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What Causes Pain And Swelling In The Ankles?

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Posted on Sat, 28 Oct 2017
Question: Is it common to have feet and ankles swell EVERY day? My doctor says, with no testing, that my veins are not pumping the fluid back and it is leaking into my feet and ankles. My cardiologist says my heart is working fine.I am also wearing compression hose, but after about 6 hours I can not tolerate them, they increase the pain.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
it's probably what your doctor said

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

although the most likely answer is what your doctor said, some investigation is required. Fairly common things to consider include the following:
- venous insufficiency: an ultrasound scan of the veins should suffice to prove or exclude it. Other signs of this disorder include distended and tortuous veins.
- heart failure: swollen legs is one of the signs of heart failure. Shortness of breath is another, but since your cardiologist says that your heart is OK this is out of the question.
- low albumin (usually caused by renal or liver problems) : in such cases there should be a history of renal disorder with proteinuria or liver cirrhosis.

Elevation of the legs (above the level of the heart) is the most helpful way to reduce swelling. Ice won't help much if at all. The compression stockings are helpful but they're hard to bear with.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
Kind regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3809 Questions

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What Causes Pain And Swelling In The Ankles?

Brief Answer: it's probably what your doctor said Detailed Answer: Hello, although the most likely answer is what your doctor said, some investigation is required. Fairly common things to consider include the following: - venous insufficiency: an ultrasound scan of the veins should suffice to prove or exclude it. Other signs of this disorder include distended and tortuous veins. - heart failure: swollen legs is one of the signs of heart failure. Shortness of breath is another, but since your cardiologist says that your heart is OK this is out of the question. - low albumin (usually caused by renal or liver problems) : in such cases there should be a history of renal disorder with proteinuria or liver cirrhosis. Elevation of the legs (above the level of the heart) is the most helpful way to reduce swelling. Ice won't help much if at all. The compression stockings are helpful but they're hard to bear with. I hope you find my comments helpful! Kind regards!