I just had a c section baby on monday and my feet look like balloons. They are so swollen. I called my doc and they said elevate them and also move around alot and it's normal......... but.......... it freaking hurts so bad...... it even is swollen in my legs below my knees. help!
2007-08-05 11:30:45 · 9 answers · asked by Cutie 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Don't soak your feet in cold water -- the reason they're swelling is because there's too much fluid in your body, and your blood isn't pumping fast enough to get it moved around -- if you put your feet in cold water, it will shrink the blood vessels in your feet and ankles -- meaning that even LESS blood will get into the area.
I've worked in nursing and rehab for a number of years -- and there are several things you can do, which I recommend to my patients, just the same. The first is, of course, elevation -- as the doctor suggested. It isn't enough to just sit in a chair and prop your feet up . . . although that's better than nothing, it'll allow the fluid to flow until where you bend.
It would be best to lay on your back, with your feet up on several pillows, so that there was a gradual slope downward -- the important part is to make sure that they're above your heart as much as possible.
Something else that will help is moving them, again, as the doctor suggested. I find, in my patients, that plantar and dorsiflextion help best with swelling in the feet and ankles (that's just . . . rocking your feet up and down, like you're tapping your toes).
If the lower legs are swollen, kicking your legs out, and marching will help -- to -- the more you move them, the more blood you'll have flowing . . . but you have to find some healthy medium, because chances are, if you're marching or kicking out, you're sitting up.. . which means that gravity will work against you, too.
You could use ace bandages to wrap your feet and legs -- do this after you've rested and elevated them for a while, so swelling is minimal. You'll want to wrap them in a spiral motion, not criss crossing -- you'll want it to be tiger at the bottom (the foot, and get gradually looser, the tighter up the leg it goes). This will help to prevent the legs from swelling quite as much -- and while I assure you, it isn't the most comfortable sensation, it feels better than . . . your feet feeling like they're going to explode.
2007-08-05 11:45:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have had this happen to me too!(not pregnant at the time though) I agree with the other poster about the water weight. I have high blood pressure as well and at times I have retained a lot of water and I always felt it in my feet. They would get swollen (not as bad as yours) all the time. A simple fix for me was my Dr. gave me water pills. The first time I did it I lost 8 pounds in one day. I am serious. For you, it maybe different and maybe not an easy fix because you are pregnant. And, I don't want to put this out there but have you researched toxemia and do you have any of those symptoms? Sending positive energy your way!! Hugs!
2016-04-01 00:33:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes lay down with legs and feet elevated some...a few pillows under your legs....I think they let you out of the hospital a day too early. Wrap ankles and feet up with ace bandage or wear some support hose when you are up walking around....give kisses to my grand babies
2007-08-05 13:54:57 · answer #3 · answered by foxxybabe0430 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I feel your pain...mine have been swollen for 2 months...they don't even go down at night...nothing has helped...the really sad part is I have no excuse, my Baby is 12...Congrats on yours! I hope all is well... let me know if you get your feet skinny again! p.s. I am Chris J's girlfriend.
2007-08-07 13:25:41 · answer #4 · answered by Angel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Arnica gel is gd for rubbing in legs & ankles, get someone to gently do this for you. Elevate as much as possible with ice pack around both ankles for about 15mins 3 times a day , try not to stand in one position for too long & drink lots of water.
By the way welcome to your baby & good luck.
2007-08-05 11:46:20 · answer #5 · answered by J Lo 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
The doc is correct. You need to elevate them with a pillow....try soaking them and perhaps icing them. Also, avoid salt as much as you can as it causes you to retain water and can sometimes make your ankles swell more.
2007-08-05 11:34:52 · answer #6 · answered by VOLLEYBALLY 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It will go down eventually! It took mine about two weeks for them to look remotely normal! Remember, I didn't even take a **** for a whole week after having Embra. LOL
2007-08-05 17:16:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
have a doctor check and sock in cold water or put an ice pack on it
2007-08-05 11:33:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Hows the young-un???
2007-08-05 11:46:21 · answer #9 · answered by chris j 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