Swollen ankles

[Angelina]

It's that time of the year again..

I am trying to lose weight, but as soon as one warm day comes, my ankles become really swollen. Water retention, excess weight..they all combine to make my ankles look like balloons. If a colder day comes along, they shrink back to normal size. I am not looking for a medical opinion here, but I was wondering if anyone else has this problem and if there is anything that can be done to help!!

Thank you in advance http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Angelina

[Vanessa]

Hi Angelina:
Is it only your ankles that swell up? If its a general swelling it could be allergy related. You could also have a sensitivity to heat. When it gets very hot and humid here I tend to retain water. If its only your ankles and you notice it only during hot weather and its not caused by allergy (polen count is high right now) it could be a circulatory problem. Hope you feel better soon.

[JHolcomb]

My sister has a horrible time with very swollen ankles and feet caused by circulatory problems. She just tries to wear really comfy shoes, since heels or anything not well padded make the problem worse. Staying off of her feet as much as possible helps her too (not much of a possibility for her since she works retail), as does elevating them. I have a feeling that drinking more water would probably help too, but her eating habits are very unhealthy (not the cause of her heart problem, but eating better couldn't hurt).

[donleyk]

Angelina,

This is just for what it's worth, my sister has to elevate her feet and legs if she eats too many pretzels. Same problem, swelling. Good luck!

[MrsReber]

I know that swelling due to pregnancy may be a bit different, but here's what I have heard about swollen ankles. My doctor told me that I should flex my feet during the day to prevent any swelling in my feet and ankles. Elevation is also good and getting up every hour to walk around in order to get the blood flowing. My co-worker said her sister had a problem with swollen feet and ankles and swimming always seemed to help her (if you have access to a pool, that is!). The cool water reduced the swelling for her. Hope you find a solution. That can't be much fun.

[funnybone]

I've had a problem with sore ankles for years, but not a lot of swelling. Now, I have been told that my rhematoid factor is borderline and can lead to arthritis. Have you had your blood checked for any signs of arthritis? It isn't all in the hands and fingers.

[Angelina]

Thank you, ladies, for your advice!
I think my ankles swell up for a combination of too much salt, sitting at a desk all day and heat. I will definitely try the swimming as soon as I can. I have these lovely sandals I want to be able to wear when the weather is right. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Gail]

Funny you should mention this...

About three days into my recent vacation, my hands and feet began to swell. Fine, I figured, sometimes this happens when it's hot (which it was.) A couple of days more and my normally trim little ankles were completely gone, my legs looked like tree trunks, my feet looked like a couple of hams and I began to look decidedly pregnant. Not a pretty picture.

The day after I got home, I decided to visit the doctor. According to him, I hit the jackpot, swelling due to the following: sitting in plane/car too long, heat, humidity, increased salt intake (we're presuming restaurants use more salt than I do at home), my period, a few too many pounds, and conceivably the allergens Vanessa mentions. I was put on medication to take until I'm back to normal. To prevent such bad recurrences, the doctor recommended maintaining a regular exercise program (I tend to be sporadic)and keeping my weight down. Apparently, the more you weigh, the more prone you are to edema. And insofar as my recent bout was concerned, seems the stars were aligned against me. Lucky me!

[This message has been edited by Gail (edited 04-20-2001).]

[foodiedelite]

You might want to run it by your Physician, just to ensure it's nothing more.

If you get the chance at work--try to get away from your desk and stroll as often as possible to keep the circulation flowing.