Why Do My Feet Swell?

At Goldsmith Podiatry, this is a question our Manhattan patients sometimes ask us. There are a few reasons why your feet may swell. If this is more than just the result of a long day of standing and occurs regularly, it’s important to track down the cause. It’s advisable to contact our Upper West Side office by calling (212) 877-1002 and schedule an appointment so our podiatrist, Dr. Howard Goldsmith and Dr. Rosanna Troia will examine your feet and find the cause of this uncomfortable foot problem. Below are some possible reasons you may be experiencing ongoing swelling in your feet or ankles.

Injury—When you sustain a strain, sprain, or fracture, you’ll likely see some swelling. It is a natural reaction in your body. When there is an injury, fluid and white blood cells move into the damaged area (hence the swelling), and they release chemicals that aid in healing. If you are unaware of hurting yourself, it’s possible that intermittent or constant swelling is a sign of a stress fracture, a small hairline crack that can be the result of repetitive stress to an area.

Poor Circulation—Some systemic conditions such as diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, high blood pressure, and heart disease impede blood flow to the legs and feet. It leads to excess fluid buildup in the tissues, which tends to be more severe in the lower legs, ankles, and feet. Other signs of poor circulation include hair loss on legs and feet, numbness, and cold feet.

Medications—Certain drugs may produce swelling in your feet. These include NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen, steroids, and anti-depressants. In addition, hormonal drugs and certain drugs used for diabetes and high blood pressure, such as calcium channel blockers, can also cause your body to retain fluid when it tends to pool in the lower limbs and feet. Suppose you experience swelling after starting a new medication and note this is not one of the side effects listed. In that case, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible, as this may also indicate a possible allergic reaction.

The bottom line is if you have unexplained swelling in your lower legs, ankles, or feet, you should contact us as soon as possible to find out why.