|
Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is one of the most common problem, particularly in older people. This affect both the legs and may include the calves or even the thighs. Because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in these locations.
Causes
- Prolonged standing
- Long airplane flights or automobile rides
- Menstrual periods
- Pregnancy
- Being overweight
- Increased age
- Injury or trauma to your ankle or foot
Other conditions that can cause swelling to one or both legs include:
- Blood clot
- Leg infection
- Venous insufficiency (when veins in legs are unable to adequately pump blood back to heart)
- Varicose veins
- Burns (including sunburn)
- Insect bite or sting
- Starvation or malnutrition
- Surgery to your leg or foot
Certain medications may also cause your legs to swell:
- Hormones like estrogen (in birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy) and testosterone
- A group of blood pressure lowering drugs called calcium channel blockers (such as nifedipine, amlodipine, diltiazem, felodipine, and verapamil)
- Steroids
- Antidepressants, including MAO inhibitors (such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine) and tricyclics (such as nortriptyline, desipramine, and amitriptyline)
Treatments
- Elevate your legs above your heart while lying down.
- Exercise your legs. This helps pump fluid from your legs back to your heart.
- Wear support stockings (sold at most drug and medical supply stores).
- Try to follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid retention and swelling.
|
