Swollen feet are a common reason for patients to visit their foot doctor’s office. When one or both feet are swollen, standing and walking can become uncomfortable, and moving becomes challenging, leading to limited activity and diminished overall health. If you notice swelling in your feet, ankles, or lower legs, you should be seen quickly by a board-certified podiatrist like Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos. Your podiatrist is a medical specialist, and the best-qualified doctor to diagnose and treat your issue.
There are many reasons why your feet may swell, including:
- Edema: This is when your body retains too much water. It might happen after a long plane flight or an extended period on your feet. Some women experience edema during their monthly cycle or during pregnancy. Edema is typically harmless and goes away on its own after a little while. If it doesn’t, it can be a sign of systemic illness including heart, liver, or kidney disease.
- Foot or ankle injury: Your foot might swell if you’ve hurt yourself. It’s important to see your doctor right away to rule out a possible sprain or fracture.
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency: This is an illness in which the veins of the legs have difficulty returning blood to the heart. Blood can pool in the legs and feet, leading to swelling. In addition to swelling, be on the lookout for particularly dry, scaly skin on the calves, which is often an indicator of CVI.
If swollen feet are causing you discomfort, or if you are concerned about anything else related to the health and well-being of your feet, ankles, and lower legs, Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM can help. Schedule an appointment in our modern, comfortable Chicago office today. Call our friendly staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to get started today.