What Causes Foot Swelling?

Generally, foot edema may result from prolonged standing or sitting, excessive water intake, varicose veins in the lower limbs, glomerulonephritis, or heart failure. If associated discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek timely evaluation and treatment at a reputable hospital. A detailed analysis follows:

1. Prolonged Standing or Sitting

Maintaining a fixed posture for extended periods impedes venous return in the lower limbs, leading to fluid accumulation in the interstitial spaces of the feet and resulting in edema. To prevent this, regularly move your legs and feet, elevate your feet to facilitate venous return, perform gentle lower-limb massage, and avoid maintaining static postures for long durations.

2. Excessive Water Intake

Ingesting large volumes of water within a short timeframe can overwhelm the body’s metabolic capacity, causing excess fluid to accumulate in the lower limbs and producing transient foot edema. To mitigate this, limit the volume of water consumed per session, reduce fluid intake before bedtime, and engage in moderate walking to enhance metabolism.

3. Varicose Veins of the Lower Limbs

Dysfunction of venous valves in the lower limbs impairs venous return, leading to blood stasis and persistent foot edema—often accompanied by visible, bulging veins on the legs. Treatment may include medications prescribed by a physician, such as Diosmin tablets, Aescin tablets, or Calcium Dobesilate dispersible tablets. In severe cases, surgical intervention—such as high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein—may be required.

4. Glomerulonephritis

Reduced glomerular filtration function compromises the kidneys’ ability to excrete water and sodium, resulting in fluid retention and edema in the lower limbs—commonly accompanied by increased foaming in the urine. Medications prescribed under medical supervision may include Valsartan capsules, Hydrochlorothiazide tablets, and Tripterygium Glycosides tablets.

5. Heart Failure

Diminished cardiac pumping capacity impedes systemic venous return, causing venous congestion and edema in the lower limbs. Foot edema typically lessens upon waking and worsens during nighttime. Pharmacotherapy—under physician guidance—may include Furosemide tablets, Spironolactone tablets, and Metoprolol tablets. In severe cases, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may be indicated.

In daily life, avoid prolonged standing or sitting, maintain appropriate fluid intake, engage in regular moderate exercise to promote circulation, and promptly consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and organ-specific diagnostic screening if persistent edema develops—followed by targeted management and treatment.