How to avoid swollen feet? 4 tips on how to treat swelling in the feet
Do you often suffer from swollen feet? Not treating this can lead to much more serious problems, even the need for surgery. However, there’s no need to worry if you take action in time. We present 4 proven tips on how to eliminate swelling in the feet and especially how to avoid it in the future.
Why do our feet swell up, and what’s happening when they do?
You’re familiar with the problem. You get home after a long day at work, and still have plenty of other tasks to deal with, such as cooking, looking after the children, or cleaning up. And the only chance you have to take a breather and relax is a little while before you go to bed. On top of that, your feet are so swollen that you would probably need shoes two sizes bigger if you wanted to go for an evening walk. So what’s happening with your feet at times like these?
Our feet start swelling when the blood vessels are unable to transport blood back towards the heart. This increases intravenous pressure, suppresses cell nutrition, and causes fluid to accumulate in the tissues. As a result, you may sense an unpleasant pressure, tingling, pins and needles, or even cramps and pain. These feelings are most commonly experienced in the afternoon or evening. However, one’s feet can also swell up during the day.
Causes of swelling in the feet
There are several things that can cause swelling in the feet. As we’ve already mentioned, one reason can be the fact that you’re on your feet all day. However, let’s take a look at some other causes:
- unsuitable footwear
- heat
- a sedentary job
- excess strain on the feet
- obesity
- lack of exercise
- pregnancy
- poor kidney or liver function or heart problems
By unsuitable footwear we mean, for instance, shoes that are too tight, or especially women’s high-heeled shoes. However, this does not mean you should not wear heels at all, ladies. You just need to consider whether you’ll be spending too much time standing in heels. If you do, besides swollen feet, you also risk getting hallux valgus or hammer toes.
Another cause is heat. And not only on hot summer days, but also when taking a sauna or a hot bath. A relaxing hot bath will not do much to help heavy and swollen feet. Just the opposite, in fact.
Other causes can be health-related, such as your kidneys or liver not working properly. Swollen feet are also just one of the symptoms of heart problems. They can also occur during pregnancy, when the body has to cope with relatively rapid and major changes.
What can it lead to?
Everyone has had swollen feet at one time or another. And I’m sure that most of you did not consider it a big deal. However, as soon your feet start to swell often, or even every day, you should take note. The consequences can be fatal. Failure to deal with swollen feet can lead to:
- varicose veins
- fallen arches
- hallux valgus
- other health complications, of which swelling in the feet is merely the cause
Hallux valgus, varicose veins and other health complications can be treated. Sometimes, however, these problems require surgery. If the liver, kidneys or even the heart are damaged, the consequences can be permanent, even after medical treatment.
Get rid of swollen feet
Most people deal with the problem when it arises. For many of us, this teaches us to try to prevent complications in the future. In the case of swollen feet, prevention means a good chance to avoid fatal consequences.
Tip 1: Be active
Include some physical activity in your daily routine. You could start by going for walks. We also recommend taking up a sport. This will improve the circulation in your feet.
Tip 2: Choose suitable footwear
You don’t have to stop wearing high heels. You should simply consider whether heels are the best choice, if you expect to spend ten hours of the day standing up or walking. We do of course recommend wearing comfortable closed shoes, or orthopaedic insoles. If you do have to wear heels at work, try taking them off under the table and letting your feet relax. Or avoid wearing overly tight socks and trousers.
Tip 3: Wear Foot Alignment Socks
Rest is obviously important to enable the feet to regenerate properly. And while relaxing, you can wear Foot Alignment Socks. These help not only to prevent swollen feet and legs, but also improve ailments such as hammer toes, hallux valgus, flat feet, or foot cramps. Read what a physiotherapist thinks about wearing Foot Alignment Socks.
Tip 4: Shower your feet switching between cold and hot water
A relaxing hot bath or taking a sauna could make the problem even worse. However, if you shower your feet switching between cold and hot water, you’ll feel a sense of relief almost immediately.
Mix them up, and don’t forget about prevention
The ideal thing is to combine the tips we’ve mentioned above. If, after all that, you still have problems with swollen feet, you should consult a doctor. And don’t forget about prevention. For instance, we recommend wearing Foot Alignment Socks as a means of prevention, even if you don’t have any problems with your feet. This can help to avoid all the above complications.
Fancy giving Foot Alignment Socks a try? Check out our range of socks.
