My mother is 70 years old & I've been taking her to the Dr a lot lately. They've done a lot of blood tests & an MRI (for other health reasons). It wasn't until after her last appointment that I noticed her ankles are awfully swollen. I'll mention this to the Dr on her next appt, but that's not until next week. I was hoping someone could give me an idea what could possibly cause this. Thank you (only serious answers, please)
2006-07-21 20:17:44 · 8 answers · asked by Me in TN 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Swelling is edema - a buildup of water in the tissues. there are many causes ( a quick internet search can bring up many resources), some being increased sodium (salt) intake, side effects to some meds, poor circulation (especially when in the legs) and more seriously - CHF. It's not unusual for older people to develop swelling in their ankes...it could be any of the above and/or due to her being on her feet freqently...when you go into the doctor, they'll be checking her blood pressure (as fluid in the tissues can elevate it), and probably screening her for CHF...most likely, if they feel it needs treatment, they'll prescribe a diuretic (which flushes excess fluid from the system - you pee it out).
Good for you on catching it - and knowing it needs brought up to the doc!
2006-07-21 20:31:30 · answer #1 · answered by kansas8099 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some things you might to consider as posibilities depending on her medical history would be cellulitis, an increase in sodium(salt) in her diet,also if there is other symptoms such as tenderness,redness, rapid heart rape, chest pain then you might want to check for DVT's Deep Vein Thrombosis. It is a Vein Clot usually formed in the lower extremities. Most common cases of leg swelling usually is a lack of circulation in the legs, which is common among geriatric patients. In which case you would want to elevate the legs to reduce the swelling. If there no change is noticed after elevation contact her Dr's office for advice.
2006-07-22 03:32:35 · answer #2 · answered by rickys682003 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fluid overload secondary to congestive heart failure (CHF) would be the main differential diagnosis given her age, but if she has kidney disease or other problems it could be any of many other things. Don't let the CHF thing scare you. With medication people can live with CHF for decades
2006-07-22 03:24:26 · answer #3 · answered by lampoilman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Athritis
2006-07-22 03:44:34 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Edema caused by congestive heart failure is a likely cause at her age too.
2006-07-22 03:21:58 · answer #5 · answered by DEATH 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
poor blood circulation ... gout ...arthritis ...a sprain and or broken ankle...and it could also be heart problems
2006-07-22 03:19:53 · answer #6 · answered by marius c 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Diabetes, poor circulation, hot weather. . .
2006-07-22 03:19:38 · answer #7 · answered by michi 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my friend has a swollen ankle because she hurt it i think she twisted it
2006-07-22 03:19:38 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