Swollen feet are essentially a condition where there is buildup of excessive fluid in the feet. The muscles of the feet may become swollen due to the excessive amount of fluid in the body. This usually happens when you are sitting in the same position for a long time or have been walking for long distances. This accumulation of fluid is usually responsible for a rapid increase of weight in a short span of time.
Along with the swelling of the ankles and toes, there might be a slight amount of swelling in the lower parts of the legs. If the swelling is persistent and is accompanied by various other symptoms like shortness of breath, gain in weight, and skin problems, you should immediately see a doctor because these could be signs of diabetes.
The swelling caused by a simple buildup of fluid is known as edema and the treatment of swelling caused by edema and swelling caused due to diabetes are completely different. The simplest way to treat edema is to keep your legs at an elevated position every time you sit. The elevation of the feet should be above the level of your heart. This helps in reducing the blood flow to the feet and prevents fluid build up.
Anti inflammatory medicines can be taken in case you want a temporary solution to the swelling. However, medication of this kind can only help you for a short while and is not a long term solution.
Some of the other treatment options for swollen foot include using wedges between legs to keep the feet elevated while you are sleeping. There are special socks and stockings which help in supporting the legs and applying pressure on the feet, in order to prevent fluid buildup. These socks are made up of different materials for applying varying amount of pressure on the legs.
Another simple remedy for preventing fluid build-up is to wear well fitting shoes and socks. This helps in making sure that your feet remain comfortable when you are walking. This will also help regulate the fluids well so that they do not accumulate in the lower extremities. You can also make slight changes in your diet to reduce fluid retention. Try to cut back on salt and drink lots of water. Salt contains sodium, which contributes to water retention in the body. If you frequently experience stomach problems, try to refrain from using a lot of laxatives. These could also contribute to water retention and fluid build up.