Pregnancy
Closeup of hands massaging swollen foot while sitting on sofa
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There are several reasons why pregnancy leads to swollen feet. The body retains more fluid during this period. Also, the belly adds weight to the pelvic floor, which puts pressure on the blood vessels in the legs. Finally, the pregnancy hormone called relaxin. It makes the pelvis relax and enlarge, but it also loosens the ligaments in the feet. A little swelling is normal and could be treated by exercise, proper hydration, and comfortable shoes. If the swelling increases and is followed by nausea, headaches, or blurred sigh, contact your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of a dangerous condition called preeclampsia. [2]
PMS
This pain is so exhaustive
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Hormonal changes can give some women headaches, mood swings, cramps, backaches, nausea, and other lovely effects. It also can cause fluid retention a week or two before the period begins. Exercise, hydration, and reducing sodium should fix the swelling in a few days. [5]
Extra weight
Woman’s leg is edema (swelling) after cancer treatment.
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Similar to pregnancy, extra pounds of body weight can press on the legs’ blood vessels and enlarge the feet. “If you’re sitting a lot, that extra weight in your belly sits right on the groin area, and that can disrupt the lymphatic flow that drains fluid from your legs,” says Tonnessen. “But even losing just 10 or 20 pounds can make a difference.” [5]
Medication Side Effects
Foot swelling during pregnancy.,Swollen feet
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If you are trying new prescription drugs, such as oral contraceptives, steroids, antidepressants, and diabetes medications, they may cause fluid retention and therefore, swollen feet. Talk to your doctor if you think this might be true. However, if the medication is otherwise helping, it might be worth it to switch to comfortable flats instead of strappy sandals. [1]
Varicose veins
Varicose veins on the womans legs
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This condition occurs when the veins in the legs become weak and lose elasticity. The vein’s valves don’t work as well, affecting the blood flow back to the heart, causing the blood to pool and create the signature blue and red lines on the legs, and puffy feet and ankles. Compression socks, exercise, weight loss, and elevating your legs for 15 minutes throughout the day can help alleviate this condition. [6]
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