How Do Feet Get Swollen?

Gravity

The first, and most common, cause of swollen feet is just plain ol' gravity. The longer that you stand on your feet, the more apt the fluids within your body will succumb to the power of gravity and move from your upper regions to your feet. These liquids pool at the lowest point of the body, which when you are standing, is your feet.

Venous Insufficiency

Venous insufficiency is another common cause of swollen feet. Venous insufficiency is a condition in which blood flow through the veins is inhibited. This inhibition is usually caused by a blood clot. As the blood backs up in the vein it may cause swelling. This condition can become a serious health problem if not treated correctly. If venous insufficiency is caused by a blood clot, the clot may loosen and travel to the heart or brain, causing a heart attack or stroke.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy can also cause swollen feet. When a woman becomes pregnant, her body secretes extra blood supply for the body. This increase in blood volume can sometimes cause blood to escape the veins and enter the tissue causing swelling. This most commonly occurs in the feet or the lower legs.

Serious Health Issues

Swollen feet may also be a symptom of a serious health problem. Congestive heart failure, liver disease/failure, kidney disease/failure, thyroid disease and emphysema all count swollen feet among their symptoms. If you are not pregnant, and your swollen feet do not subside in a week or so, check with your doctor to see if they may be a symptom of a more serious disorder.

Relief

Methods to relieve the swelling can include, soaking your feet in epsom salt water, elevating your feet, reducing your salt intake and massaging your feet and legs to increase the circulation to your feet.