Swollen feet

[manda9311]

Hi my feet used to swell occasionally in the summer an it was not a big deal. However, my feet have been constantly swollen for the past 2-2.5 months. Its both of my feet, ankles, and lower legs. I have not injured them and have no other symptoms to report. I have tried compression stockings and they don't seem to help. I have tried walking every day and still the swelling persisted. They are swollen from the moment i wake up in the morning, it does not go away with eleveation. Any ideas? Suggestions?

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

I suggest you follow up with your primary care physician. You should have a thorough evaluation including lower extremity duplex for DVT, assessment of medications (some can cause edema or swelling), cardiac evaluation, liver and renal evaluation, etc. Your primary care physician can guide you through the workup.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.

[Sumanadevii]

I am no doctor but I can tell you from experience that the first thing that needs to be checked is your heart and vascular system.  Once that cause is ruled out then it becomes a cosmetic problem...and maybe a little uncomfortable.  Your PCP can give you a prescription to help with the water weight but...umm...my guess is he/she will want to rule out a heart problem first.