Tips to Prevent Swelling in Your Feet

Last month we discussed the effects of travel on the feet and ankles. It can lead to swelling and there are things that you can do to prevent it like drinking more fluids and being sure to stretch your legs during the car ride or flight. While normally swelling is just an annoyance, it can occasionally be an indication of a more serious issue.

Swollen ankles can be a sign of a blood clot in the foot or ankle which blocks proper blood flow. It can also cause a condition called Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT). DVT refers to a blood clot deep within the vein. This usually occurs in the calf or ankle. Some of the signs that you may have DVT are feeling any of the following symptoms for more than a couple of hours.

• Swelling

• Warmth

• Redness

• Pain

• Discomfort

There are a few situations that can cause Deep-Vein Thrombosis:

• Traumatic Injury

• Surgery

• Sitting for a long period of time

• Genetics

• Cancer/cancer treatments

If you are experiencing swelling or pain in your feet or ankles, make an appointment with your doctor at one of the Gulf South Foot and Ankle offices. It is important to see us as soon as possible as the blood clot can break off and travel to a lung. We also suggest making an appointment with our friends at the Cardiovascular Institute of the South.