swelling

[cpiel12345]

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism & my legs & my hands have been swelling up to the point that I cant stand for someone to touch them cause they hurt so bad. please tell me what can I do if anything to ease the pain & swelling of my legs & hands.

[Barb135]

Forgot to mention that swelling is much reduced when thyroid levels are optimal; as gimel requested, please post your actual thyroid hormone results, so we can better assess your situation.

[Barb135]

I, too, have horrible swelling in my hands and feet.  The only way to reduce the pain, is to reduce the swelling.

Of course, you have to be careful and make sure you limit your sodium intake as that makes swelling much worse.  Additionally, try not to sit for long periods with your feet down; if you have to sit for prolonged periods, such as at work, try to elevate your feet, while you're sitting.  

I've had good luck with dandelion root for swelling.  I use both tea and capsules.  The tea isn't the greatest tasting, but with a little sweetener added (I use stevia), it's not bad.  The capsules are more convenient, because you just take them and you're done.  I use both with my doctor's blessing, but of course, you should check with your doctor to be sure it's okay for you, as some herbs can interact with medications and cause adverse effects.

Exercise is also necessary (yes, I know it hurts to walk, but it's important to do), as it keeps the circulation going better than just sitting and letting the fluid pool in your feet.

It's also important to stay hydrated, because if you don't drink enough, your body will hold onto fluid, more readily.

[gimel]

Your post will get much more notice and response if you will click on the orange Post A Question button at top of page and start a new thread of your own, and re-post your message.  

[gimel]

There are members who have had some of the experience you mention.  I'm sure you will get responses from them.  In the interim, it would help all if your would please post your thyroid related test results and their reference ranges shown on the lab report.  Also, do you have any other symptoms?  And are you currently taking thyroid med?  If so, what type and dosage?

[JP040805]

Recently found several nodules on thyroid.  Scheduled for biopsy next week.  I have had vague symptoms for years (anxiety, dizziness, heart palps, etc) with no diagnoses.  Found the nodules by accident when checking carotids due to lots of ear fullness/pressure/whooshing.  Nodules showed up on CT scan in December but no one mentioned it to get checked out.  Feeling very overwhelmed.  This is the first I've ever given a thought to my thyroid.  So much info out there and so hard to find a good doc!