This article discusses why MS may cause swollen feet, how to treat it, and ways to prevent it from recurring.
Why Does MS Cause Swollen Feet?
Swelling in the feet is caused by a collection of fluid that leaks out of your blood vessels as blood is pumped through your body. Normally, this fluid builds in your lymphatic system and is returned to your heart. Contraction of the muscles in your legs helps pump this fluid up the body toward your heart as you are active during the day.
Multiple sclerosis significantly impacts mobility, requiring a person with this condition to often spend the majority of their day sitting or lying down. Due to lack of mobility, the muscles aren’t able to pump fluid back to the heart, causing swollen feet.
Treating Swollen Feet
There are several treatment options for swollen feet that occur with multiple sclerosis. These include:
Elevate Your Legs
Elevating your legs will allow you to use gravity to your advantage and help move excess fluid from your feet back toward your heart. Ideally, elevate your feet higher than your heart for the best results.
If you’re lying down, prop a few pillows under your legs. If you’re sitting in a wheelchair, elevate your feet so that they are higher than your hips.
Wear Compression Stockings
Elastic stockings can help reduce edema (swelling) that develops throughout the day. Stockings should be put on first thing in the morning, when your legs are the least swollen, and removed for sleep. Most people may need knee-high compression stockings, and can try lower amounts of compression to start.
Walk Frequently
Sitting for long periods of time can contribute to swollen feet. Walk around for a few minutes every hour so your leg muscles can help pump fluid away from your feet.
Do Ankle Pumps
These exercises help contract the muscles in your calves to pump fluid back toward the heart. Point your toes down as far as you can, then pull your feet up toward you in the opposite direction. Pump your ankles 10 times each and perform this exercise every hour that you are sedentary. For best results, do this exercise with your legs elevated.
Preventing Swollen Feet
Home remedies to help treat swollen feet—elevation, compression stockings, walking, and ankle pump exercises—can also help prevent this side effect from occurring.
Pneumatic compression machines are also sometimes used—particularly if swelling happens frequently, or you don’t have use of your leg muscles. Inflatable sleeves are wrapped with Velcro around the lower legs, then filled with air to create pressure that helps move fluid back up toward your heart.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
See your healthcare provider if you have pitting edema—swelling that leaves an indentation when you press your finger against the skin on your feet—or if your current treatment methods aren’t working.
Summary
Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disorder that affects your brain and spinal cord. This condition often causes limited mobility and muscle weakness, which can lead to swollen feet. Treatments such as elevating your legs, wearing compression stockings, walking, practicing leg exercises, and using pneumatic compression devices can help.
A Word From Verywell
Swollen feet might not seem as important as other side effects caused by multiple sclerosis, but left untreated, this minor inconvenience can lead to major problems. Be sure to discuss your swollen feet with your multiple sclerosis healthcare provider.
