What Causes Swelling in the Feet?

Swelling in the feet is particularly common, and many people have experienced it in their lives. This is especially true for those who sit or stand for extended periods of time. There are numerous reasons for foot swelling, ranging from physiological to pathological causes. Therefore, when foot swelling occurs frequently, it is necessary to promptly visit a hospital to identify the cause and undergo targeted treatment in order to alleviate the discomfort caused by the swelling.

Physiological Causes

1. Standing or walking for long periods of time: Some people may need to stand for extended periods due to work, which can easily lead to swelling due to the effects of gravity and continuous tension in the lower limb muscles, resulting in slowed blood flow and impeded venous return, causing edema.

2. Excessive salt intake: Consuming too much salt can lead to increased water intake and changes in certain hormone levels in the body, resulting in tissue edema.

3. Elderly edema: Edema in the feet is more common in the elderly. As people age, various bodily functions decline, especially in the heart, liver, and kidneys. If the function of these organs decreases, the permeability of the blood vessel walls may increase, allowing water to leak into the tissue spaces, causing edema.

Disease-related Causes

1. Heart disease: Heart conditions can also lead to edema in the feet. For example, a weakened heart's ability to pump blood can lead to blood stagnation in peripheral vessels, increasing the risk of edema.

2. Liver disease: The liver is responsible for synthesizing plasma proteins. If liver function is damaged, it can lead to a decrease in protein levels in the plasma, resulting in fluid retention in the tissue spaces and edema.

3. Kidney disease: Edema in the feet can also be caused by kidney issues. For instance, if the kidney's ability to excrete water and salt is reduced, it can lead to fluid retention and edema.