When someone notices swollen feet, the first guess is often pregnancy, a recent injury, or a job that involves standing for long hours.
But many people dealing with swollen feet are not pregnant, do not have injuries, and are not spending all day on their feet.
So what else can cause this problem?
In most cases, swelling is not dangerous. Maybe your feet simply need rest and a chance to recover. A few minutes elevating them or placing them in a cold bath can sometimes bring them back to normal.
However, swelling can also be a signal that something more serious is going on. If your feet suddenly puff up for no obvious reason, it could point to a medical issue that should not be ignored.
Here are other possible causes of swollen feet.
Cause 1. Deep vein thrombosis
A deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, happens when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg, according to information from the Mayo Clinic.
Your leg may become swollen, heavy, and the veins near the surface might appear more visible. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all.
DVT is dangerous because the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism, which is life-threatening.
Cause 2. Achilles tendonitis
The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body and it handles a lot of strain every day.
When this tendon becomes irritated or inflamed, it causes Achilles tendonitis. Along with stiffness and pain, you may notice swelling around the ankles and heels. The swelling can be constant but is usually much worse after physical activity.
Cause 3. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. When it affects the feet, it can lead to swelling, stiffness, pain, and tenderness.
There are several ways to ease discomfort from osteoarthritis, including activities like yoga that help keep the joints flexible.
Cause 4. Heart failure
Heart failure can show up in subtle ways. One possible indicator is swelling in the feet.
The American Heart Association notes that heart failure can cause a buildup of fluid in the body, known as edema.
This excess fluid often collects in the legs, ankles, or feet and causes visible swelling.
Cause 5. Lymphedema
Lymphedema happens when lymph fluid builds up in the arms or legs, which causes swelling. The Mayo Clinic explains that this condition is often linked to problems in the lymphatic system.
If swelling appears suddenly or becomes painful, it is important to seek medical help right away.
Cause 6. Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that affects the skin and deeper tissues, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. It is believed to be related to impaired lymph circulation.
While it can develop anywhere on the body, the lower legs are usually affected. The skin in that area may become swollen, warm, painful, and sensitive to touch.
Cause 7. Gout
Gout is considered one of the most painful forms of arthritis and happens when the body builds up too much uric acid, says the National Institute of Arthritis.
It often appears suddenly, sometimes waking a person up during the night. The big toe joint is the most common site, becoming red, swollen, and extremely tender.
Anyone experiencing intense pain or their first gout flare-up should talk to a doctor right away.
Cause 8. Foot bursitis
Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that protect bones, tendons, and muscles. Bursitis is inflammation of these sacs. It frequently affects joints like shoulders or hips, but it can also appear in the feet.
When bursitis develops in the foot, your feet may feel achy, stiff, red, and swollen.
Cause 9. Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis often begins in the feet and ankles.
Symptoms vary from person to person, but swelling, severe inflammation, and sensitive joints are extremely common.
The condition can also affect nearby tendons and muscles. Firm bumps called rheumatoid nodules may form under the skin as well.
If you suspect your swelling is related to rheumatoid arthritis or any similar condition, it is important to seek medical advice.
Cause 10. Too much salt
The body keeps a careful balance between salt and fluids. This system depends heavily on the kidneys, which remove excess fluid and waste from the blood and send them out of the body through urine.
When you eat too much salt, this balance becomes disrupted. The kidneys struggle to release the extra fluid, causing it to build up in the body. That buildup can show up as swelling in places such as your hands and feet.