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Your feet and ankles are some of the hardest working parts of your body as they support your body weight and are responsible for the majority of your mobility. With that, they are also one of the best indicators that something isn’t right with your health. Podiatrists encounter swollen feet and ankles on a regular basis, and while sometimes the symptom might be directly related to the area, it can also be a signal that something is wrong elsewhere in the body.

What Causes Feet & Ankles to Swell?

1. Pregnancy Complications

While swollen feet and ankles are a common occurrence during pregnancy, they can also be a sign that something isn’t right. If you experience excessive or sudden swelling accompanied by a headache, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, vision changes, or infrequent urination, you should contact your doctor immediately. You could be experiencing preeclampsia or another complication.

2. Sprain or Broken Bone

podiatrist O'Fallon MOIf you injure your foot or ankle, it is common for swelling to occur. According to podiatrists, the most common injury to the area is a sprained ankle, which occurs when the tough, flexible connective tissue around the ankle tears. The swelling is just a sign that blood is rushing to the area to aid in the healing process. You can reduce this inflammation by avoiding placing weight on the area and keeping it elevated and iced as much as possible. However, if it is incredibly painful to walk on, you should see your doctor as you might have a break.

3. Too Much Salt

Sodium is probably the biggest culprit for helping the body retain water — known as edema. To help minimize the effects of water-retention swelling in the feet and ankles and other areas of the body, you should strive to eat no more than 2,400 milligrams of sodium per day.

 

If you’ve recently noticed swelling in your feet or ankles, don’t ignore them, they might be trying to tell you something important. The podiatrists at Deer Creek Foot Care, in O’Fallon, MO, can help you quickly identify what that might be. They specialize in numerous foot disorders which might be putting a toll on your life. To schedule a consultation, call them today at (636) 240-1127. You can also visit their website to learn more about their services.

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