How to decrease swelling in the feet

Fluid can collect in the feet after long periods of standing or sitting, heat, travel, or reduced movement. Swelling may also follow an injury, medication change, vein problem, or a condition affecting the heart, kidneys, liver, or lymphatic system. Both feet swelling in a similar way is different from sudden swelling of one painful foot.

Look for associated clues such as redness, warmth, tenderness, skin tightness, breathlessness, or swelling in the hands. Hand swelling can occur with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, while a wrist injury such as a distal radius fracture can affect movement and fluid drainage in the hand and arm.

When resting, raise your feet above the level of your heart if comfortable. Take gentle walks or ankle pumps rather than staying still for long periods, and loosen shoes or socks that leave deep marks. Protect swollen skin from cracks and check for blisters or pressure areas.

Do not start compression socks if the cause is unclear, circulation is poor, or one leg is suddenly swollen without first asking a clinician. Review new medicines with a prescriber instead of stopping them yourself. Arrange an appointment if swelling keeps returning, does not settle with movement and elevation, or makes footwear difficult.

Get emergency help for swelling with chest pain, severe breathlessness, faintness, or coughing blood. Seek same-day assessment for sudden one-sided calf or foot swelling, warmth, redness, or pain, especially after travel, surgery, or prolonged immobility. An injured foot that is deformed, cold, numb, or impossible to bear weight on also needs prompt care.

Is the swelling coming from the joint, veins, lymphatic system, or another cause? Do I need circulation or medicine checks? Is compression suitable for me, and which exercises or footwear changes are safe?