Relieving the Pressure on Your Swollen Feet

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As we age, our bodies find subtle ways to tell us maybe we should ease off certain activities. Have you ever eaten too many salty pretzels and looked down at your feet to see too big balloons with toes? If you’ve been pregnant, there might have been long stretches where you couldn’t see your feet because of your growing baby, but you could feel them expanding underneath you. If you’re a diabetic patient, you probably already know that swollen feet is a bad sign and means it’s time to see your podiatrist. Here at Maple Springs Foot Center, we treat people with swollen feet, swollen joints, and any other type of issue!

We know how uncomfortable it can be to have swollen feet or ankles. Sometimes it can make it tough to walk or make it impossible to put on shoes. The best cure for this issue is prevention. Follow the tips below to prevent swelling from ruining your day:

  • Lay off the salt! Salty snacks are often the culprit of swelling. Reduce your salt intake and check the sodium levels on all the foods you eat.
  • Elevate your legs. Prop your legs up when you’re relaxing to help decrease swelling. Stretching or yoga poses that position your legs up or pressed against a wall can help alleviate swelling too.
  • Stretch it out! Standing all day on your feet or sitting in one place for long stretches can induce swelling in your feet. Flex your ankles and extending your legs back and forth can help if you’re stuck in a seat. Get some ankle rolls and stretches in to keep the blood flowing if you have to be on your feet.
  • Work out! Swimming is a fantastic sport that is non-impact and can help reduce swelling.
  • Soak the swell out. A cool or room-temperature bath filled with Epsom salts can decrease pain that’s associated with swelling.
  • Lose some weight. Extra weight can increase the pressure on your lower extremities, which can rapidly lead to swollen feet and ankles. Your doctor can help work with you to find a diet plan that can help you lose weight responsibly.

If you’ve been experiencing swelling in your feet or ankles and you just can’t figure out the source or how to alleviate the pressure, give us a call. Dr. Stuart Snyder here at Maple Springs Foot Center is here to help with any feet or ankle issues you might be experiencing. To get in touch, request an appointment online or call our office conveniently located in Gaithersburg, MD at 301-762-3338.

foot conditionsMaple Springs Foot Centerdiabetic patient