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Suggest Treatment For Swollen Ankles
Question: PERSISTENT EDEMA AROUND ANKLES IN BOTH LEGS. SOMETIMES DENTED AT ANKLE AND TOP OF FOOT; UNCOMFORTABLE BUT NO PAIN. 81 YR.FEMALE; 250 LBS; ARTIFICIAL KNEES -BOTH LEGS.
Brief Answer:
It is due to reduced venous return.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Pedal edema is due to reduced venous return. It can be related to age, medication, uncontrolled blood pressure, varicose veins, overweight or cardiac failure.
2. Limb elevation overnight by keeping the legs above the level of heart with two to three pillows below legs should reduce the swelling.
Also, additionally venous stockings can be used when in upright position.
If still persistent, then diuretics based on blood pressure levels can be started. Diuretics will require clinical evaluation and prescription from your doctor.
3. Do let me know more clinical details, current medications and any other associated chronic diseases.
Swelling reduction is important as continuous swelling can cause fibrosis, skin ulceration and non healing ulcers.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
It is due to reduced venous return.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Pedal edema is due to reduced venous return. It can be related to age, medication, uncontrolled blood pressure, varicose veins, overweight or cardiac failure.
2. Limb elevation overnight by keeping the legs above the level of heart with two to three pillows below legs should reduce the swelling.
Also, additionally venous stockings can be used when in upright position.
If still persistent, then diuretics based on blood pressure levels can be started. Diuretics will require clinical evaluation and prescription from your doctor.
3. Do let me know more clinical details, current medications and any other associated chronic diseases.
Swelling reduction is important as continuous swelling can cause fibrosis, skin ulceration and non healing ulcers.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, here to help again.
Dr. Prakash HM
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Thank you so much for your thoughtful reply . when the condition presented as noticeable pigment discolorations( I am African-American) at lower legs, I did see a vein doctor in XXXXXXX Florida who recommended laser treatment; but I did not follow through since I was focusing on frequent asthma episodes and depression. Physicians( with specialities) here in XXXXXXX Michigan require referrals from your regular doctor, although my doctor sees it as a weight-reduction and less sodium solution. However, your comments prompt me to attend to the venous issue with my doctor in the very near future since the condition is more than a bother.
Brief Answer:
You are welcome. Do address the issue at the earliest.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for replying.
Increased pigmentation can be secondary to a condition called as varicose veins. It is confirmed through color doppler of the leg veins indicating increased venous pressure.
Do attend to the venous issue at the earliest.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Prakash HM
You are welcome. Do address the issue at the earliest.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for replying.
Increased pigmentation can be secondary to a condition called as varicose veins. It is confirmed through color doppler of the leg veins indicating increased venous pressure.
Do attend to the venous issue at the earliest.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Thanks for asking.
Dr. Prakash HM
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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