10 Causes of Swollen Feet

Swollen feet can be symptomatic of any number of diseases, depending on the severity and duration of the issue. Swelling from deep vein thrombosis or heart failure requires immediate treatment, as these conditions can be life-threatening, but other possible causes are less severe. Often, the most likely causes depend on age. Men over 50 are most likely to get swollen feet and legs from chronic venous insufficiency, an inability of the heart to pump sufficient blood to tissues in the legs and feet. Women under the age of 40 are much more likely to develop swollen feet related to pregnancy or monthly hormone cycle.

1. Trauma

Traumatic swelling of the foot occurs after an injury. When this happens, the blood may start to leave the blood vessels, forming a hematoma. Usually, a hematoma has a fluid consistency that becomes more solid as the blood begins to thicken. If a sudden injury affects a joint, dislocation can occur, leading to bruising in the skin over the joint as well as severe pain and visible deformity.