ankle and feet swelling?

boovampire · 03-14-2006, 07:16 AM

I have recently be dealing with a condition that I find most uncomfortable and its driving me insane. Im dealing with both my ankles and feet swelling for no known reason, or at least I think so. It started a few weeks ago and its not getting any better. Its not to serious of a swell but its enough to make me take notice. I can't make out my ankle bones anymore and my feet feel tight with a slight hot feeling. Just below my toes on the bottom where that pad is it seems to swell and off set my balance some. Often Ive tried to just soak them in cool water but it doesnt last long till they are doing it again. I love to wear thong sandles and strappy dress shoes but the straps are digging into my flesh leaving ugly trenches. Ive also notice that my feet when they are doing this feel almost numb to some degree. There is no tingle or intense burning but rather its a squeezing sensation feeling like Ive got a rubber band about my foot. But I can feel pain for if I stub my toe let me tell you what I go around squeeling like a stuck pig. So this odd on set of conditions has me totally puzzled does anyone else have this condition and what have you been told it is and how to treat it?. My brother who is a full blown diabetic suggested I increase my fluids for Im not drinking enough water. Does this sound about right to anyone else?.

Stacie M · 03-14-2006, 07:22 AM

Hmmm, I know that feet/ankle swelling can be indicative of many things, but I am not sure what all they are. Is your BP fine?

I have had a few bouts of ankle/feet swelling that resolved on its own in a few days or so. However, I haven't had this happen in a couple of years. I would check with your doctor just to be sure that it isn't a sign of a serious problem.

Good luck!
Stacie M

arcane · 03-14-2006, 08:11 AM

I've had that too!

boovampire · 03-14-2006, 12:01 PM

Ive done some online research and there are so many reason why my ankles and feet could suddenly be swelling that its mind boggling as to which way to turn. I just recently had all my blood work done again (twice a year) and my doctor claims all is still looking pretty good only a few elevated totals but nothing to get excited over just yet. He said mostly my sugar was a bit high and my bp was normal. My brother pointed out that Im not drinking enough water and I take a water pill daily and that Im not replenishing what is being removed so its putting stress on my kidneys and liver and this can result in edema. He claimed his wife when pregnant drank very little water and her feet looked like footballs till she learned to increase her fluid intake. Being that PCOS effects our hormones he suggested the situation might be simular. I decided to think this through and today I drank lots of water. I even dropped in one of those shake an go packets from crystal light so to make drinking so much more water enjoyable and Ive noticed the swelling is not as bad as before. So perhaps there is some truth to needing more water?. Now with this higher intake of water how am I ever going to get out of the bathroom..(giggles)

Alliance · 03-14-2006, 02:08 PM

Even if I drink lots of water my hands and feet swell..especially in hot weather.

ljl7171 · 03-14-2006, 03:00 PM

Sugar, Salt and being dehydrated - all can make you retain water.

Watch your sugar intake, salt intake as well as increase your water intake and you should feel better.

I deal with this every day, so I know how you feel.

Good luck,

Lana

scottishsweetie · 03-14-2006, 10:12 PM

Sometimes I get so swollen all over my body the sheer uncomfortableness is overwhelming!! My fingers, face, feet, ankles, etc. I totally stay away from salt and anything carbonated, sugar, etc. Sometimes it STILL happens! The best thing that works for me is to sweat it out. I drink so much water during the day my co-workers think I have a real problem (the joke is I don't flush water, I just retain it) and a good sweat will always get rid of the problem! Another thing besides water pills are dandelion tablets you can get at the vitamin shop. Take 2 with every meal and the difference is amazing.
Hope this helps!

