SWOLLEN FEET TREATMENT IN LONDON
In short: Swollen feet and ankles (oedema) are caused by fluid building up in the tissues. Most swelling is harmless and comes from standing or sitting for long periods, heat, pregnancy or certain medicines. Swelling that lasts, keeps coming back or comes with breathlessness or tiredness can be a sign of heart failure, or of kidney, liver or vein problems. It should be checked by a doctor.
Medically reviewed by Dr Georgios Karagiannis MD PhD FRCP, Consultant Cardiologist · Last reviewed:
Private swollen feet treatment
If swelling in your feet or ankles doesn’t go away on its own, it might be time to seek expert advice. At Expert Cardiologist, we provide private swollen feet treatment in London, helping you manage your symptoms and protect your cardiovascular health.
Swollen feet (also known as oedema) can result from something minor, such as sitting or standing too long or more serious conditions like heart failure. Our specialist cardiology clinic can determine whether your symptoms are heart-related and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
What is oedema?
Oedema is the medical term for a fluid build-up in the body’s tissues, leading to swelling. It most commonly affects the feet, ankles and legs due to gravity.
Often, it’s harmless and resolves itself. However, persistent swelling can indicate an underlying health condition, such as one affecting the heart, liver or kidneys.
Common symptoms of oedema include:
- Swelling or puffiness in the feet, ankles or legs
- Skin that appears stretched, shiny or changes colour
- A feeling of tightness or discomfort
- Indentations (dents) in the skin after applying pressure
You must seek immediate medical attention if swelling develops suddenly, lasts a long time, or you have other symptoms such as breathlessness or fatigue.
What causes swollen feet?
Swollen feet can have several possible causes:
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- Injury or infection
- Pregnancy
- High salt intake
- Certain medications (for example, for blood pressure or pain relief)
- Being overweight
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Kidney, liver or heart conditions
However, swollen feet can occasionally be an early warning sign of heart failure (where your heart doesn’t pump blood efficiently).
Heart failure and swollen feet
Swollen feet may be the first visible sign of heart failure. This condition occurs when the heart becomes too weak to circulate blood properly or something disrupts blood flow through the heart valves. As circulation slows, fluid builds in the lower limbs, especially the feet and ankles. The swelling often appears alongside breathlessness, although it can be the only symptom.
Gravity draws excess fluid into the legs, causing fluid leaks from the blood vessels into nearby tissues. While elevating your legs when sitting can ease discomfort and reduce swelling, it won’t treat the underlying cause, so seeking a proper diagnosis is essential.
In heart failure, swelling may come and go but usually persists and can spread to other body parts.
Other symptoms of heart failure
Swollen feet alone don’t always indicate heart failure, so try not to panic. However, seeking a professional opinion is wise if you experience additional symptoms.
These may include:
- Sudden pain in the right upper stomach and underneath the ribs
- Regular heart palpitations
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Getting easily winded
- Finding strenuous activities like exercise challenging
If any of these symptoms are present, speak to a cardiologist. At Expert Cardiologist, Dr Georgios Karagiannis can assess your symptoms, perform tests and help you manage heart failure effectively so you feel more in control of your health.
How are swollen feet treated?
Treatment for swollen feet depends on the underlying cause. Here at Expert Cardiologist, we’ll tailor your plan to relieve symptoms and address the root issue.
We may offer lifestyle guidance, including salt reduction, elevating your legs and incorporating gentle physical activity. Diuretic medication may help reduce fluid retention, and compression socks can help prevent further swelling.
If we see a link between your symptoms and a heart condition, our team will focus on monitoring and managing it effectively. In advanced cases of heart failure, we may recommend surgical intervention or implantable devices.
Your consultant will perform a detailed clinical assessment, using diagnostic tools to guide the most suitable treatment.
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When should I be concerned about swollen feet?
You should consult a specialist if:
- Swelling appeared suddenly without a clear cause
- Swelling is ongoing or worsening
- You also experience chest pain, breathlessness or other symptoms
- Your skin becomes stretched, cracked or discoloured
- You have a known history of heart conditions
Don’t ignore what your body is trying to tell you. Swollen feet can be a sign of something more serious. Our expert team can assess your symptoms and guide you towards the correct treatment path.
Diagnostic tests for swollen feet
To explore whether heart failure is causing your symptoms, we may recommend the following cardiac tests.
We examine a blood sample to identify signs of heart failure.
Used to check for fluid in the lungs and whether your heart is bigger than it should be.
You will blow into a tube to help doctors determine the cause of your breathlessness.
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound scan to examine the heart.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) records the heart’s electrical activity, identifying any issues.
Frequently asked questions
When should I worry about swollen feet?
See a doctor if the swelling comes on suddenly, affects only one leg, keeps getting worse, or leaves a dent when you press the skin. Call 999 if it comes with chest pain, severe breathlessness or coughing up pink, frothy mucus. A swollen, red, painful calf can be a blood clot and needs urgent care.
Can swollen feet be a sign of heart problems?
Yes. When the heart pumps less effectively, fluid collects in the lower legs, so swollen ankles are a common early sign of heart failure. It usually affects both feet and is worse at the end of the day. Breathlessness, tiredness or needing extra pillows at night make a heart cause more likely.
What causes swelling in both feet and ankles?
Common causes are long periods of standing or sitting, hot weather, pregnancy, being overweight, a high-salt diet and medicines such as some blood pressure tablets (calcium channel blockers) and anti-inflammatories. Persistent swelling in both legs can also come from heart failure, kidney or liver disease, or weak leg veins.
How do you reduce swelling in the feet?
Raise your legs above hip level when resting, keep active, wear compression socks if advised, and cut down on salt. These ease the swelling but do not treat the cause. If it keeps coming back, get it assessed.
What tests check whether swollen feet are heart-related?
A cardiologist will usually start with a blood test for NT-proBNP (a marker of heart strain), an ECG and an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound). A chest X-ray or kidney and liver blood tests may also be needed. Together these show whether the heart is the cause.
Book A Consultation With Private Cardiologist
Don’t wait if you’re worried about swollen feet or want to rule out a heart-related cause – book your consultation with Expert Cardiologist in London today.
We offer flexible appointments, including in-person, telephone and video consultations, so that you can access care conveniently.
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