Common Causes Of Swollen Hands And Feet

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body begins to produce fifty percent more blood and other body fluids to help the growth of the baby. Approximately twenty-five percent of the weight gained during pregnancy is due to fluid retention. All of the extra fluid fills up tissues, especially within the hands, feet, legs, and ankles, which causes them to swell.

To treat swollen hands while pregnant, the best things to do is to keep an eye on sodium intake, eat foods high in potassium, use cold compresses, and drink plenty of water. Upon delivering the baby, the extra fluids and swelling should subside quite quickly.

Side Effects From Medications

Many medications can cause swelling of the ankles or feet as a side effect. Some of the drugs include calcium channel blockers, steroids, antidepressants, medications to treat diabetes, blood pressure medicines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and hormones such as birth controls and estrogen. However, nearly any medicine can cause swelling.

If medications cause swollen ankles or feet, a licensed health practitioner should be consulted to determine other methods of treating the underlying illness or disease. The doctor should be aware of any and all medications being used, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, supplements, and herbal or alternative medicines.