I've got swollen ankles and feet and they're really bothering me tonight. What can I do?

Question

They've been like this constantly for a few weeks now, dont think my weight, smoking and the heat does anything to help, but I'm really uncomfortable right now. My left foot looks like its gonna explode.. I know its fluid cause I've done the finger pressure test. Ive tried putting my feet up and it doesnt help. Any advice? Thanks

Answer 1

If it's been going on for several weeks now and one you're ankles is that bad (one sided mainly is a symptom of portal vein obstruction -usually hepatic in origin) then you must see your doctor. It may well be a syptom of congestive heart failure - liver disease and some kidney problems. In the meantime, avoid salt, alcohol and SELF medication that puts a strain on the liver (ibuprophen can cause water retention in itself). Avoid smoking as this strains your heart. Drink clear fluid, but don't overdo it as this can exacerbate the problem, as can too little. Lie down as often as possible and sleep properly. Eat a slightly higher protein diet unless kidney ailments are suspected. See your doctor ASAP and you'll be prescibed a diuretic, anyway whilst, investigations are carried out.
At least you may have the lesser type of odema rather than intractible odema, by the sound of it.

Best of luck.

Answer 2

Until the last few weeks, mine only got swollen when I'd been on my feet a lot so I started sitting on a stool when I was in the kitchen and otherwise just trying to put my feet up whenever possible. When you're sleeping a night, try to find a position that will let you elevate your feet a bit.

Answer 3

Go to the ER, it sounds like you have CHF(congestive heart failure), and you need a medication to pull some of the fluid off (like Lasix/ Bumex).If the fluid starts leaking out, it can cause a whole nother set of problems.You will feel better if you loose weight, stop smoking- because it constricts(makes the blood vessels smaller) and they can't get rid of the extra fluid if they are smaller. Keep your feet up, let gravity help get rid of the fluid, instead of making your heart work so hard. Good Luck.

Answer 4

push a chair up to an outside wall within enough room so u can put the soles of your feet flat on the wall with your legs elevated slightly higher than your hips in a L shape. sit like that while its comfortable.the cold wall takes the heat out of your feet so stops the awful throbbing ! i did it all the time i was pregnant ! its lovely !

Answer 5

If the swelling has been going on for a few weeks you need to seek medical treatment. Until then keep your feet elevated and cut back on your salt intake.

Answer 6

The important suggestion running all through these replies is to get to your doctor as soon as possible. The problem may not be serious but you do need proper medical advice

Answer 7

Could be early congestive cardiac failure which would require medical treatment. Depends on your age etc but maybe diuretic(water) pills would help. See a doc.

Answer 8

You need to get on water pills from your Dr. ASAP. Keep your legs elevated some but please find out if you need a precriscription for them. My Dr. put me on them and what a difference!! I was swollen like you and it is very uncomfortable, please get to a Dr. tomorrow and tell them on the phone your problem so you can get help faster. Good luck, do it please!!!

Answer 9

Have you tried motrin?? Try some inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen or even advil might even work for you.

Answer 10

Renal failure can do this. If you have little or no urine output then you will need to seea specialist quickly. I'd see your doctor ASAP>