury, the doctor will likely recommend home treatments.
- If the swelling is a result of an underlying health condition, the doctor will treat that specific condition.
Treatment for swollen feet and ankles depends on the underlying cause(s). In some people, simply raising the feet above the level of the heart or simply getting up regularly throughout the day will reduce or eliminate swelling.
Other swollen feet treatments may include antibiotics for infections, a splint or bandage for a sprain, taking appropriate medications for congestive heart failure or gout.
When to Visit a Doctor?
Some cases of swollen feet and ankles require urgent attention. Get immediate medical attention if a person has swollen feet and ankles accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Unexplained painful swelling in legs
- Swelling accompanied by fever.
- New foot swelling during pregnancy.
- Single limb swelling
- pitting edema
- Pain and swelling that does not get better
- warmth, redness, or swelling in the affected area
- The affected skin is stretched or broken
- Ulcers or blisters on the legs
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
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Book an AppointmentHome Remedies
Painless swelling usually resolves on its own, some home remedies can reduce swelling more quickly and increase comfort. The remedies are as follows:
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day
- wear compression stockings
- Soak in a cold Epsom salt bath for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Elevate feet, on cushions, pillows, while sleeping.
- Eating foods rich in magnesium can help.
- Reducing sodium intake can help decrease swelling in the feet.
- Maintain the ideal weight to avoid swollen feet.
- Massaging swollen feet can promote relaxation.
- Increase intake of foods rich in potassium
