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Swollen ankles
by Carolynlsp, Sep 27, 2007 11:41AM
My step-father who is about 80 years old and very over weight has really gone down with his health in the last few years. His ankles are swollen double the size of normal...and he has already had hip replacement, but he really has a hard time walking and getting around.. His skin around his ankles is redish and very tight...sometimes he cannot even get his shoes on....I know that he has been to doctors, but nobody can seem to help him... I was wondering if you might have some ideas of what we should be looking for? and what kind of doctor should we seek out?>??? Thanks
Carolyn
Carolyn
Member Comments (1)
by caregiver222, Oct 02, 2007 02:00PM
He should see a physician as soon as possible. Ankle swelling is a hallmark of certain kinds of heart failure, and is commonly treated with a diuretic such as furesomide (sold as LASIX - short for lasts six hours). You have a serious problem that may be easily treatable. I suggest you see an M.D. as soon as possible. Do not hesitate to take him to an emergency room. A modern ER in a teaching hospital, rather than a family physician, is where he will get the best evaluation and treatment. I wonder about the statement "he has been to doctors". The elderly (and not so elderly) are often stubborn and resist compliance with physicians orders and sometimes don't discuss their medical problems with their families. You need to have him get a proper work-up.
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