How to Reduce Swelling in the Feet
Dec 25, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Foot swelling may be caused by prolonged sitting or standing, physiological edema, cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, lower limb venous thrombosis, cirrhosis, and other conditions. It can usually be treated through lifestyle adjustments, physical therapy, medication, and other methods. If abnormalities occur or symptoms persistently worsen, prompt medical attention is recommended. Additionally, it is important to avoid prolonged sitting or standing and to move both legs appropriately.
Foot edema may be caused by prolonged sitting or standing, physiological edema, cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, lower limb venous thrombosis, cirrhosis, and other conditions. It can usually be treated through lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, medication, and other approaches. If symptoms are abnormal or continue to worsen, timely medical consultation is advised. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Prolonged Sitting or Standing: Remaining seated or standing for extended periods may impair circulation in the lower limbs, causing poor venous return and resulting in foot edema. It is recommended to adjust lifestyle habits, avoid prolonged sitting or standing, move the legs periodically, and improve blood circulation in the lower limbs. Additionally, elevating the affected limb can help utilize gravity to assist blood return and reduce swelling.
2. Physiological Edema: This type of edema typically occurs after prolonged standing or sitting due to impaired venous return in the lower limbs, causing foot swelling. Adequate rest should be taken, prolonged standing or sitting avoided, and the affected limb elevated appropriately to promote circulation. In addition, warm water foot baths and massage may help alleviate the edema.
3. Pulmonary Heart Disease: Lung diseases that cause pulmonary hypertension can lead to pulmonary heart disease, which may impair circulation and affect venous return in the lower limbs, thereby causing foot edema. Symptoms may include palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Medications such as salbutamol inhaler, aminophylline tablets, and irbesartan hydrochlorothiazide tablets may be used as directed by a physician to relieve symptoms.
4. Glomerulonephritis: Glomerulonephritis may be triggered by infections, genetic factors, or other causes, leading to abnormal kidney function, metabolic disturbances, and water and sodium retention, which can result in foot edema. Symptoms may include hypertension, hematuria, and proteinuria. As directed by a physician, medications such as cyclosporine soft capsules, furosemide tablets, and spironolactone tablets may be prescribed to promote uric acid excretion. Primary disease treatment targeting kidney disease should also be implemented, such as blood pressure control and reduction of urinary protein.
5. Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis results from long-term liver damage leading to fibrosis and structural changes, which may increase portal vein pressure, causing fluid from blood vessels to leak into tissue spaces, thus causing foot edema. Associated symptoms may include jaundice, ascites, and fatigue. Physicians generally recommend liver-protecting medications such as compound glycyrrhizin tablets and hepatoprotective tablets, and diuretics such as spironolactone tablets and furosemide tablets to manage ascites.
It is also important to avoid prolonged sitting or standing, move the legs regularly, and promote blood circulation in the lower limbs to help prevent the occurrence of foot edema.
