Why does hyperthyroidism cause leg and foot swelling?

Generally, leg and foot swelling caused by hyperthyroidism may be due to prolonged standing or sitting, excessive water intake, metabolic disturbances caused by thyroid dysfunction, concurrent hypoproteinemia, or cardiac involvement. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a regular hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Prolonged Standing or Sitting

Maintaining a standing or sitting position for extended periods can obstruct venous blood return in the lower limbs, causing blood to pool in the legs and feet, leading to swelling. Regularly stand up and move around, such as walking or stretching your legs, to promote blood circulation in the lower limbs. Elevate your legs appropriately when resting, keeping them above heart level to assist blood return.

2. Excessive Water Intake

Consuming large amounts of water in a short time may overwhelm the body's ability to excrete it, potentially causing water and sodium retention and resulting in leg and foot swelling. Control daily water intake, avoid drinking large amounts at once, and reduce consumption of high-salt foods to prevent fluid retention.

3. Thyroid Dysfunction Affecting Metabolism

Hyperthyroidism can cause metabolic disturbances, affecting fluid metabolism and leading to fluid accumulation in the legs and feet, causing swelling. Under medical guidance, use medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, and metoprolol tartrate tablets to regulate thyroid function and improve metabolic imbalances.

4. Concurrent Hypoproteinemia

Hyperthyroidism may impair nutrient absorption, reducing plasma albumin levels, decreasing plasma osmotic pressure, and causing fluid to leak into tissue spaces, resulting in leg and foot swelling. Adjust your diet to include more protein-rich foods such as eggs, milk, and lean meat. If necessary, under medical guidance, use human albumin injection, compound amino acid injection (18AA), and vitamin B12 injection to improve nutritional status.

5. Cardiac Involvement

If hyperthyroidism remains uncontrolled for a long time, it may affect the heart, leading to heart failure, reduced cardiac pumping function, and impaired blood return, causing leg and foot swelling. Under medical guidance, use medications such as digoxin tablets, furosemide tablets, and spironolactone tablets for treatment. Additionally, ensure adequate rest and avoid strenuous activities to reduce the burden on the heart.

In daily life, maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid excessive fatigue; engage in mild physical activities such as walking or yoga to enhance physical fitness; and regularly monitor thyroid and cardiac functions to adjust treatment plans promptly.