It’s normal for your feet and ankles to swell a little after being on your feet all day for work or from playing sports or exercising. Swelling can also be caused by an injury or disease. If you experience foot and ankle swelling that doesn’t subside, have it checked out by your podiatrist for the proper care.

Some of the possible reasons for your feet and ankles to swell include the following:

• Carrying extra pounds—When you are severely overweight, the extra pressure on your feet when you walk, stand, or exercise can cause them to swell up.
• Diseases—Problems with the kidneys, liver, heart, and lungs can contribute to swelling in the feet and ankles.
• Medications—Blood pressure reducers, antidepressants, steroids, and hormone replacement therapy meds can contribute to foot and ankle swelling.
• Poor blood circulation—Blood vessel and artery constriction can prevent fluids from being reabsorbed with resultant swelling of the hands, feet, and ankles.
• Foot and ankle injuries—Spraining your ankle or otherwise damaging your foot can cause a rapid increase of swelling and pain.
• Pregnancy—Swelling in your feet and ankles during pregnancy is normal. See your foot doctor if it becomes problematic.

Severe swelling may be the sign of a serious problem, so be sure to see your foot doctor for any swelling that doesn’t subside after a day or two. At Your Next Step, our team of board-certified podiatrists has access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience, to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, including sports injuries, joint pain, toe deformities, nail fungus, chronic tendon pain, and skin problems. Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich, and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen provide high-quality foot and ankle care to patients in the greater Philadelphia area at our offices conveniently located in Ardmore, Paoli, and Downingtown, PA. Please contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.