swollen ankles?

Question

My feet and ankles swell up alot especially in the summer. I have no medical problems that I know of, I have good blood pressure, am slightly over weight and don't exercise enough. I also have very puffy fingers/hands/forearms, and my face is quite puffy. Why is this? What should I do? I use compression stockings on long haul flights and they aren't very effective. It bothers me so much that I wont wear skirts anymore. This has been going on for about 6 years now. I'm in my early 30s. Help please!

I also find compression stockings impractical in the hot whether.

oops - mean weather.

Answer 1

Start exercising. maybe check your blood sugar, your thyroid, your hormonal level (estrogen) and for Cushing. I can't think of anything else now.
Otherwise elevate your feet whenever you sit and put your ankles into cool water to ease the swelling. it can lead to bad circulation.
Edit: forgot: do an EKG! Edema is often caused by heart problems!

Answer 2

Poor you. I can see myself in you because i am a chocaholic, and also suffer from a swollen ankle. The heat doesn't help either. You only mention one ankle, so is this an ankle that you may have injured in the past? In my case i had a Potts fracture of the left ankle over 20 years ago and it has never returned to normal. Anyway, drinking lots of fluid, especially water is very good for you and if you can drop some weight it will obviously help too. The anti-histamine should help the rash, but you can alleviate the swelling of the ankle by not wearing tight fitting socks. Try the non-elastic type such as the ones worn by thrombosis patients. Also try to avoid standing for long periods. It is better to walk. And when you sit, try to rest your legs on something. Other than this, i'm afraid that there is not much else that you can do. If you are from the UK then enjoy the lovely weather while it lasts. At least you know that it isn't going to last long. I come from a hot country and i would love to have some typical British weather!

Answer 3

"That I know of" is the key phrase here. While I think some people are just genetically prone to puffiness (not that I'm a doctor or anything), I've been told that swelling in the ankles/hands/face is a sign of reduced kidney function. (A friend was on dialysis for a long time, I'm not just guessing.)
Does this correspond to horomonal fluctuations? Are you dehydrated? Do you eat too much salt or too many processed foods? You should get a check-up, because swelling like you describe is also a signal of type II diabetes....

Answer 4

I have the same problem. I currently take diuretics, which make me go to the bathroom quite often and don't help much; however, I do wear support stockings at times. Some work better than others. Try the brand Futuro, which is sold in Walgreens. They work really well. Most likely, you are retaining water. Also, try to eliminate alot of sodium from your diet, which can aggravate swelling during warmer months. A visit to the doctor sounds like it's in order as well.

Answer 5

I get this too! You have what sounds like Edema. How is your heart rate? It your heart runs on the fast side (tachycardia), this can also cause blood flow problems in your ankles and legs. Since you are relatively healthy, and this has been going on for years, look into sleep related issues. For instance you may have sleep apnea and not even know it which would also have an impact on your heart. But I agree that it can be very embarrassing having swollen ankles and calves. It helps to elevate your legs at night on a pillow or two.

Answer 6

Exercise, or lack of it. The swelling is due to the Lymphatic System which is a bit like the blood system, except it does not have a pump, heart. However the Lymphatic system relies on the blood circulation to keep it pumping. Therefore if you are over weight, not exercising, then you are not allowing your lymphatic system to 'drain' hence all the puffiness. Get out and get some good exercise.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Hi.

Your problem is common and usually not serious - further tests / cardiological opinions are not necessary especially as you seem to be describing a long term problem.

The most frequent cause is obesity , you do not mention your precise weight, but if you are significantly overweight then getting it down will usually resolve the problem.

If you are non-obese and the problem is progressive/associated with difficulty breathing/worse on one side than the other then you should see your Dr.

http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068959/
http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068764/

Good luck!

gl

Answer 9

Take ECG and consult a Cardiologist. Conduct Kidney function tests also. Most doctors use the plasma concentrations of creatinine, urea, and electrolytes to determine renal function. These measures are adequate to determine whether a patient is suffering from kidney disease.

Answer 10

This is called oedema, it is the build up of fluid. Your doctor could prescribe you a diuretic (eg bendrofloumethiazide)
which would help. Yes, compression stockings do work (for my wife anyhow, who has the same problem as you).