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What Causes Ankle Swelling While Sitting?

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Posted on Sat, 5 Apr 2014
Question: I HAD CELLULITISFOR 5 YEARS ON BOTH LEGS BUT THEY SEEM TO GET BETTER. MY LEGS STAY SWOLLEN AT THE ANKLES. IT SEEMS IT GETS WORSE WHEN I SIT AT WORK FOR 12 OR MORE HOURS AND ONLY GET UP FROM MY DESK TO GO TO THE REST ROOM OR GO TO LUNCH. I GET SORES AND MY LEG IS HARD AS A ROCK IN THE CALF. THE LEG GETS TWICE AS BIG. ..iT GOES DOWN WITHIN TWO MONTHS. I CAN'T GET RID OF THE BIG ANKLES OR THE BLOOD UNDER THE SKIN. WOULD HOT BATHS HELP? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA TO BRING DOWN THE SWOLLEN ANKLES? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW TO GET THE REDNESS OUT OF MY CALFS
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Answered by Dr. Rahul Tawde (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Following suggestions... Detailed Answer: Hi my dear, I have gone through your query and understood your concerns. It is normal to get swollen legs (feet) when being sit for long time. However, it is not normal to get them back to normal size for such long time (2 months). To my opinion, you need to consult an angiologist and to run Doppler of the blood vessels of the legs for further evaluation of probable deep vein thrombosis (occlusion). I also suggest to get a urine analysis and abdominal ultrasound done in order to evaluate the status of your kidneys. Until the tests results are in, I advise to: - not to stay sit for too long - have frequent breaks and do some light exercises to put your legs in movement - take another low-chair to put your feet on (raise them up) - take a pillow under your legs when sleeping - with regards to hot baths, I'd suggest to avoid hot water; instead can bathe your feet (until the ankle) with lukewarm water and salt. The redness of your calf should be further evaluated to determine the cause: - if it is because of cellulitis - or because of inflamed blood vessels of the legs Depending on the test results, specific treatment will be prescribed Hope it helps, let me know if you have other questions! Dr.Sejdini
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Dr. Rahul Tawde

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1980

Answered : 1 Question

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What Causes Ankle Swelling While Sitting?

Brief Answer: Following suggestions... Detailed Answer: Hi my dear, I have gone through your query and understood your concerns. It is normal to get swollen legs (feet) when being sit for long time. However, it is not normal to get them back to normal size for such long time (2 months). To my opinion, you need to consult an angiologist and to run Doppler of the blood vessels of the legs for further evaluation of probable deep vein thrombosis (occlusion). I also suggest to get a urine analysis and abdominal ultrasound done in order to evaluate the status of your kidneys. Until the tests results are in, I advise to: - not to stay sit for too long - have frequent breaks and do some light exercises to put your legs in movement - take another low-chair to put your feet on (raise them up) - take a pillow under your legs when sleeping - with regards to hot baths, I'd suggest to avoid hot water; instead can bathe your feet (until the ankle) with lukewarm water and salt. The redness of your calf should be further evaluated to determine the cause: - if it is because of cellulitis - or because of inflamed blood vessels of the legs Depending on the test results, specific treatment will be prescribed Hope it helps, let me know if you have other questions! Dr.Sejdini