⚠️ When Swelling Could Signal a Health Problem
While occasional swelling is normal, certain patterns can point to underlying conditions — especially if swelling is:
Sudden
One-sided
Painful
Persistent
Accompanied by other symptoms
🚩 6 Serious Conditions Linked to Swollen Feet
1. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
A blood clot in a deep leg vein
Usually one leg with pain, redness, warmth
🚨 Medical emergency — risk of pulmonary embolism
2. Heart Failure
Heart can’t pump effectively → fluid backs up in legs
Swelling in both feet/ankles, worse at day’s end
Often with shortness of breath, fatigue, weight gain
3. Kidney Disease
Kidneys can’t remove fluid/sodium
Swelling in feet, hands, around eyes
May also have foamy urine, fatigue, high blood pressure
4. Liver Disease (Cirrhosis)
Liver fails to produce albumin → fluid leaks into tissues
Swelling in legs (edema) and abdomen (ascites)
Often with jaundice, easy bruising, fatigue
5. Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Weakened vein valves → blood pooling in legs
Worse with standing, improves with elevation
May also have varicose veins, skin changes
6. Lymphedema
Lymphatic blockage/damage (after surgery or infection)
Chronic, firm swelling (often one-sided)
Skin feels thick or tight
✅ What You Can Do at Home (For Mild Swelling)
Elevate your legs above heart level
Walk or move regularly
Wear compression socks
Reduce salt intake
Stay hydrated
Avoid tight shoes/socks
❗ Don’t ignore swelling that doesn’t improve in 2–3 days.
