Dear Big Foot,

Swelling (a.k.a. edema) is caused by a buildup of fluids. When this happens in the legs, ankles, and/or feet, it's called peripheral edema.

Swollen feet (or ankles, or legs) can have a wide variety of causes that may be related to one or more of the following:

• sitting or standing too long
• injury or trauma
• menstruation (for some women)
• being overweight
• being older
• pregnancy

Swollen legs can also be caused by certain medications, including high-estrogen birth control pills, calcium channel blockers, certain antidepressants, and steroids. In other cases, swelling of the legs may be a sign of more serious health conditions, including heart, kidney, or liver failure.

Right now, a step in the right direction would be to speak with a health care provider to figure out the cause of the swelling in your particular case. If you're a student at Columbia, call x4-7426 to make an appointment with a provider at Primary Care Medical Services.

In the meantime, consider some of the following suggestions for preventing swollen feet:

• Put on support stockings in the morning to improve circulation and reduce fluid buildup that can occur throughout the day.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise, especially leg exercises, can also increase circulation, removing some of the fluid from your feet.
• Lose excess weight, which can put a damper on good circulation.
• Avoid sitting or standing in one place for too long. Stop to stretch and take your legs out for a walk.
• Try a low-salt eating plan. Salt can play a role in fluid retention.

Otherwise, take a break every so often to kick off your too-tight shoes, lie back, relax, and put your feet up (above the level of your heart) — this may also help alleviate your big-foot problem.

Alice

Related Q&As

Bloated and sick around period

Bloating or water retention?

Water retention in the big city?

Salt substitutes

Best exercise equipment for quick weight loss