Your foot and ankle have numerous delicate tendons, bones, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments. Furthermore, since your foot and ankle are the most hardworking parts of your body, they are susceptible to injuries and accidents. An issue Dr. Jordan D Cameron has to deal with almost regularly is swollen foot and ankle. The inflammation may come from a harmless routine activity or indicate a severe developing health issue requiring immediate attention.

Subsequently, below are the common reasons your foot and ankle may be swelling.

• You are pregnant

The swelling in your feet and ankles often occurs because as the baby grows and develops, more pressure exertion reaches the pelvic veins. As a result, you also suffer from blood circulation issues.

The swelling of your feet and ankles tends to worsen the more you get closer to delivery. Moreover, a high outdoor temperature can increase the condition.

Talk to your doctor if the inflammation is frequent and extends to the face and hands.

• You are obese or overweight

According to the WHO, when you are obese or overweight, you have an excessive accumulation of body fat that compromises your health and general wellness. Because you have unnecessary weight, there is a lot of stress and pressure on your feet and ankles as they try to support you when you stand, walk, exercise, run, or carry your daily activities.

If your BMI, your body mass divided by height, is more than 50, you are at more risk of leg and foot swelling. The condition may become permanent, so even reducing weight may not help much. You will thus need to discuss your treatment options with your health specialist.

• Injury

Prevalent foot and ankle injuries include tears, fractures, and sprains. If you fracture, tear, or sprain your foot and ankle, such as when you are physically exercising or participating in physical activity, you will have an injury that swells.

The inflammation may also result from surgical treatment of the injury.

Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism of the body, and it involves releasing many chemicals to the affected part to help protect your body from harmful bacteria. The delivery and accumulation of more blood and fluids in the affected ankle and foot location makes it appear more prominent.

• Consumption of excess salt

Sodium chloride can come from water and food, including processed snacks, bread, pizza, and eggs.

Salt is vital in your body for controlling fluid balance and maintaining the volume and pressure of your blood. However, if you frequently overeat salt, you are prone to increased blood pressure and more fluid retention, leading to edema: an inflammation of your feet and ankles.

• Blood clot

Blood clotting in the veins of your foot and ankle, often referred to as DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), is a severe health issue requiring immediate medical attention. If a blood clot from your leg and ankle manages to free itself and finds its way into your lung’s blood vessel, it may lead to your death.

Contact the Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado today for a comprehensive foot and ankle diagnosis and care.