Common Causes of Swollen Feet & Legs
Benign (Temporary) Causes:
Prolonged sitting or standing (e.g., long flights, desk jobs)
Hot weather – heat dilates blood vessels, allowing fluid to leak into tissues
High sodium intake – salt pulls water into tissues
Dehydration – triggers fluid retention as a survival response
Pregnancy – hormonal shifts + pressure from the uterus on veins
Medications: Blood pressure drugs, steroids, NSAIDs, or hormones
When Swelling May Signal Something Serious:
One-sided swelling + pain/redness → possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Shortness of breath + chest pain → could indicate heart failure
Swelling + fatigue, foamy urine, or weight gain → possible kidney disease
Skin changes, ulcers, or hardening → chronic venous insufficiency
Seek medical attention if:
Swelling is sudden, painful, or only in one leg
You have chest pain, trouble breathing, or fever
Skin is red, warm, or broken
Swelling doesn’t improve with rest/elevation
Natural Ways to Reduce Swelling (At Home)
1. Elevate Your Legs
Lie down and raise legs above heart level for 15–20 minutes, 3–4x/day.
Use pillows or a recliner—gravity helps drain excess fluid.
2. Move Your Body
Walk, stretch, or do ankle circles every hour if sitting/standing long.
