Remedy for Swollen Ankles

[McGaffey]

My ankles are becomming increasingly swollen - no pain involved, just heaviness. They have gotten worse over this summer; however, when I visit sw Wisconsin, Hidden Valley area, when I stay a few days, my ankles become almost normal. I have also noticed a decrease when I spent a week up north in Ely, but home in Minneapolis, they swell daily quite badly. I have high blood pressure, take three meds.( atenenol, avapro, monoxidil, and a statin)   At least one  med suggests that ankle swelling could result.  An echocardigram  awhile back suggested that my heart may be a bit sluggish as breath is expelled. I do not fatigue easily - people often comment on my activity level. I am trying to get used to a Cpap machine. I am 82 years old, but, again, they say I look like someone in my 60ies. I would appreciate suggestions re: cause and whether or not there is something I can do to remedy or minimize the swelling.

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

The hallmark of treatment is to reduce foot, leg and ankle swelling, and the first line of defense: leg elevation. Other aids include: Leg wedges to elevate the feet while sleeping, support socks and stocking, proper fitting shoes and socks.

Techniques to help decrease swelling: Increase muscle activity with walking, Avoid standing in place for long periods of time, Avoid sitting with the feet dependent.
Limit salt intake, do not abuse diuretics, but a short-term course may be helpful,
do not abuse laxatives, Drink plenty of water, Avoid contraceptive pills and hormone replacement therapy if possible, Use a compressions pump to help fluid return to the blood vessels.

If the edema persists or continues to worsen, please consult your physician.

You could read more about the condition at the following link -
http://www.footsmart.com/HealthCondition.aspx?ailmentId=94

Let us know if you need any other information.

Regards.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

There are a no. of causes of swelling feet. In your case, I feel there’s a strong possibility of Minoxidil being the culprit in causing the same. If the swelling of the feet/ankles is troubling you a lot, then you may need to stop Minoxidil. I’ll request you to take an opinion from your treating physician. Other important causes of the swelling of the ankles at this age is weakness of the right side of heart (Doctors call it Right heart failure), varicosities (increased tortuosity of the veins), hypoalbuminemia(decreased protein synthesis by the liver) and thus the fluid(plasma) of the blood comes out into the tissue spaces.

I sincerely hope this helps. Please do keep me posted.

Kind Rgds.

[helpfulinVa]

please reduce your salt intake, drink plenty of water. put your feet up when ever you sit down.
  People always say "but i dont add or eat alot of salt" Almost  everything have alot of sodium in it, just look on the back of everything you buy at the food market. SODIUM means SALT. if you consum salt flush with alot of WATER. I hope that helps you alot, good luck and to better health.

                                     helpfulinVA