Causes of Foot Swelling
Foot swelling: There are quite a few reasons for swollen feet.
• Arthritis is the most common reason for inflammation of the feet and joints. People who suffer from arthritis experience stiffness in joints, swelling, redness and restricted mobility.
• Frostbite can also cause feet to swell up. It can also cause swelling in the hands as well as other parts of the body.
• Sodium retention, cancer, protein deficiency, congestive heart failure, kidney diseases and abnormal kidney function can cause the feet to swell up.
• An injury, PMS, pregnancy, low thyroid, and oral contraceptives can cause feet to swell up.
• Foot swelling can happen due to an allergic reaction.
• Edema is another reason for getting swollen feet. In edema, fluid accumulates in the fatty tissue below the skin. The tissue looks and feels bloated, thus, swelling up your feet.
• Foot swelling can also be caused due to accumulation of bacterial toxins, leakage in capillary walls, hormonal changes and obesity.
Whatever the reason, if you feel that your feet have started to swell up do not hesitate to approach your doctor.
Home Remedies: If you’d rather try getting treated at home, try a few simple natural remedies.
• Try getting a cold and hot water massage to get relief from the swelling. Water is supposed to have a therapeutic effect on the body.
• You can try soaking your feet in mild warm water and then massage them with a cream or moisturizer to curb the swelling.
• Try some simple foot exercises and stretching. Foot exercises are believed to bring relief from swelling.
• Give those high heel sandals and pumps a miss if your feet are swelling. Go for flat and comfortable shoes. Make sure that your footwear fits you well.
• Rub a mixture of milk, water, olive oil, cinnamon, and lemon juice on your feet.
• Mix together lemon essential oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil and water to get relief from feet swelling.
• Rice water is known to bring relief.
• Soak your feet in water with a few drops of tea tree oil to reduce the pain and the swelling.
• Indulge yourself with a bubble foot soak and a foot massage with massage oils mixed with essential oils.
• Some believe that sandalwood oil massage is beneficial.
• If you are pregnant and suffer from swollen feet, then do pay attention to your nutrition. Your food should contain sufficient amounts of fish, meat, milk, beans, grain, soy and nuts, as the protein content will stimulate the kidneys and help to flush out the fluid and toxins.
