Ask The Experts

My feet and ankles are very swollen. I can't even wear my shoes - the skin is very tight and ankle joints hurt. What can be some of the causes?

Thank you for contacting us. IPFH does not diagnose conditions or recommend treatments on line. Our recommendation is that you consult your primary care physician or a foot health specialist. Because you are experiencing pain and having difficulty fitting into your shoes, it would be best to do this sooner rather than later, especially given that the swelling might be related to a systemic condition that needs attention (such as infection or a blood clot). Swelling (also called “edema”) of the feet and ankles is usually the result of accumulated fluids (typically blood or lymph fluid) in the lower extremities. There are a variety of causes, and you can learn about them at this link on the U.S. National Library of Medicine's web site: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003104.htm. We hope you will consult a medical professional, and that you will soon have the swelling and pain under control.

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