The most common causes of swelling feet include arthritis, diabetes, and bone fractures. Each condition can cause one or both feet to swell. Treatment includes targeting the underlying cause of the swelling. Any time more than minor swelling of the feet occurs without explanation, a medical consultation is in order.
Swelling feet are common among those who have arthritis. Some types, including osteoarthritis, only cause the feet to swell if they are affected by the disease. Other types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, are systemic and can cause swelling anywhere in the body, including the feet.
Causes of arthritis differ, depending on the type. In some cases, earlier injuries predispose the body to later arthritis. Heredity is responsible for others, such as gout. Affliction with autoimmune diseases, including lupus, can appear without warning. Regardless of the type or cause, having arthritis increases the risk of having swollen feet.
Diabetes feet is a term used to encompass all of the foot problems typically associated with the disorder. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 means the body does not produce insulin, while type 2 means not enough is produced, or what is produced is ignored by the body. Swelling feet is a hallmark sign of both types.
Underlying kidney issues cause swelling feet in diabetics. When kidneys do not operate properly, fluids remain in the body and can settle in the feet, causing them to swell. Taking proper care of diabetes reduces the chance of swelling feet. This means maintaining blood sugar levels and, if prescribed insulin, taking it as recommended. If swelling of the feet occurs with diabetes, an appointment with the medical care provider should be made.
Fracturing a foot can cause it to swell. Stress fractures produce small cracks in the bones. Compound fractures are more severe breaks. Causes of stress fractures include running, dropping something heavy on the foot, or twisting the foot. A compound fracture can occur with more serious trauma such as a fall, contact with a wall or curb, or an intense twisting of the foot.
Pain and swelling are listed as the most common symptoms of a fractured foot. Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture. In some cases, simply wrapping it and staying off it until it heals will suffice. Other fractures require resetting, plaster casts, or surgery. Swelling should go down once the foot begins to heal.