Swelling Feet and Ankles?

Question

I'm a bit fed up today as my feet and ankles have swollen again quite considerably. It happens mainly in hot weather. I'm middle aged, reasonably active but do a desk-based job. I don't smoke, rarely drink and I'm not too overweight.

Shoes won't fit for 2-3 days and then are loose the next. I've had lots of tests and there's no trace of DVT, diabetes, warm areas, pain or infection, so the GPs just give general advice. The swelling can disappear overnight and not come back for weeks.

I've had this on and off for a very long time and have tried raising them higher, soaking in cool water, flight socks, rotations/gentle exercise, even drinking nettle tea, without much direct success.

Do other men get this and if so, what do they do to ease it? I've tried to ask colleagues before, but it's either been unknown or I've had the usual blokey responses about hot flushes and asking when the baby is due. I hope I would be more sensitive if asked the same.

Answer 1

treat like sports injury

R.I.C.E.
Rest,
Ice,
Compression,
Elevation.

Hope this helps,

Nick
IM for more details

Answer 2

The digestive system absorbs excess water, especially the water saturated with body's waste. Blood circulation takes care of pumping this water to kidney, and the stomach walls, through which also, water participates during empty (mistaken as 'hunger') state. With age, the circulation speed takes a slow down. We have to consciously add up with mild but persistent physical activity. For instance, incessantly rotating the ankle joint, (in this case) would improve the blood circulation, and a drop in the swelling can be noticed soon. No side effects in trying it out.

Answer 3

firstly it is not an expected part of aging. As you've already been to your doctor I am assuming he has looked at heart failure etc and ruled out anything nasty. Then it is probably a lifestyle problem. Sitting at a desk is not good. Even if you have been sitting at a desk for years with not problem doesn't mean that this will eventually cause a problem.
I would advice getting checkup up regularly, like once a year even though the doctor says everything is ok.

Answer 4

my one leg does that too...
i had a sonogram done no artery blocks....

x-rays no blocks
so everyone tells me
it's liver problems then I hear it is water retention
my kitten jumped on me a few weeks ago[ the swollen leg] and water dripped out all day...
not kidding[ gross] but that tells me the water is between the skin and muscle of the leg.
I was wondering if a dr. would drain the leg?
where can the water in the leg go?
i know heat makes mine swell
too much salt does it
and .....too much of other things..
and sitting does make the leg worse you have to get up at least for a stretch every 15 minutes from your sitting job...
hope this helps

Answer 5

You should really look into getting more tests done by different doctors. This can be fluid retention (which can mean kidney problems) or a blood pressure issus (if so, it sounds really bad). This may just be a symptom of some larger problem and not just the problem itself. And there is a such a thing as an allergy to heat.

Answer 6

Your not the only person with this problem. My sister has this problem and yes it does happen in the summer, when it'z hot. Men and women of all ages can ahve this problem. I wouldn't worry about the problem because it can happen for the rest of your life. Always have a pair of socks and shoes around the house that will fit you feet if they swell.

Answer 7

When my feet and ankles get swollen, a warm foot bath with salt (plain salt) does the trick.

Answer 8

Ye the R.I.C.E answer above was what I would suggest, sit with your feet up. Get well soon

Answer 9

Do you eat a lot of salt?

Answer 10

I KNOW what the answer to this is.......and I`me amazed that you haven't seen it for yourself its so obvious........your fat! and when you sit down for to long it all congregates in your feet..... simple innit?