Swollen ankles

  For about a month I have been working at home on my computer daily and long hours.  I have been having a considerable amount of edema in my feet, ankles and legs ever since I started this at home business.  Since I didn't have this problem before, I believe it is because of the pressure on my legs sitting with my feet on the floor that is causing the swelling.  If I don't work for a day of so, I don't have the edema.  I have begun taking Denadex along with Calan SR 240 for my blood pressure.  Even with the Denadex I still have a lot of edema.  I am 49, smoke, a little overweight with a hx of mild hypertension.  Is there a particular type of office chair I could buy that would help with this problem or should I go the route of support hosiery?  I really don't want to stop my business, I worked to hard to get it going and it's going good.  But it scares me to see so much edema on a daily basis.  I am on a low far diet and avoid sodium and caffeine.  Any suggestions?
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Dear Betty:
Support hosiery is a good idea for the swelling, especially if the problem is due to bad veins in your legs.  Trying to keep your feet elevated while you sit will also decrease the swelling [gravity will not be working against you].
It sounds like you have a lot of swelling in the legs.  It is important that the reason for the swelling be determined.  Often it is just due to the aging of the veins in the legs.  Sometimes problems with the heart or kidneys can cause swelling.  Just make sure that all possibilities are investigated.
If you wish to be evaluated here at the Cleveland Clinic, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE for an appointment with a cardiologist at desk F25.  Information provided in the Heart Forum is for general purposes only.  Specific diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your doctor.