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What Causes Swollen Ankles And Calfs?
Question: I have swollen ankles and calfs, what causes it and what can be done to reduce and any future problems ?
Brief Answer:
many causes
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
There are many causes of ankle swelling. If it is only one ankle we get concerned about a blood clot in the leg but if it is both legs then that is much less likely.
With both legs swollen it could be something as simple as you are eating too much salt in your diet or something as serious as heart failure.
You need a physical exam and blood tests to determine the cause. It could be from your heart, liver, kidneys or from a blood problem.
Until you see your doctor do not use any salt (that includes no fast food and no canned food). Use some compression stockings if you can get a pair and prop your legs up when you are lying down. The legs need to be higher than the heart when lying down to help decrease the fluid accumulation.
Furosemide my help if taken regularly but only under a doctor's supervision because it can have serious side effects including lowering potassium and causing abnormal heart rhythms.
Please see your doctor for an exam and blood tests as soon as possible.
Dr. Robinson
many causes
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
There are many causes of ankle swelling. If it is only one ankle we get concerned about a blood clot in the leg but if it is both legs then that is much less likely.
With both legs swollen it could be something as simple as you are eating too much salt in your diet or something as serious as heart failure.
You need a physical exam and blood tests to determine the cause. It could be from your heart, liver, kidneys or from a blood problem.
Until you see your doctor do not use any salt (that includes no fast food and no canned food). Use some compression stockings if you can get a pair and prop your legs up when you are lying down. The legs need to be higher than the heart when lying down to help decrease the fluid accumulation.
Furosemide my help if taken regularly but only under a doctor's supervision because it can have serious side effects including lowering potassium and causing abnormal heart rhythms.
Please see your doctor for an exam and blood tests as soon as possible.
Dr. Robinson
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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