OEDEMA, also known as edema, dropsy and hydropsy, is the abnormal build-up of fluid in the body’s tissues, which leads to swelling. This swelling can occur in one particular part of the body, for example, as the result of an injury or it can be more generalised.

Mild oedema is common and usually harmless. However, it can be very painful and be indicative of serious illness. The vast majority of oedema cases I see are patients who find that their feet swell gradually over the day, so that by evening time their shoes cannot fit and their feet are very tender and sore.

The most common part of the body to find oedema is the feet and ankles. This is known as peripheral oedema and this is the type we will concentrate on for this article.

In the feet and legs, medical practitioners may describe the swelling as pitting or non-pitting. Pitting is where pressure is applied to the affected area and an indentation persists after the pressure has been released. This is found in conditions like pregnancy, varicose veins, heart failure, and systemic disease. Non-pitting is observed when the indentation does not persist. This is found in conditions like lymphedema and myxedema.

WHAT CAUSES SWOLLEN FEET?

1. Immobility and standing for long periods of time.

2. Pregnancy

3. Kidney disease

4. Thyroid disease

5. Liver disease

6. Chronic lung disease

7. Malnutrition

8. Use of the contraceptive pill

9. Varicose veins

10. Blood clots

11. Injury or trauma to a limb

12. Lymphedema

TREATMENT

You should always consult your general practitioner if you are suffering from persistent swollen feet so that the underlying cause can be diagnosed and appropriately treated. However, there are many ways in which you can help yourself. You can:

1. Lose weight, if indicated.

2. Elevate your feet as often as possible. Try to elevate so that they are level with your heart.

3. Exercise regularly eg walking or swimming.

4. Wear support or compression hosiery.

5. Wear shoes that are wide fitting with a buckle or lace that can be loosened as the day progresses.

There are other alternative remedies that may help reduce swollen feet and ankles.

1. Reduce salt intake.

2. Yoga: This is an excellent form of exercise that tends to focus on the circulatory system

3. Grapefruit essential oil. Add a few drops to warm (not hot) water and soak your feet for five to 10 minutes.

4. Epsom salt foot soak for five to 10 minutes.

5. Massage: A trained massage therapist can help manipulate fluid from the affected areas. If you are pregnant you should see a therapist who specialises in pregnancy-related massage.

6. Drink more water. This may seem strange, but the water will dilute the excessive salts in the system that may be causing the retention.

7. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.

8. Limit your red meat consumption, especially cured meats which tend to have a high sodium content.

9. Dandelion leaf (not root) tea, stinging nettle tea and parsley tea are all good diuretics.

Remember, before undertaking any course of treatment you must consult your doctor.

Angela Davis BSc (Hons) DPodM MChS is a podiatrist with offices in Montego Bay (293-7119), Mandeville (962-2100), Ocho Rios (974-6339), and Savanna-la-Mar (955-3154). She is a member of the Health and Care Professions Council in the United Kingdom.