Feet swelling, or edema, is the buildup of excess fluid in the tissue. Many diseases and conditions interrupt the normal flow of fluids throughout the body and cause the feet to swell. Treatment to reduce the swelling depends on the cause, but most treatment plans include elevating the feet to assist the fluid movement away from the feet to prevent pooling in the extremities.
Endocarditis
Endocarditis is the infection that occurs when germs travel through the bloodstream and attach to the inner lining of the heart. Symptoms include fatigue, persistent cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, night sweats, and swelling in the feet, abdomen or legs, according to MayoClinic.com.
Bacteria are resident in the body at all times, and the immune system works to keep the bacteria from developing into an infection. Germs can enter the bloodstream through the use of contaminated needles, through irritated gums while brushing your teeth, and during a dental procedure. Disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease, can allow bacteria into the bloodstream. If the immune system is weak, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and to the heart. As reported at MayoClinic.com, endocarditis can damage or destroy heart valves.
Heart Failure
Heart failure is the inability of the heart to adequately pump the blood. When heart failure occurs, the blood accumulates in the right or left side of the heart, or both. Right-sided heart failure causes fluid accumulation and swelling in the feet, ankles and legs, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library.
Many conditions and diseases cause heart failure, and treatment depends on the cause. Coronary artery disease, heart valve disorders, inflammation of the heart muscle, rhythm irregularities, blood clots, kidney failure and anemia are some of the possible causes noted by Merck for heart failure that can lead to feet swelling.
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, or JRA, is a type of arthritis that affects children ages 16 and younger, according to Children's Hospital Boston. Adult rheumatoid arthritis lasts a lifetime, but children often outgrow JRA. Symptoms include swelling in the joints, with the knees, hands and feet the most common location.
Classification of JRA depends on the number and location of the joints involved, notes Children's Hospital Boston. The three classifications are: pauciarticular, the most common form that affects four or fewer joints and involves large joints such as the knees; polyarticular, which affects five or more joints, such as the hands and feet; and systemic, the most serious form that sometimes affects internal organs.
