What causes swelling in both feet?
Disease description:
I've been sitting for long periods at work without much movement, and later I felt some swelling and stiffness in my calves. So, what causes swelling in both feet?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Swelling of both feet, known as lower limb edema, can be caused by various factors. The following are some common causes:
1. Physiological factors: Prolonged standing or sitting may lead to poor venous return in the lower limbs, resulting in foot swelling. In such cases, the swelling usually subsides naturally with appropriate rest and activity.
2. Impaired venous blood flow: Poor venous circulation is a common cause of lower limb edema. For example, conditions such as varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis can hinder blood flow from the legs back to the heart, causing edema.
3. Poor lymphatic circulation: Impaired lymphatic flow can also lead to edema. Lymphedema typically occurs after lymph nodes have been removed or damaged, as may happen in patients following cancer treatment.
4. Heart failure: When heart failure occurs, the heart's ability to pump blood is reduced, potentially leading to fluid accumulation in the lower parts of the body, causing lower limb edema.
5. Kidney dysfunction: When kidney function is abnormal, imbalances in the body's water and salt levels may lead to lower limb edema, particularly in cases of nephrotic syndrome and glomerulonephritis.
6. Liver cirrhosis: Liver diseases such as cirrhosis can affect protein synthesis, leading to hypoalbuminemia, which in turn causes edema.
