Throughout the day, your feet swell naturally, especially if you're standing and walking a lot. However, the swelling should go down shortly after. If it doesn't, the issue may be due to a medical condition, injury, medication, or your diet, requiring a foot doctor to diagnose the cause. Until you can visit one, here are some common reasons why your feet may feel uncomfortable.

Why Do Your Feet Swell?

1. Pregnancy

If you are pregnant, you will likely deal with swollen feet regularly, especially during the third trimester. Fluid retention and extra weight place more pressure on the lower extremities, which is why the feet swell during pregnancy. However, you should consult a doctor if you experience sudden swelling or swelling that's accompanied by dizziness, difficulty breathing, or confusion, as these are signs of a more serious health issue.

2. Foot Injuries

Swelling caused by a foot injury is usually easy to self-diagnose, as you can tie the issue to a recent sprain or fracture. In this case, you will feel a fair amount of pain and discomfort, depending on the severity of the injury. While you can treat minor injuries by using rest, ice, compression, and elevation, you should visit a foot doctor to assess significant pain and swelling. They will examine your foot to determine if you tore any muscles or broke any bones.

3. Edema

This is a condition that occurs when your body retains excess fluid. While this is common during pregnancy, it can also result from eating salty foods, sitting for too long, or taking certain medications, and it can be present in both men and women. 

Less frequently, edema is a side effect of an underlying issue. For example, it's a symptom of kidney disease, heart failure, and deep vein thrombosis, which causes swelling in one leg. If you also experience chest pain or shortness of breath, seek immediate medical attention.

Regardless of the cause, if you need help caring for swollen feet, contact St. Peters Foot & Ankle: Samuel T. Wood-DPM. This foot doctor has more than 20 years of experience treating patients at his two locations in St. Peters and Florissant, MO. His team treats a variety of foot conditions, including sports injuries, arthritis, bunions, and corns. They can even design custom orthotics to help improve your comfort. Call (636) 720-0190 to schedule an appointment with this foot doctor. Visit them online for more information about their services.