If a pregnant woman experiences any of these symptoms, she should speak with her doctor or midwife straight away.
Top of Foot Swollen: Causes and Treatments
If you have ever woken up to find that the top of your foot is swollen, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Several things can cause this condition, and thankfully, there are just as many ways to treat it. Read on to learn more about the top of foot swelling and what you can do about it. This article is a part of our foot pain series that should work as a complete resource for everything about foot conditions. If you’re interested in reading more about foot pain, you can find the article here.
What to do if the top of the foot is swollen
The first step in dealing with a swollen top of the foot is to figure out the cause. If you can identify the source of the problem, you will be able to better treat the swelling. However, if you cannot pinpoint the cause, there are still some things that you can do to ease the discomfort. If your top of foot swelling is the result of an injury, you should ice the area for 20 minutes at a time. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to help with any discomfort. If the swelling does not improve after a few days, or if it gets worse, you should see a doctor. It is also important to rest your foot as much as possible when the top of it is swollen. This means staying off of it as much as you can and keeping it elevated above your heart. You may also want to wear loose-fitting shoes to avoid putting pressure on the swollen area. If your top of foot swelling is due to edema, there are a few things that you can do to help reduce the swelling. First, try wearing compression socks or stockings. These garments help to reduce the amount of fluid that builds up in your foot. You should also avoid standing for long periods and, instead, take breaks to elevate your foot. If the top of your foot is swollen because of an infection, you will need to see a doctor right away. The doctor will prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain medication and use ice to help with any discomfort.
There are a few different things that can cause the top of the foot to swell. However, with some rest and home treatment, the swelling should go down within a few days. If the swelling does not improve or gets worse, you should see a doctor.
Causes of top of foot swelling
Many different things can cause the top of the foot to swell. Some of the more common causes include: –Injury: If you injure your foot, it can cause the top of it to swell. This is especially true if you break a bone in your foot or ankle. –Edema: Edema is a condition that causes fluid to build up in your body. This can lead to swelling in your feet and ankles. –Infection: An infection in your foot can cause the top of it to swell. This is usually the result of an ingrown toenail or athlete’s foot. –Vein problems: If you have vein problems, such as varicose veins, they can cause the top of your foot to swell. –Overuse: If you overuse your foot, it can lead to swelling. This is often the case with athletes or people who stand for long periods of time. –Poor footwear: Wearing shoes that are too tight or have high heels can cause the top of your foot to swell.
When to see a doctor about the top of foot swelling
If the top of your foot is swollen and you cannot identify the cause, you should see a doctor. This is especially true if the swelling does not go down after a few days or if it gets worse. A doctor can help to determine the cause of the top of foot swelling and prescribe the appropriate treatment. In some cases, further testing, such as an MRI or X-ray, may be necessary.
DIagnosis when the top of the foot is swollen
If you are experiencing top of foot swelling, there are a few things that your doctor will do to diagnose the problem. First, they will take a medical history and ask about any injuries or illnesses that you have had. They will also ask about your symptoms and when they started. Next, your doctor will do a physical examination of your foot. They will look for any signs of injury, infection, or vein problems. They may also order X-rays or other imaging tests to rule out other causes of the swelling.
How to treat top of foot swelling
Once your doctor has diagnosed the cause of your top of foot swelling, they will develop a treatment plan. If the swelling is due to an injury, you may need to ice the area and take pain medication. You may also need to wear a splint or cast to immobilize the foot. If the top of your foot is swollen because of edema, your doctor may recommend wearing compression socks or stockings. They may also suggest that you elevate your foot when possible and avoid standing for long periods of time. If an infection is causing the top of your foot to swell, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain medication and use ice to help with any discomfort. If vein problems are causing the top of your foot to swell, your doctor may recommend wearing compression socks or stockings. They may also suggest that you elevate your foot when possible and avoid standing for long periods. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.
