Swollen Ankles, pls help
Need some sound advice please. Whenever the weather warms up i get swollen ankles. Happens when i walk around or sit down. They're not painful but just unsightly. How can i get rid of this problem as i was told drinking plenty of water is suppose to help. Brief medical history. I have cholesterol, and high blood pressure, all under control by medicines. No diabetes, and have a weight problem. Now before everyone starts screaming you ought to eat less, i'm of the small group of people who forgets to eat and when i do its a NORMAL plate not piled high. I dont enjoy food and not a binger, when i do remember to eat i am very conscious, especially when i cook, no fried foods, no fatty things. Hence this bod, grabs and keeps everything it gets cos it thinks it wouldnt be fed again. Right... so i would appreciate sensible advice as to what i can do about my swollen ankles as i dont want to spend another summer suffering with them. Pls no wise cracks. Thanx!
Answer:The thing is that although you don't overeat you say you are overweight and thats where the likely cause is. When i was overweight i had exactly the same problem (although only with one ankle) and when i saw my GP she said it was probably my weight causing it but did tests for under active thyroid gland and kidney test. Have you seen your GP? (if so did he/she do those tests?) I managed to lose alot of weight and the swollen ankle disappeared but while it was bad i used arnica gel on it which helped alot. Also putting a pack of frozen peas on the area made the swelling go down but i have to say nothing worked better than losing the weight. Hope this has helped in some way, good luck.
Salt/sodium-rich diets tend to cause problems with both swelling and high blood pressure, so I would minimize your intake of salt and sodium. Staying off your feet will help, and maybe some ice on the ankles will, too. I know you said you're not in pain, but the ice should help to reduce the swelling. Don't use tight shoes or socks, either----that could cause problems.
My Mum used to get this and her GP prescribed an anti malaria drug for her to take, starting a few weeks before the hot weather so it could get into her system. Not sure what the drug was, but it did work and the GP was happy to prescribe it, so if I were you I would ask your GP.
Sorry to hear that.