Feet Swelling From Sitting So Much?

Many of you are probably working from home right now, which means that you’re sitting for longer periods than you normally would. And one of the health problems that can result from sitting too long is swollen feet. Today Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, in New Haven County and Fairfield County are sharing information regarding swollen feet.

When a person’s feet swell, the condition is referred to as dependent edema. It develops when extra fluid is trapped in your body’s tissues. And when you sit for a long period with your legs hanging downward, gravity pulls the fluid down into your feet, resulting in swollen feet.

Treatment Options for Swollen Feet

Raising the legs above the heart at day’s end can help bring decrease swelling. Also, sleeping with a pillow under your legs may help. If you have to sit for work for hours on end, take breaks and get up to move around. Doctors also recommended that people reduce their salt intake.

There are also some exercises that you can do while sitting to reduce the swelling.

• Leg Extensions: With your feet flat on the floor, stretch your right leg as straight as possible and lift it slightly. Hold it for a few seconds and bring it back to where you started. Now, switch sides and do the same on the other leg for 20 to 30 repetitions.

• Knee Lifts: Lift one foot, while bringing the knee toward the chest. Lower the leg back down slowly and repeat with the other leg 20 or 30 times.

• Ankle Circles: Lift one foot off the ground slightly and roll the ankle clockwise. Do 10 full circles in one direction, then change direction. Perform the exercise with the other foot and repeat these steps 5 to 10 times on each side.

• Foot Pumps: Lift the toes, while keeping the heels of your feet down, then raise the feet upward as high as you can. Return to your starting position with both feet flat on the floor. Now, keep the toes on the floor, and lift the heels off the floor as high as you can. Repeat these steps for a few more times.

If you want your feet to be healthy and happy during the shelter-at-home, follow these tips from Dr. Joel Segalman, Dr. Stephen Lazaroff, and Dr. Brittany Ciaramello, at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, in New Haven County and Fairfield County.

If you need us, call our Waterbury office at (203) 755-0489 or our Newtown location at (203) 270-6724.