Prevention of top of foot swelling
There are a few things that you can do to prevent top of foot swelling. First, make sure to wear comfortable, supportive shoes. Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight or have high heels. If you are going to be standing for long hours, take breaks and elevate your feet. You should also avoid crossing your legs when sitting down. Finally, if you have edema, make sure to wear compression socks or stockings as directed by your doctor. The wrong footwear is by far the number one reason for top of foot swelling. And at the same time, this is the easiest thing you can fix on your own. Try more shoe models at a local shop or mall and find a brand, model or type of shoe that fits like a glove without causing any pressure or discomfort. Heel cushions, insoles and orthotics, gel inserts or other support devices can also be placed inside the shoes to offload any pressure from the top of the foot. In case you have diabetes or any other medical condition that puts you at risk for top-of-foot wounds, inspect your feet every day and see a doctor at the first sign of redness, swelling or pain in the top of the foot area. If you are overweight, shedding some pounds may also take the pressure off your feet and help with top of foot swelling. In most cases, top-of-foot swelling is not a serious condition and can be easily treated at home. However, if the swelling does not go down after a few days or gets worse, you should see a doctor. A doctor can determine the cause of the top of foot swelling and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Wearing shoes that prevent top of foot swelling
There are a few things to look for when choosing shoes to prevent top of foot swelling. First, make sure that the shoes fit well. They should not be too tight or too loose. Second, the shoes should have a low heel and good arch support. Third, the shoes should be made of breathable materials. Finally, avoid wearing shoes with high heels or pointed toes.
A good starting point are sports shoes / running shoes that offer some arch support. You can also try shoes with a wide toe box to give your toes room to move. Try different brands and models and make sure to walk around in the store. If you visit a store specializing on running shoes, you might be able to get a walk/run analysis and can try some pairs out on a treadmill or device that scientifically measures your feet to find the right shoe for your feet. Custom-made shoes are an option for people with top-of-foot swelling caused by conditions like diabetes, arthritis or Charcot’s foot. These shoes are designed to fit the specific needs of your feet and can help prevent top-of-foot swelling.
Key Takeaways
– Top of foot swelling is often caused by poor footwear choices, edema, infection, or vein problems. – If you have top of foot swelling, make sure to see a doctor so they can determine the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment. – You can prevent top of foot swelling by wearing comfortable, supportive shoes and taking breaks if you are going to be standing for long periods of time. – If you have diabetes or any other medical condition that puts you at risk for top-of-foot wounds, inspect your feet every day and see a doctor at the first sign of redness, swelling or pain in the top of the foot area. – In most cases, top-of-foot swelling is not a serious condition and can be easily treated at home. However, if the swelling does not go down after a few days or gets worse, you should see a doctor. – Custom-made shoes are an option for people with top-of-foot swelling caused by conditions like diabetes, arthritis or Charcot’s foot. These shoes are designed to fit the specific needs of your feet and can help prevent top-of-foot swelling. Thank you for taking the time to read this article on top of foot swelling. We hope that you have found it informative and helpful. If you have any experiences or opinions to share, please leave a review below and join the discussion. Thanks again for reading!
Why are my feet swollen?
A person might experience swollen feet for a number of reasons. Some causes, such as minor injury, are apparent and easy to treat. Others, however, may be signs of a serious underlying health condition that needs prompt medical attention.
Here, we take a look at some of the reasons why a person’s feet may appear swollen, when they should talk to a doctor, and what the treatment might involve.
Edema is the medical term for swelling that occurs when fluid becomes trapped in the body’s tissues. It usually affects the legs and feet but can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the face or abdomen.
Other signs of edema include:
- shiny, stretched skin over the affected area
- skin that stays dimpled after pressing it
- discomfort and reduced mobility
- coughing or difficulty breathing, if it affects the lungs
Treatment
Edema may go away by itself, or there may be an underlying cause that needs medical treatment.
Home remedies include wearing support stockings, reducing salt intake, and lying down while raising the legs above the chest.
If the swelling does not improve, a person should talk to their doctor to check for any underlying causes.
Trauma to the foot or ankle can cause swelling in this area of the body.
For example, a sprained ankle, which occurs when the ligaments become overstretched, could cause the foot to swell.
Treatment
To treat a foot or ankle injury, a person should elevate the foot when possible and try not to bear weight on the affected leg.
Using an ice pack or compression bandage can help reduce swelling, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease discomfort.
If the swelling and pain do not go away, a person might need to see their doctor to rule out more severe damage.
A common symptom of late pregnancy is for the feet and ankles to swell. This swelling is due to fluid retention and increased pressure on the veins.
Home remedies
To treat swollen feet during pregnancy, women can elevate their feet where possible, wear comfortable and supportive footwear, and avoid standing for extended periods.
Staying cool, avoiding salt, and increasing water intake can help reduce fluid retention. Wearing supportive clothing, such as tights or compression stockings, should also reduce discomfort and help the swelling decrease.
If swelling during pregnancy comes on suddenly and is severe, it could be a sign of preeclampsia. This is a condition that can occur during pregnancy or immediately after the birth. Symptoms include protein in the urine, rapid excessive fluid retention, and high blood pressure.
This is a severe condition that usually occurs in the latter half of pregnancy and can progress to eclampsia, which is even more dangerous and constitutes a medical emergency.
Signs of preeclampsia include:
- severe swelling
- headaches
- dizziness
- nausea and vomiting
- vision changes
- less frequent urination
Treatment
If a pregnant woman experiences any of these symptoms, she should speak with her doctor or midwife straight away.
Some lifestyle factors can also lead to swollen feet. These factors include:
- having a sedentary lifestyle
- being overweight
- wearing ill-fitting shoes
Home remedies
Exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of swollen feet.
Other ways to alleviate swollen feet include:
- drinking plenty of water
- wearing compression socks or stockings
- soaking the feet in cool water
- raising the feet above the heart regularly
- staying active
- losing weight if overweight
- eating a healthful diet and being mindful of salt intake
- massaging the feet
- eating more potassium-rich foods, as these can help reduce water retention
Share on Pinterest Steroids can cause swelling in the feet.
Taking certain medications can result in the feet swelling, especially if they cause water retention.
Medications that may cause the feet to swell include:
- hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone
- calcium-channel blockers that help control blood pressure
- steroids, both androgenic and anabolic, and corticosteroids
- antidepressants
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- medication to help manage diabetes
Anyone who thinks that their medication is causing their feet to swell should speak with a doctor, who may be able to alter the dosage or prescribe a different type of medication.
Alcohol can cause the body to retain excess water, causing the feet to swell. If the swelling continues for more than 2 days, a person should make an appointment with their doctor.
Recurrent swelling of the feet after drinking alcohol may be a sign of an underlying issue with the heart, liver, or kidneys.
Home remedies
Elevating the feet above the heart, drinking plenty of water, and reducing salt intake may all help minimize swelling. Soaking the feet in cold water can also relieve symptoms.
During hot weather, the feet can swell because their veins expand to cool the body. This process can cause fluid to leak into the surrounding tissue. Fluid can also collect in the ankles and feet.
Home remedies
Drinking plenty of water and wearing well-fitting, comfortable shoes that allow some ventilation can help prevent the feet from swelling in warm weather.
An infection can cause swelling in the feet and ankles. People with diabetes have an increased risk of infection affecting their feet, so they should remain vigilant for any changes to this part of the body, such as blisters and sores appearing.
Treatment
A doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics to treat infections.
Venous insufficiency occurs when a person’s blood cannot flow around the body properly. This is due to damaged valves causing blood to leak down the vessels and fluid retention in the lower legs, particularly around the feet and ankles.
Signs of venous insufficiency include:
- achy legs
- skin changes, such as flaking
- new varicose veins appearing
- skin ulcers
- infection
Treatment
A person experiencing any signs of venous insufficiency should make an appointment with their doctor as soon as possible.
To treat venous insufficiency, a doctor may recommend making some lifestyle changes, such as taking up exercise to help keep the blood pumping around the body efficiently. Compression stockings and medication to prevent blood clots can also help.
In some cases, a doctor may suggest surgery to try to repair the damaged valves.
Blood clots occur when the blood fails to flow around the body correctly, causing platelets to stick together.
