Dealing with Swollen Feet and Ankles from New Footwear
As a 44-year-old woman, I recently experienced a troubling situation. Over the weekend, I decided to try on a pair of brand new shoes, which ended up causing friction at the back of my feet and resulted in some minor cuts. By last night, I noticed that my ankles had begun to swell significantly, making it quite painful to walk. The swelling felt warm when I touched it. Although today seemed to bring a slight improvement, the swelling returned, prompting me to take some Ibuprofen. Later in the evening, I discovered that my feet had also started to swell; however, they were no longer warm to the touch. I took another dose of Ibuprofen and raised my feet while applying an ice pack. I am astonished that this problem originated from simply wearing new shoes. Is this a common occurrence? Additionally, I've recently relocated to the Middle East, where I've noticed the heat tends to make my feet swell as well. As a teacher, I spend the majority of my day on my feet, which might contribute to this discomfort. I'm worried about the possibility of an infection, yet with the swelling no longer feeling warm and the Ibuprofen providing some relief, it leaves me unsure. Any insights or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
9/2/2025, 7:01:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re dealing with a combination of issues stemming from your new shoes, potential heat-related swelling, and the demands of being on your feet as a teacher. It's understandable to be concerned about the swelling and its connection to infection, but there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms effectively.
Summary of Main Points:
- Swelling, friction, and minor cuts from new shoes can cause pain and discomfort.
- Heat and prolonged standing can exacerbate swelling in your feet and ankles.
- Monitoring symptoms is crucial, especially regarding warmth and pain.
Explanation: Swelling in your feet and ankles can often be caused by factors like new footwear, which can irritate your skin and cause inflammation. The warmth you felt earlier could indicate inflammation, but since the swelling has improved and warmth has subsided, this is a positive sign that may indicate it's more related to irritation than infection. Heat from your environment and prolonged standing can also contribute to swelling, as they can increase blood flow to the lower extremities.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Continue Resting and Elevating: Keep resting and elevate your feet whenever possible, especially in the evening. This will help reduce swelling.
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Ice Application: Continue using an ice pack on the swollen areas for 15-20 minutes at a time several times a day to help reduce inflammation and soothe discomfort.
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Wear Supportive Footwear: If possible, switch to more comfortable, supportive shoes that don’t cause friction. Look for shoes with cushioning to help alleviate pressure on painful areas.
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Monitor for Changes: Keep an eye on the swelling. If it persists or worsens, and especially if you notice increased warmth, redness, or significant pain, these signs may require further attention.
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Hydrate and Elevate: Try to stay hydrated, as dehydration can make swelling worse, and continue elevating your feet when sitting.
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Adjust Activities: If you can, try to modify your schedule to reduce the amount of time you spend standing or walking, which might help decrease swelling.
It's good that you're noticing some improvement, and with these steps, you should be able to manage your discomfort more effectively. If symptoms like warmth or pain return significantly, it may be worth seeking further evaluation. Please take care and let me know if you have additional questions!
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