We’ve all experienced it: mild swelling in the feet after a long day on our feet, a transatlantic flight, or a particularly hot afternoon. In these cases, the swelling is usually temporary, harmless, and disappears with some rest and elevation. But what if the swelling persists, appears suddenly, or is accompanied by other worrying symptoms?
Swollen feet, called edema, can be a subtle but serious sign of a physical problem. If you ignore them, you may miss an important warning sign of conditions like heart failure or kidney disease. Taking the time to pay attention to these nine warning signs could be the most important thing you can do for your health today.
1. Swelling of one leg only
If you notice that one of your legs is significantly more swollen than the other, especially if it is accompanied by warmth, redness, or pain, don’t ignore it. This is a classic symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) , a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, usually in the leg. If this clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, it can cause a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. Seek medical help immediately.
2. Swelling accompanied by chest pain or shortness of breath
