2006-12-18 17:16:47 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
A lot depends on her age and health.
The condition is called "edema" -look it up on webMD or wikipedia for more info.
Basically, a few things come to mind.
It could be harmless swelling from some "varicose veins. " This is very common.
Also, surgery or injury to the upper leg or groin can cause edema as it disrupts the flow lymphatic system.
However, as people noted, heart failure can cause edema, as can kidney failure.
Heart failure would also usually cause difficulty breathing when laying down. However, not always.
Sleep apnea can cause edema by causing only the right side of the heart to fail.
Poor nutrition can cause edema because with decrease protein stores you blood vessels leak water and legs can swell.
Finally, a sudden swelling of the leg (usually red and painful) can be a blood clot of the veins called a DVT (deep vein thrombosis). This needs urgent attention as it can migrate to the lungs and cause a PE (pulmonary embolism), which can be fatal. However, this would involve more than the ankle.
This is a long answer to say see a doctor.
Hope it helps.
2006-12-18 18:18:26 · answer #1 · answered by Janice M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will depend upon her age and health condition(s) but usually no swelling is not dangerous but it is annoying especially when you try to put on your shoes. The best way to reduce swelling is to elevate the feet if possible to a point higher than the heart. She would obviously have to lying down with her feet up on pillows. For a more long term approach she should see her doctor who may prescribe a medicine to help her get rid of more water faster (in other words she will have to pee a lot) If she is already on a medication for that a stronger dose can be given or another medicine can be prescribed along with what she is currently taking. Good Luck.
2006-12-18 17:28:48 · answer #2 · answered by tpbthigb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If her ankles are swollen it means she is retaining fluid. She needs to see the doc and get this checked out. Call the docs office in the morning and get her seen.
2006-12-18 17:19:28 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well usually ppl's ankles swell at the end of the day but if its like that all the time maybe she needs to slow down on her sodium u should check wit the doctor that can be high blood pressure also
2006-12-18 17:25:55 · answer #4 · answered by babiluv 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have her see her doctor as soon as possible- fluid in the ankles usually means a heart condition.
2006-12-18 17:19:06 · answer #5 · answered by mac 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
could be just that she is retaining a bit of fluid....try some ice packs and elevate them above her heart. If it doesn't go down or if it increases you need to check with a doctor her potassium could be too low.
2006-12-18 17:20:38 · answer #6 · answered by WitchTwo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it could be poor circulation and something to be concerned about. She should see her Doctor. It could be caused from different things, none of which are good.
2006-12-18 17:19:14 · answer #7 · answered by bobbie v 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She could have some fluid gathering, seek a physican for her, dont wait she might need medical attention
2006-12-18 17:18:57 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
How often has this occurred? I suggest she goes to her physician asap.
2006-12-18 17:18:58 · answer #9 · answered by samaustinashlee_billiewjr 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's probably just water retention
2006-12-18 17:18:11 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