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Swollen Ankles, On Diuretics. Drink Enough Water. Cause And Treatment?
Question: Swollen ankles and I am on diuretics. I still drink water because of thirst. Stockings can be uncomfortable but I do wear them.
Brief Answer:
Need some more information to give opinion
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You seem to be going well at 90 yrs of age. The swollen ankles can be normal at this age because of lower protein circulating in the veins.
However I would like to few details here:
1) How long are the ankles swollen?
2) Does the skin dip inside when you press over bone of the ankle for 30 seconds?
3) What is the reason for putting on diuretics? Did the doctor prescribe you this for swollen ankles?
Awaiting the reply.
Need some more information to give opinion
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
You seem to be going well at 90 yrs of age. The swollen ankles can be normal at this age because of lower protein circulating in the veins.
However I would like to few details here:
1) How long are the ankles swollen?
2) Does the skin dip inside when you press over bone of the ankle for 30 seconds?
3) What is the reason for putting on diuretics? Did the doctor prescribe you this for swollen ankles?
Awaiting the reply.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Aparna Kohli
Yes my doctor did prescribe the diuretics. Is there anything else I should be doing?
Brief Answer:
keep legs above the knee level while sitting
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Maintain the position of the legs above the knee level while sitting and also while sleeping (put two cushions under the knee joint while sleep) that elevates the ankles and return of the fluid back to the heart.
Stockings are good while you are working in the kitchen, garden or taking a walk. Do not wear them while sitting or sleeping.
If the diuretics are meant to reduce the ankle swelling in the absence of heart disease they would not work. They may inturn produce electrolyte imbalance and cause more swelling. Talk to your doctor if diuretics are not reducing your symptoms.
All the more if you do not have serious organ disease affecting kidney, heart then you just bring in the above changes and may slowly go off diuretics.
Hope this gives you a better direction.
keep legs above the knee level while sitting
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Maintain the position of the legs above the knee level while sitting and also while sleeping (put two cushions under the knee joint while sleep) that elevates the ankles and return of the fluid back to the heart.
Stockings are good while you are working in the kitchen, garden or taking a walk. Do not wear them while sitting or sleeping.
If the diuretics are meant to reduce the ankle swelling in the absence of heart disease they would not work. They may inturn produce electrolyte imbalance and cause more swelling. Talk to your doctor if diuretics are not reducing your symptoms.
All the more if you do not have serious organ disease affecting kidney, heart then you just bring in the above changes and may slowly go off diuretics.
Hope this gives you a better direction.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Aparna Kohli
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