If blood clots develop in the leg veins, they may prevent the blood from moving back to the heart. This can cause the ankles and feet to swell.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when blood clots form deep in the legs. DVT is a serious condition that can cause a blockage in the major leg veins. In some cases, the clots may break loose and move to the heart or lungs.
Signs of DVT include:
- swelling in one leg
- pain or discomfort in the leg
- low-grade fever
- color changes in the leg
Treatment
If a person notices any signs of DVT, they should seek urgent medical attention. A doctor may prescribe blood-thinning medication to treat blood clots.
People can help prevent blood clots by wearing tights, compression stockings, or clothing that is loose-fitting around the ankles.
Other prevention methods include keeping active and reducing salt intake. It is also best to avoid standing or sitting still, especially with crossed legs, for extended periods.
Share on Pinterest Treatments for lymphedema focus on draining excess fluid.
The lymphatic system helps the body get rid of unwanted substances, such as bacteria and toxins. Lymphedema occurs when lymphatic fluid gathers in the tissues as a result of problems with the lymph vessels.
If the lymph vessels are damaged or absent, lymphatic fluid can build up and lead to infection, slow wound healing, and even deformity.
People who undergo radiation therapy or lymph node removal have a higher risk of lymphedema. Anyone who has undergone cancer treatment and experiences swelling should contact their doctor immediately.
As well as swelling of the feet, signs of lymphedema include:
- recurrent infections
- impaired motion
- aching
- a feeling of tightness or heaviness
- thickening of the skin
Treatment
Treatment options for lymphedema include exercises and targeted massage, which can both help drain the excess fluid. Wearing bandages or compression garments may also be beneficial.
Swelling of the feet could be a sign of heart disease or heart failure. If the heart is damaged, it cannot pump blood to the heart efficiently.
Right-sided heart failure can cause the body to retain salt and water, resulting in swollen feet.
As well as swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet, symptoms of heart failure include:
- shortness of breath, particularly when exercising or lying down
- rapid heartbeat
- weakness
- fatigue
- coughing or wheezing
- white or pink, blood-tinged phlegm
- abdominal swelling
- rapid weight gain from fluid retention
- loss of appetite
- nausea or vomiting
- difficulty concentrating or confusion
Treatment
If a person experiences any of the above symptoms, they should seek immediate medical attention.
Treatment options for heart failure include medications, medical devices to help support the heart, and surgery.
People with poorly functioning kidneys may not be able to flush out fluid, which can build up in the body.
Kidney disease may not present any symptoms until it is severe and the kidneys are beginning to fail. Signs and symptoms of kidney failure include:
- less frequent urination
- shortness of breath
- drowsiness or fatigue
- pain or pressure in the chest
- seizures
- nausea
- confusion
- coma
Treatment
Treatment options for kidney disease include medication, a low-protein diet, and supplements of vitamin D and calcium.
The treatment options for kidney failure include dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Liver disease can inhibit the production of albumin. Albumin is a protein that helps stop the blood leaking from blood vessels. A lack of albumin means that the blood may leak, causing fluid to pool in the legs and feet, which can result in swelling.
Symptoms of liver disease include:
- jaundice, in which the skin and eyes turn yellow
- dark urine
- bruising easily
- loss of appetite
- skin itching
- lack of energy
- nausea or vomiting
- tender, swollen abdomen
- pale, bloody, or tar-colored stools
Treatment
To treat liver disease, a doctor may prescribe medication. They may also suggest making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or reducing alcohol intake.
In more severe cases of liver disease, surgery may be necessary.
Many cases of swollen feet tend to resolve without medical care, although home remedies and lifestyle changes can help reduce the swelling.
If the swelling does not go away or it occurs repeatedly, it is essential to make an appointment with a doctor to determine whether there is an underlying cause.
If swollen feet occur alongside shortness of breath, chest pain, or pressure in the chest, call the emergency services immediately.
Last medically reviewed on January 29, 2020
- Dermatology
- Vascular
- Blood / Hematology
- Cardiovascular / Cardiology
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