Re: Causes of Feet Swelling

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - DLB on July 12, 1998 at 17:04:55:

In Reply to: Causes of Feet Swelling posted by Lena on July 12, 1998 at 11:25:45:






Hello,  For the past few months I notice my feet to swell..it is usually in the inner part of both ankles but the left foot seems to get a lil puffy on top of the foot and at times I cannot get the shoes on....Now, last week for 3 days they were great...Skinny lil feet again...Did not do anything different.  Can heat do this and or standing/sitting a lot . Is this part of the cardio vascular system and is serious.  I had a lot of heart testing done a few months ago for a general check-up and suuposedly all was well except BP was a lil high during the stress test but went down to normal at finish.  Should I be concerned and is this serious.  I am 49 years old.  My hubby says I am worrying about nothing, but he is not a doctor!   Any info is greatly appreciated in this family. Thank You.    Lena
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Dear Lena:
There are many causes of ankle swelling.  It can occur as a side effect of medicines, especially some of the popular blood pressure medications.  As some people age, the veins in their legs become less efficient, and this can lead to swelling in the ankles; this tends to be more pronounced at the end of a long day of standing.  The worrisome possible cause of ankle swelling is heart failure, which can cause a backup of fluid in the body.  Certain kidney disorders can also lead to swelling.  Rarely, blood clots in the veins of the abdomen or legs can lead to swelling.
As you can see, the list of possibilities is long.  However, it should not be too difficult for your doctor to sift through the possibilities, especially since it sounds like you have already had a number of tests to indicate that you are healthy.
I wish you the best of luck.  Feel free to write back with further questions.
Information provided here is of a general nature.  Specific diagnoses and treatments can only be made by your doctor.  If you would like to be seen at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at Desk F15.