Swelling of the feet and ankles is a fairly common condition, and while exercise may result in injury to these areas it is rarely the cause of painless swelling. More often than not, painless swelling is the result of fluid retention brought on by one or more routine causes, and exercise is in fact a means by which to alleviate the condition. If you are experiencing pain and swelling and suspect injury or trauma to your foot or ankle as a result of exercise activity, consult a physicians to discuss proper treatment options.
Condition
Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is also known as peripheral edema, a condition caused by abnormal fluid retention. The effects of gravity render peripheral edema most noticeable in the lower body, including the feet, ankles, calves and sometimes even the thighs.
Causes
Peripheral edema is a common symptom of prolonged standing or sitting, pregnancy, menstrual periods, obesity, advanced age and a high sodium diet. Long airplane or car trips can bring on swelling of the feet and ankles, as can inactivity or the water retention stimulated by too much salty food. In some cases, swelling can also result from certain prescription drugs, such as hormones, blood pressure medications, steroids and antidepressants. More serious causes include injury or trauma such as strains, sprains, burns, insect bites or surgery, blood clots, infections, varicose veins and malnutrition.
Prevention and Treatment
For simple cases of peripheral edema, exercise is one of the best ways to counteract swelling, increase circulation, alleviate fluid retention and lose weight. Other home care treatment options include leg elevation, support stockings and a low salt diet. Ideally, individuals prone to symptoms of edema should exercise frequently, avoid prolonged bouts of sitting or standing, lose weight if necessary and make time to stand up, stretch and move around throughout the day.
Warning
If you suspect a more serious cause of foot and ankle swelling, consult a physician to discuss your care options. Avoid exercise if swelling is accompanied by pain and seek the advice of a sports medicine practitioner if you suspect a sports injury. Pregnant women who experience sudden or extreme swelling and individuals with a history of liver disease or those who experience a fever, skin redness in the affected area or abnormally low urine output should seek immediate emergency care.
