A part from kidney problems, swollen hands and feet can have a variety of causes. The common type of swelling is called idiopathic edema.

Sometimes, according to medical experts, it is possible to establish the cause of swollen hands and feet. But often it is not. Sometimes women suffer from idiopathic edema during their menstrual cycle.

The problem with this, however, is not limited to women and not necessarily to a particular time of the month.

According to Dr. Aisha Lukwago of Clinic on Aids Research, swollen hands and feet are often combined with retained sodium. Diuretics (medicines that help reduce the amount of water in the body) rarely have effects on idiopathic edema.

Swollen hands and feet from idiopathic edema are reduced by lying down for several hours and reducing the amount of salt in your diet. Some doctors may treat idiopathic edema with progesterone.

But this may not consistently treat the condition. There is no health risk associated with this kind of swelling, so rest and reduction of salt seem to be the best treatment.

Swollen hands and feet can sometimes be a symptom of a bigger health concern.

Swelling in the extremities can be a symptom of heart disease, or problems with the liver or kidneys. For this reason, it is important not to ignore swollen hands and feet.

Other signs that swelling in your hands and feet may be serious are if it is coupled with a shortness of breath, unexplained weight gain or nausea as you mentioned. Any of these symptoms, combined with swelling of the hands and feet, are a signal that something serious may be going on in the body.

Ends