What is Foot Swelling or Edema?
Swollen feet and legs, referred to medically as edema, occur when fluid is retained in the spaces between body cells. Edema typically affects the feet, ankles and lower legs, but can also impact any area of the body, causing systemic symptoms. What are the Causes of Swelling Feet? Edema can be caused by a serious condition of the kidney, heart, liver or blood vessels, but many other factors can contribute to its onset, including: • Eating a poor diet high in salt and carbohydrates • Abusing laxatives • Abusing diuretics • Abusing drugs • Taking birth control or hormone replacement therapy pills • Pregnancy and PMS • Sodium retention • Varicose veins and history of phlebitis • Allergic reactions • Neuromuscular disorders • Trauma What are the Symptoms of Swelling Feet? Initially, the feet and legs will appear swollen as the day progresses, but after a period of time, the swelling will set in first thing in the morning and continue to worsen throughout the day. Long-term edema causes pit
