Peripheral edema is the medical term for the swollen feet and ankles. It could be caused by something simple that is localized or it can be an underlying issue to another condition. It basically happens when there is a lot of liquid in the area in the muscles and in the tissues. Usually people tend to suffer with this issue in the hotter months and more often than not the condition is pain free. In some cases people can get slightly swollen ankles and feet by simply walking or standing for too long a period.
Swollen Feet and Ankles
If the blood vessels seep out fluid, this can cause a buildup in the tissue area. The leakage can be due to damage, injury or too much pressure to a capillary or even a low amount of albumin, which is a blood protein. When this occurs the kidneys will automatically try to keep hold of sodium and water in bigger quantities to recover the lost fluids. Consequently the quantity of circulating solution in the body enlarges and this is more of a quantity of liquids that seep out from the blood vessels. This fluid that has seeped out will get dragged down towards the feet because of gravity causing swollen ankles and feet.
Swollen Feet and Ankles Causes
It can be due to heart disease, for example congestive heart failure or the swelling may be caused by liver issues like cirrhosis which is when the liver becomes scarred. This can cause swelling in the ankles and the feet because the liver gets influenced as well as the hormones and the chemicals which control the fluids in the body begin functioning unusually. Kidney problems can also cause the swelling symptom because they cannot emit a big enough quantity of fluid and sodium from the blood which puts weight on the blood vessels. If this is the case, the swelling does not take place solely in the feet and ankles but also in the region of the eyes. Chronic venous insufficiency is a health issue where the valves in the veins located in the legs get feeble and damaged. Because of this, they cannot drive the blood that needs to be sent up to the heart. Thus the blood that stays inside the veins enlarges the pressure causing fluid to seep out and causes the symptom of swollen feet and legs.
Swollen Feet and Ankles Treatment
It is important to seek the advice of your doctor who can then take measures to identify the cause.
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