Brandee87 · 03-15-2006, 03:00 AM

I have the same problem with my right foot /like right now at the computer/. sometimes after I walk around a bit it goes down a little. I think its do to my recent weight gain /working on it/ but it will go down after the reduction of fluids in your body.

beachlover · 03-15-2006, 07:42 AM

boovampire,

Have you talked to your doctor about your swelling? I would be inclined to call your doctor's office and explain to the nurse about your swelling, and maybe they could tell you whether it's alright based on your medical history, or if you need to come in for testing. Maybe you need a water pill, but I would want to be sure and take something the doctor prescribed to be sure it would go with any other medication you may be taking.
I have had my feet swell some, and it's so aggravating. I hope you get some answers and some relief soon!!

dreamy28 · 03-15-2006, 08:17 AM

I get this in the summer alot and my doctor prescribed me compression stockings. I had to go to a CIMS Health Care store to get them and I wear them at work under a dress or long skirt. They are just like regular pantyhose but the stay up kind. They have really helped me. I also avoided alcohol and anything really salty and my doctor increased my aldactone which apparently has diruetic properties too.

Good luck and let us know how you're doing.

ABumpyGal · 03-15-2006, 07:53 PM

I'm sorry you're having to deal with this BooVampire! It can be painful and annoying to say the least. If I were in your shoes, I'd try to do whatever makes your feet swell (perhaps when you sit or stand a lot? Not drink enough? Etc.), go see the doctor and have them check it out while they are swollen. It can't hurt and they could possibly bring you relief quicker than trying to suss things out on your own. In the meantime, you might want to keep your feet elevated above your heart as much as you can, such as while sleeping. That can really help knock it down.

Like Scottishsweetie, I swell all over and have since I went on medication and gained 125lbs (which I have since lost, and then some). It was a common side effect of one med I was on that I am finally free of as of last month... yet I still swell, just not as badly

I can attest to Scottishsweetie's suggestion of dandelion root as a fine diuretic. There is also parsley (although it's mild) and cornsilk. Be careful with any diuretic though, as one can easily over-tax their kidneys. If your mid-back ever starts to hurt while taking one, stop immediately!!

I hope you find an answer soon!

Dana

barneyb · 03-16-2006, 02:45 AM

Not to be alarmist, but this was an early sign of peripheral artery disease in my mother. She had unexplained swelling and had fat little feet & ankles. They actually didn't find the PAD until later, but when she went to the cardiologist, he said that it was most likely the PAD -- poor blood flow meant that things didn't keep moving through her body like they should have. If the fluid increase doesn't cure you, please go see your dr. soon.

OrangeDaisy · 03-16-2006, 06:24 AM

Certain blood pressure medicine can make your feet and ankles swell because they relax your arteries. Somehow the squeezing action of the arteries clear the fluid out of you body. Do you take any kind of pain relievers like ibuprofen? The NSAID drugs can affect kidney function.

Whether you do or don't take either of these meds, watch your sodium intake. Limit it to 2500mg a day. You'll find that nearly impossible if you eat anything like canned food, boxed dinners, or deli meats.

When I was taking a BP med that made my ankles swell, my doctor suggested that once an hour I stand up and go up and down on my tiptoes several times.

mandi78 · 03-16-2006, 10:04 PM

I stay swollen all the time...I even have pitting edema in my legs even though I am not pregnant. My dr ran all the tests on kidneys, liver and heart and all are fine. She said it's probably due to too much carb consumption.....that your body needs more water to be able to digest carbs.

boovampire · 03-21-2006, 12:19 PM

It would appear that Aunt Flow has decided on a new approach to herald her arrival. It seems Im to go through some rather unsettling swelling for about 2wks before she pops in and says hello. Two days after I wrote my last entry she hit me with cramps, bloating, swelling and a flow unlike ever before! My family tells me its not uncommon to have swelling of the limbs before a cycle and to increase my fluids so that I dont get low on potassium. I plan to monitor it closely to see if it goes away and returns on my next cycle..well at any case I will gladly put up with it if it means a Im going to have a regular period..(smiles) Its the start of the second day of my cycle and the swelling is gone but I feel pretty worn out for the first day of my cycle was heavy and messy but Im not complaining overly much. (wipes her brow and smiles) Thank you everyone for your comments and suggestions I will keep many of the things you said on hand just incase I need to go in a different direction with this. Thank you all!.