What are the causes of foot swelling due to hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism generally refers to hyperthyroidism. Under normal circumstances, hyperthyroidism causing foot swelling may be due to factors such as accelerated metabolism leading to water and sodium retention, increased circulation affecting venous return, hyperthyroid heart disease, hypoproteinemia, and hyperthyroid myopathy. If related symptoms appear, it is recommended to visit a formal hospital for timely diagnosis and treatment. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Accelerated metabolism causing water and sodium retention

Hyperthyroidism increases the body's metabolic rate, which may affect the kidney's ability to excrete water and sodium, resulting in water and sodium retention in the body. Accumulation of excessive fluid in the feet can cause swelling. It is important to control salt intake in daily life and avoid consuming overly salty foods, such as pickled vegetables and cured meats.

2. Increased circulation affecting venous return

Hyperthyroidism accelerates blood circulation, which may increase the pressure of venous return, especially in the feet, which are in a dependent position. Venous return obstruction can easily cause foot swelling, and symptoms may worsen after prolonged standing. It is advisable to avoid standing or walking for long periods, and during rest, perform appropriate foot exercises such as toe raises and ankle flexion to promote venous return.

3. Hypoproteinemia

Hyperthyroidism increases the body's consumption, and if protein intake is insufficient, it may lead to decreased plasma albumin levels and reduced plasma colloid osmotic pressure, causing fluid leakage into the tissue spaces, resulting in foot swelling. This may be accompanied by weight loss and poor skin elasticity. Patients may take medications such as hydrochlorothiazide tablets, furosemide tablets, and torasemide tablets as directed by a physician.

4. Hyperthyroid Heart Disease

Long-term hyperthyroidism may affect the heart, leading to impaired cardiac function and heart failure, which in turn affects systemic blood circulation, causing obstruction of blood return in the feet and resulting in swelling. Symptoms may include palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue. The underlying disease should be actively treated under a doctor's guidance, along with medications to improve cardiac function, such as metoprolol tartrate tablets, bisoprolol fumarate tablets, and digoxin tablets.

5. Hyperthyroid Myopathy

Hyperthyroidism may trigger myopathy, leading to weakened muscle strength, affecting the foot muscles' ability to compress veins, thereby impairing venous return and causing foot swelling. Symptoms may include muscle weakness and limited mobility. Medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and atenolol tablets should be used under a doctor's guidance.

In daily life, strictly follow medical advice when taking medications for hyperthyroidism and have regular follow-up tests of thyroid function. Maintain a regular routine and avoid excessive fatigue. Ensure a balanced diet to provide adequate nutrition and reduce the likelihood of foot swelling.