HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Does Methamphetamine Usage Cause Swollen Ankle And Feet?

Posted on Mon, 16 Nov 2015

Question: My feet and ankles started swelling two days ago. Could this be water retention from 3 months of meth use?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes,Methamphetamine can be a possible cause

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Yes , Methamphetamine which is a stimulant , by activating Norepinephrine transmission, stimulates sympathetic nervous system. It can cause narrowing of vessels and retention/stagnation of fluid leading to swollen feet or ankle edema.

Joint pathology, heart failure, renal failure malnourishment can also cause such edema and should be looked for in the workup to rule these possibilities out. Based on the physical exam findings, echocardiogram, chest x ray, blood counts, ESR, Liver and renal function tests can be advised.

For now, Try to avoid meth and keep the feet elevated by using a pillow underneath your feet or elevating the foot end of the bed.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (24 minutes later)

Should i start trying diuretics and some vitams, along with quiting the meth? If vitamins need to be taken, which ones?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

There is no need to use diuretics unless as a cardiac cause is found. Diuretics should be avoided. Quitting the meth alone will lead to the edema being subsided gradually, if its indeed is the cause. B complex vitamins like neurobion or multibionta with zinc are good options to be taken for a month in consult with your doctor.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (19 minutes later)

One last question, I stopped using it yesterday evening. How long should I wait for it to subside before seeing m Primary Care Physician?

Thanks.XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

You should see a visible difference within the next 10 days. You may upload some images of your feet/ankles and can review them with me after a week or so. If you deem it appropriate, You may stay in touch with me, if you prefer and I can guide you through the process.

You may also get an appointment with your GP straight away so that he can examine the feet.

Let me know if you have any query

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (17 minutes later)

Yes, that would great. Attached is a picture. If you need a closer view please let me and thank you very much for your help.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Side view

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for uploading the image.

Kindly upload an additional side on view from both right and left side for each foot.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (52 minutes later)

(R) then (L)
.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Fine. You can upload the images after the agorementioned time to review them.

You may contact me here.

For further details you may go to my profile.

Let me know if you require any more info or clarification.

Thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar