More about Wide Feet...
Some Common Causes
- Poor Diet - high in salt and carbohydrates.
- Drug abuse - both illegal and prescription drugs such as water tablets and laxatives.
- Taking birth control tablets or as a side effect of HRT (hormone replacement therapy).
- Being pregnant.
- PMT can bring on this complication.
- Sodium retention.
- Allergic reactions to various substances.
- Because you have had an accident in which your legs of feet were injured.
- Because of the presence of varicose veins.
The Main Symptoms
- Your feet and legs will start to swell up and get worse as the day goes on.
- When the condition is well established then the swelling will already be present in the morning and will again get worse during the day.
- High blood pressure is associated with this condition.
- Headaches and palpitations can also be present.
- Your hands and wrists may also be swollen.
- You may have puffy and swollen areas around your eyes.
- You could have put on weight recently and have noticed that you are visiting the toilet more frequently than you used to.
Cathy Bowen
MSc DPodM ILTM, Podiatrist
Wide Feet
Wide Feet is the medical term to describe the condition that results in your feet or legs swelling up.
Suggested Treatments for Wide Feet
Elevation of your legs is the single most
important treatment you can do. You
need to try and reduce the swelling.
You should try and aim to get the level of
your legs ABOVE the level of your heart.
Sitting in a reclining chair with your feet
on some cushions or a pillow is ideal.
Wear support stockings or other compression
devices to help get the swelling down.
Try and increase you activity levels.
Buy footwear that will accommodate your feet.
Avoid standing in one place for too long.
Take a critical look at the amount of salt
you are eating on a daily basis.
Drink plenty of water.
Treating your condition
The Traffic Light symbol at the top of each condition page indicates the way you should approach it:
Red: Seek professional help immediately, either from a suitably qualified Podiatrist or Physiotherapist.
Amber: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.
Green: You can treat this condition yourself if you feel comfortable doing so. However, for further reassurance it might be as well to talk the condition through with a suitably qualified Podiatrist.
Remember this advice is for guidance only and if you are in any doubt at all, please consult your nearest HPC Registered Podiatrist.