• Eating a poor diet high in salt and carbohydrates
• Abusing laxatives
• Abusing diuretics
• Abusing drugs
• Taking birth control or hormone replacement therapy pills
• Pregnancy and PMS
• Sodium retention
• Varicose veins and history of phlebitis
• Allergic reactions
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Trauma

What are the Symptoms of Swelling Feet?
Initially, the feet and legs will appear swollen as the day progresses, but after a period of time, the swelling will set in first thing in the morning and continue to worsen throughout the day. Long-term edema causes pitting: When you press on the swollen area for a few seconds, you will notice an indentation in that area. Continued swelling can cause skin ulcerations.

• High blood pressure
• Headaches
• Increased urination
• Palpitations
• Swollen hands and/or wrists
• Puffy eyes
• Weight gain
  

What Types of Relief and Prevention are Available?
The hallmark of treatment is to reduce the swelling, and the first line of defense: leg elevation. Elevate legs above the level of the heart, which puts minimal pressure on the backs of the knees and thighs and lower back. Just sitting in a reclining chair in front of the TV is a great way to elevate your legs. Many products, for use at home or at work, can also help reduce swelling.

• Leg wedges to elevate the feet while sleeping.
• Support socks and stockings, either over-the-counter or customer-made.
• Support socks and stockings come in various gradients depending on the pressure needed, and various lengths depending on the level of the edema.
• Proper fitting shoes and socks. Go out to buy new shoes in the afternoon to get the best fit.

Techniques to help decrease swelling:

• Increase muscle activity with walking.
• Avoid standing in place for long period of time.
• Avoid sitting with the feet dependent.
• Limit salt intake.
• Do not abuse diuretics, but a short-term course may be helpful.
• Do not abuse laxatives.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid contraceptive pills and hormone replacement therapy if possible.
• Use a compression pump to help fluid return to the blood vessels.

If the edema persists or continues to worsen, please consult your physician.