For many people, swollen ankles and swollen feet are the result of standing or walking a lot and aren’t cause for major concern. However, if your feet or ankles stay swollen or are accompanied by other symptoms, you might want to make an appointment to see a foot specialist. At Podiatry Associates of Rochester LLP, the premier podiatry office in Rochester, New York, podiatrists offer a variety of services and treatment plans for foot pain, sports injuries, and ingrown toenails.

Common Causes of Swollen Feet

Swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem, especially among older people. Swollen feet and ankles commonly occur in those who are overweight, have a blood clot in the leg, have a leg infection, or have veins in their legs that don’t properly pump blood back to the heart. Foot or ankle injuries can also cause swelling, as well as long airplane flights or car rides and standing for long periods of time.

Health-Related Causes of Swollen Feet

Swollen feet could be a sign of heart failure, kidney failure, or liver failure. In these conditions, there is too much fluid in the body, causing abnormal buildup of fluid in the ankles, feet, and legs, which is called edema. Other health-related conditions that cause swollen feet include pregnancy complications, lymphedema, venous insufficiency, diabetic neuropathy, and blood clots.

Medications That Can Cause Swollen Feet

Certain medicines may also cause your legs to swell. Some drugs that may cause swelling in the feet and ankles include antidepressants, including MAO inhibitors and tricyclics; blood pressure medicines called calcium channel blockers; hormones, such as estrogen (found in oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy) and testosterone; and steroids. If you think your swollen feet are related to a drug you are taking, speak with a foot specialist at Podiatry Associates of Rochester about changing the medication or its dosage.

Call your doctor if you have had heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease, and the swelling gets worse. Also  seek medical attention if your swollen foot or leg is red or warm to the touch or if you have a fever. Although swelling in your feet is normal during pregnancy, if your symptoms get worse, the foot specialists at Podiatry Associates of Rochester can help. Lastly, if you have swollen feet and feel short of breath or you have chest pain, call 911.

For more information about the services offered at Podiatry Associates of Rochester, visit the website or call the best podiatry office in Rochester, New York, at (585) 342-8700.