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Suggest Treatment For Swelling In The Ankles And Feet
Question: My ankles and feet are swollen,
I am 73 and make kidney stones (have had 3 lithotripsies to break them up , over the past 5 years)
I have been taking Lasarta for blood pressure , but stopped , while I am in an exercise program.
I am 73 and make kidney stones (have had 3 lithotripsies to break them up , over the past 5 years)
I have been taking Lasarta for blood pressure , but stopped , while I am in an exercise program.
Brief Answer:
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Swelling of both lower limbs can be due to different possible causes such as: (a) venous disease- this is one of the more common causes .
Normally the blood in the veins in the legs is suppose to go back to the heart, there are valves in the veins that are suppose to stop it from going in the other direction (staying in the legs).
As we age, these valves don't work as they should so blood pools on standing or sitting with the legs down.
Increased activity (if requires increased standing) , may also cause the veins to pool
(2) heart , kidney or liver disease- abnormal function of any of these organs can cause swelling.
With the heart - there may be a previous history of heart disease or uncontrolled blood pressure
With the kidney and liver- there may also be a previous history of problems or abnormal blood tests
(3)trauma- trauma to the ankles or feet would also cause swelling
(4)arthritis-if you have a history of arthritis in the ankle joint or any of the small joints of the feet, the increased physical activity may be irritating it slightly causing swelling
There would be a history of associated pain in the ankles or feet
(5)medication
To find the cause: (A) if a previous history of pain then it may be due to arthritis and treatment would involve decreasing activity, elevating the legs , a topical gel like voltaren gel and if necessary a pain killer such as cataflam or ibuprofen- both with meals
(B)if a history of venous disease then this may be the cause- treatment is elevation , reducing standing or feet hanging down, compression stockings if needed
(C)if needed, blood tests can rule out liver and kidney disease
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Swelling of both lower limbs can be due to different possible causes such as: (a) venous disease- this is one of the more common causes .
Normally the blood in the veins in the legs is suppose to go back to the heart, there are valves in the veins that are suppose to stop it from going in the other direction (staying in the legs).
As we age, these valves don't work as they should so blood pools on standing or sitting with the legs down.
Increased activity (if requires increased standing) , may also cause the veins to pool
(2) heart , kidney or liver disease- abnormal function of any of these organs can cause swelling.
With the heart - there may be a previous history of heart disease or uncontrolled blood pressure
With the kidney and liver- there may also be a previous history of problems or abnormal blood tests
(3)trauma- trauma to the ankles or feet would also cause swelling
(4)arthritis-if you have a history of arthritis in the ankle joint or any of the small joints of the feet, the increased physical activity may be irritating it slightly causing swelling
There would be a history of associated pain in the ankles or feet
(5)medication
To find the cause: (A) if a previous history of pain then it may be due to arthritis and treatment would involve decreasing activity, elevating the legs , a topical gel like voltaren gel and if necessary a pain killer such as cataflam or ibuprofen- both with meals
(B)if a history of venous disease then this may be the cause- treatment is elevation , reducing standing or feet hanging down, compression stockings if needed
(C)if needed, blood tests can rule out liver and kidney disease
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
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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