Hi,I am Dr. Shanthi.E (General & Family Physician). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
I am a 24 yr old female, about a week ago i noticed my ankles were swollen. I do not eat alot of salt but i did notice that i was drinking alot and not having to using the restroom as often as i should have i could go all day and only have to go two or three times a day i drink alot this is not normal. After a few days this went back to normal but i have gained about 5lbs so far. Now my ankles are swollen and sore i can not relieve the swelling with ice heat or elevation and yesterday and today i noticed simple tasks that are usually not a problem have been making me short of breath what could be wrong with me? The only thing i have had checked was my BP and it is great i dont get it.
Hello
Thanks for using HealthCareMagic .
I would be pleased to answer your question .
Swelling in the legs can be due to multiple reasons other than excessive salt intake .
It can be due to Heart failure ( Congestive) , Renal ( Kidney) related issues , Fluid Electrolyte imbalances , Lung issues . Such causes of swelling are not relieved with ICE or HEAT applications . Elevation of the legs by placing the legs on a pillow at night is good however , the cause needs to be ruled out .
I would recommend that you should visit a physician who would examine the area and ask for certain investigations if need be .
Thanks and Take care
With your description it only means that you have fluid retention in extravascular (that is out side the vessels though which blood flow) space to this are added symptom of weight gain and shortness of breath. I would consult a doctor for there are three clinical conditions which have to be excluded
1. Congestive Heart Failure. Systemic venous congestion. Not being able to relieve during the time when you lie down and feet are up, absence of any knowledge of heart disease in an educated adult and absence of aggravation of symptoms during sleep waking you up are pointers against it.
2. Renal, Nephrotic Syndrome like condition. A urine test for protein and microscopy combined with blood tests will exclude this.
Your doctor will like to consider and exclude Hypothyroidism, Diabetes and liver disease. That should be possible with clinical examination and some simple blood tests.
There is no cause for worry but definitely cause for concern.
With best wishes
Dr Anil Grover
Cardiologist
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Hello Thanks for using HealthCareMagic . I would be pleased to answer your question . Swelling in the legs can be due to multiple reasons other than excessive salt intake . It can be due to Heart failure ( Congestive) , Renal ( Kidney) related issues , Fluid Electrolyte imbalances , Lung issues . Such causes of swelling are not relieved with ICE or HEAT applications . Elevation of the legs by placing the legs on a pillow at night is good however , the cause needs to be ruled out . I would recommend that you should visit a physician who would examine the area and ask for certain investigations if need be . Thanks and Take care