Swelling occurs without any apparent reason, or swollen feet feel as hard as stones. This may not just be fatigue, but also a sign of a serious underlying illness.

Often, in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we ignore our body's subtle signals. Mild swelling in the legs after a long day of standing, walking, or sitting for long periods is common. People often think that a little rest will help, and in many cases, the swelling does go away on its own.

But the problem begins when swelling in the feet or legs becomes frequent, occurs without any apparent reason, or the swollen feet feel as hard as stones. In such cases, it may not just be a sign of fatigue but also a sign of a serious underlying illness. So, let's explore the causes of swelling in the feet and legs, the underlying diseases, when it becomes dangerous, and what you should do in case of such a situation. 

What causes swelling in the feet and legs?

Swelling in the feet and legs is medically known as edema. It occurs when there is an excess of water or fluid accumulation in the lower parts of the body. Sometimes this swelling is mild and resolves with rest. However, if the swelling persists for a long time, occurs daily, or is accompanied by pain and stiffness, it is a cause for concern. 

If your feet swell and become stone-like, then you have this disease.

If your feet become extremely hard, don't form a dimple when pressed, or develop pain, redness, or warmth, it could be a sign of peripheral edema or a more serious illness. Such symptoms could indicate a problem with the heart, kidneys, liver, or blood clots.

Common causes of swollen feet 

1. Lifestyle-related reasons - Standing or sitting for long periods of time, wearing tight shoes or socks, eating a high salt diet, lack of physical activity etc., all these factors can cause poor blood circulation and water accumulation in the feet. 

2. Pregnancy - Swelling of the feet is common during pregnancy. However, if the swelling is accompanied by a severe headache, high blood pressure, or flashing before the eyes, it could be a sign of a serious condition like pre-eclampsia. 

3. Injury or sprain – Sprains, broken bones, muscle strains, in these cases, there is pain along with swelling, and usually only one leg is affected. 

What diseases can be behind this?

1. Heart Failure - When the heart is unable to pump blood properly, blood and fluid begin to accumulate in the legs. This can cause swelling in both legs, worsening in the evening, and shortness of breath. 

2. Kidney disease - The kidneys remove excess water from the body. If the kidneys are not functioning properly, swelling can occur in the feet, ankles, and even the face. 

3. Liver disease - Liver diseases like cirrhosis can cause fluid retention in the legs, feet, and abdomen. The legs can swell and become stone-like. 

4. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – This is a very dangerous condition. Usually, it causes sudden swelling, pain, redness, and warmth in just one leg. If the blood clot reaches the lungs, it can be life-threatening.

5. Varicose veins - Weakening of the veins in the legs causes the veins to bulge, causing heaviness and long-lasting swelling. 

6. Lymphedema - When the body's lymphatic system malfunctions, swelling persists, making the legs feel stiff and heavy. Resting doesn't help.