Having swollen feet does not only hurt but makes movement extremely difficult. Reasons for getting swollen feet are not always clear, but some health conditions make one more likely to develop swollen feet.
Edema
This is when the body holds on to too much water. It can make the feet swollen as well as the hands and face. One can notice it after a long flight or when he or she stands for hours and some women experience it around their menstrual period. It usually goes away, but sometimes it can be a sign of a health problem such as low protein levels, heart failure, kidney or liver disease.
Pregnancy
As a natural part of pregnancy, the feet can swell because a woman’s body contains more water than she expects. It can be worse at the end of the day or after standing for a long time. This is usually not a sign of a problem for the mother or baby, but it can be uncomfortable.
Preeclampsia
While many pregnant women have swollen legs, if the swelling is accompanied by a headache, nausea, shortness of breath, or abdominal pain, this could be a sign of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia begins no earlier than 20 weeks of pregnancy and is associated with high blood pressure. It can damage the liver or kidneys and can be serious if left untreated. Be sure to seek medical help if you have had any of these symptoms.
Heart failure
This is when the heart isn’t pumping blood as it should be. If the blood does not flow well in the right direction, it can return to the feet and legs and cause swelling. Heart failure can make it uncomfortable to lie down, causing the heart to beat faster. Get medical help immediately if you notice any of these signs.
Liver disease
If one has hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) or drinks a lot, the liver still has to fix itself. This can cause scar tissue to replace healthy tissue and the liver may stop working as it should. When this happens, too much fluid can build up in the stomach, legs, and feet, causing them to swell.
