[46M] Experiencing swollen feet, nocturnal pain, and headaches with visual disturbances

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, several conditions could be causing your symptoms:

• Venous Insufficiency: This condition occurs when your leg veins don't allow blood to flow back up to your heart. Symptoms can include swelling in your legs or ankles, pain that gets worse when you stand and gets better when you raise your legs, and leg cramps.

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, elevating your legs, and wearing compression stockings.

• Congestive Heart Failure: This is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Symptoms can include swelling in your legs, ankles and feet, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

  • Treatment typically involves medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery.

• Kidney Disease: Kidney disease can cause extra fluid to build up in your body, leading to swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet. Other symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, and feeling cold.

  • Treatment typically involves medications, dietary changes, and sometimes dialysis or a kidney transplant.

• Liver Disease: Liver disease can cause fluid to build up in your body, leading to swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet. Other symptoms can include fatigue, loss of appetite, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

  • Treatment typically involves medications, dietary changes, and sometimes surgery.

What you can do

While waiting for your appointment with a healthcare provider, here are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms:

1. Elevate your legs above the level of your heart whenever possible.
2. Avoid standing or sitting for long periods.
3. Wear compression stockings.
4. Limit your salt intake, as this can cause your body to retain more fluid.
5. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Confusion or difficulty waking up
• Severe abdominal pain

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care.