Swollen and painful feet... What on earth is the problem? 6 signs of health issues

Learn about diseases that can be identified through the feet

That would be good.

I should pay close attention to it regularly~

Swelling of the feet

Sometimes the face, hands, and feet can swell. You may notice these changes after a long flight or standing for a long time. Some women also experience such changes during their menstrual period. Generally, the swelling subsides naturally over time, but if there is a health problem, it does not resolve on its own. Edema can occur when there is a deficiency of proteins in the body, or in cases of heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease.

◆ Kidney function issues

If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, the kidneys may not function properly in filtering waste from the blood. As a result, excess sodium remains in the blood, and our body tends to retain water. Due to gravity, when water moves downward, it mainly causes swelling in the feet and ankles.

[Photo=Clipart Korea]

◆ Heart Failure

Even if heart function declines, blood does not flow properly. As a result, blood remains in the feet and legs. People with heart failure feel uncomfortable when lying flat, and symptoms such as rapid or irregular heartbeat may occur. They may also experience difficulty breathing. If these symptoms appear, heart failure should be suspected, and medical assistance should be sought.

Ankle ligament injury

If you stumble or twist your ankle, the ligament may be damaged or the bone may be broken, causing the foot to swell. This swelling occurs as blood gathers in the injured area to aid healing. If the ligament or bone is injured, the structure of the ankle becomes unstable, leading to severe pain whenever weight is applied. If left untreated, the instability can worsen, so it is essential to seek medical treatment when these symptoms appear.

Chronic venous insufficiency

If the flow of veins is not normal, chronic venous insufficiency occurs. When a person is older or sits or stands for a long time, the pumping action that helps blood flow normally weakens. The valves that prevent reflux in the veins can become damaged, causing blood to flow backward. Blood that should go to the heart remains in the feet and legs, leading to swelling. In such cases, lifestyle changes may be necessary, and surgical treatment might be required.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension

Pregnant women tend to retain more body fluids, which naturally causes their feet to swell. This swelling is especially pronounced after standing for long periods or at the end of the day. While it may cause discomfort, it does not pose any particular harm to the health of the pregnant woman or the fetus.

If you experience symptoms such as headache, nausea, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, and swelling of the feet, it could be caused by pregnancy-induced hypertension. Recently, the term preeclampsia has been less commonly used, and instead, it is often referred to as hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy. It begins around the 20th week of pregnancy, and if not treated promptly, it can harm liver and kidney health, so caution is necessary.

Kim Soo-hyun ksm78@kormedi.com

Health/Fitness

Swollen and painful feet... What on earth is the problem? 6 signs of health issues