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What Causes Swelling On Feet And Ankles?
Question: I am 56 year old male and the tops of my feet are very puffed up and swollen, also my ankles and lower legs are extremely swollen and stiff and difficult to walk. what can I take or do to get rid of the swelling and stiffness. alsi noticed fluid blisters on front of lower legs, Help! thank you
Brief Answer:
A number of possible diagnosis
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your question.
It's important to work out exactly why your ankles are swollen. This could be because of a number of reasons including venous insufficiency in your legs, cardiac and renal disease, low protein in your blood, inadequate lymph drainage from your legs, hypothyroidism and some other hormonal imbalances and morbid obesity.
A physical assessment by your doctor and appropriate investigations should help determine exactly what the cause is and then this could be addressed.
The treatment will somewhat depend on exactly what the diagnosis is. some practical therapies that you can employ include graduated compression stockings and elevating you feet as much as possible particularly when in bed at night. Your feet need to be above you hip for this to work.
I hope this answers you question.
Best wishes
A number of possible diagnosis
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your question.
It's important to work out exactly why your ankles are swollen. This could be because of a number of reasons including venous insufficiency in your legs, cardiac and renal disease, low protein in your blood, inadequate lymph drainage from your legs, hypothyroidism and some other hormonal imbalances and morbid obesity.
A physical assessment by your doctor and appropriate investigations should help determine exactly what the cause is and then this could be addressed.
The treatment will somewhat depend on exactly what the diagnosis is. some practical therapies that you can employ include graduated compression stockings and elevating you feet as much as possible particularly when in bed at night. Your feet need to be above you hip for this to work.
I hope this answers you question.
Best wishes
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I have tried compression sox but they seem to cut off the circulation it the ankle and leave my foot swollen an my lower leg gets larger below the top band. is it possible to use various width ace bandages tightly applied over the swollen areas only and elevating my legs. do water pills like Lasix work to get rid of the fluid in the lower legs and such?
Brief Answer:
Longer measured stocking, yes lasix can be used
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your follow up question.
It would be important for you to be properly measured for above knee or full length graduated compression stockings if they were to be successful as you would encounter the issues you describe.
Yes, frusemide or lasix can be used and is most commonly used in patients whose ankle oedema is due to cardiac dysfunction. If it is due to renal dysfunction then you would want to be very cautious about using diuretics. Your doctor should check your renal function before staring such medication.
As I said earlier it's important to make a diagnosis as to why your ankles are swollen so appropriate treatment can be given.
Best wishes,
Longer measured stocking, yes lasix can be used
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your follow up question.
It would be important for you to be properly measured for above knee or full length graduated compression stockings if they were to be successful as you would encounter the issues you describe.
Yes, frusemide or lasix can be used and is most commonly used in patients whose ankle oedema is due to cardiac dysfunction. If it is due to renal dysfunction then you would want to be very cautious about using diuretics. Your doctor should check your renal function before staring such medication.
As I said earlier it's important to make a diagnosis as to why your ankles are swollen so appropriate treatment can be given.
Best wishes,
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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