Home🦵 Swollen Legs & Feet: Common Causes, Symptoms, and How to Find Relief
🦵 Swollen Legs & Feet: Common Causes, Symptoms, and How to Find Relief

You’ve had a long day — standing, walking, or sitting for hours.

You kick off your shoes… and your feet look puffy, swollen, and uncomfortable.

You’re not alone.

Swollen legs and feet (also called edema) are incredibly common — and in most cases, not dangerous.

But that doesn’t make them any less uncomfortable.

The good news?
👉 Most mild swelling can be relieved with simple lifestyle steps — and understanding the cause is the first step to feeling better.

Let’s explore why feet swell, when to be concerned, and safe, effective ways to reduce swelling — so you can step into comfort again.

🧠 Why Do Legs and Feet Swell?

Swelling happens when fluid builds up in the tissues — a condition called edema.

Common causes include:

Home🦵 Swollen Legs & Feet: Common Causes, Symptoms, and How to Find Relief
🦵 Swollen Legs & Feet: Common Causes, Symptoms, and How to Find Relief

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Prolonged standing or sitting
Gravity pulls fluid down into legs and feet
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Hot weather
Heat causes blood vessels to expand, leading to fluid leakage
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High-sodium diet
Salt pulls water into tissues
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Hormonal changes
Common before periods, during pregnancy, or with hormone therapy
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Air travel or long drives
Sitting too long reduces circulation
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Medications
Some blood pressure drugs, hormones, or NSAIDs can cause swelling

✅ These types of swelling are temporary and harmless — and often improve with rest.

🚩 When Swelling Could Be a Sign of Something More Serious

While most swelling is mild, sudden or severe edema may signal an underlying condition.