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However, in some cases, this swelling may be due to a more serious cause.
Foot massage
Evening swelling of the lower extremities is very common. It is usually symmetrical and moderate, and disappears or decreases with rest, especially when you raise your legs. “This swelling mainly affects the feet and ankles, especially in adults who stand or sit for long periods (working standing or, on the contrary, in an office, making long trips, etc.), who suffer from venous insufficiency or who are exposed to heat, which dilates blood vessels “, explains Dr. Salloum. The angiologist clarifies that it is usually not a cause for concern, especially in people who spend all day standing or walking a lot.
Why do my feet swell at night?
One of the most common causes of swelling in the feet is standing all day. “The leg muscles don’t work as well, so the blood stagnates and causes this swelling at the end of the day,” explains Dr. Salloum.
Anatomy
Conversely, remaining immobile and not moving enough also slows venous return to the heart, causing swelling that worsens throughout the day. The presence of varicose veins or venous insufficiency can also cause edema in the feet at night. “In these veins, the valves that allow blood to return to the heart no longer function properly. As a result, blood stagnates in the legs and the feet swell,” explains the specialist.
Medications may also be the cause.
Although it’s a lesser-known cause, some medications can also lead to swelling in your feet at the end of the day. “Swelling of the lower extremities is the main side effect of high blood pressure medications that belong to the class of calcium channel blockers (e.g., Ercan, Amlor),” explains Dr. Salloum. Other medications can also cause these symptoms: some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and in particular antidepressants.
At night my feet swell, what are the most serious causes?
“Usually, the most serious causes cause constant swelling, not just during the day,” the angiologist reminds us. Possible causes include:
Heart failure: The heart suffers and pumps blood with difficulty, causing fluid to build up in the legs.
Kidney failure: The kidneys do not filter properly, leading to water and sodium retention.
Cirrhosis: it causes a decrease in albumin in the blood and a leakage of fluid into the tissues, which results in this edema.
Deep vein thrombosis: A blood clot obstructs the veins in the legs, preventing blood from flowing back to the heart.
Erysipelas – a skin infection that also causes edema due to inflammation of the subcutaneous and cutaneous tissues.