Causes of Feet & Leg Swelling

Swelling in your legs and feet can be painful and make it difficult for you to get your shoes on, move around or stay in one position for any length of time. If swelling in your leg or foot is accompanied by symptoms such as a fever or pain, or suddenly gets worse, prompt medical evaluation may be necessary. According to the National Library of Medicine and the Mayo Clinic, the causes of swelling in your legs and feet include medical conditions and certain lifestyle factors.

Lifestyle

• If your lifestyle involves frequent travel by plane or car or prolonged standing, or you are overweight, these factors may cause or worsen existing swelling in your leg or foot.

Medical Conditions

• Swelling in your leg and foot can be caused by medical conditions such as varicose veins, leg infections, malnutrition, pregnancy, kidney failure or blood clots, which may be life threatening.

Medications

• Taking certain types of medications may cause swelling in your legs and feet, including hormone therapies and hormonal birth control, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants and synthetic steroids.

Complications

• Swelling in your leg or foot that is left untreated may cause serious health complications including tissue death that can lead to the need for amputation.

Prevention/Solution

• Caring for yourself by elevating your legs above your chest while resting, stretching and moving your legs and eating a low salt diet can prevent swelling in your leg or foot from getting worse.

Warning

• If the swelling in your legs and feet is accompanied by fever, swelling elsewhere in your body, abdominal pain or a lack of urine, or suddenly gets worse, emergency treatment may be needed to prevent life-threatening complications.