Suggest Treatment For Swollen Foot While Having Congestive Heart Failure

Posted on Tue, 14 Feb 2017

Question: My mother has cong heart failure and recently has increased putting edema in left foot much more than right. We are watching salt intake . We see cardiologist monday. Is it ok for her to soak feet in epsom salt to reduce swelling over the weekend ??? She took 20 mg lasix yesterday

Answered by Dr. Rishu Saxena (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No,Its not going to help!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Firstly thanks for choosing HCM for your query!

Soaking foot in epsom water is not going to reduce swelling in her case ,Because the swelling is caused secondary to congestive cardiac failure.The only way to help swelling in he case is to increase the dose of lasix,add potassium sparing diuretic and to follow a strict sodium and fluid restricted diet.
Though not asked yet for you knowledge Epsom foot soaks are purported to relieve aches and pains, decrease inflammation, improve circulation, and soften and deodorize the feet. Epsom salt is also claimed to have anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties.But as in case of your mother the edema is a result of collection of fluid secondary to CHF,Its not going to help.
Thank you!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Rishu Saxena (48 minutes later)

Dr ....mom has one kidney. Her meds are
One Metoprolol 50mg
Two nefedipine 30mg
Two Multaq for afib 400mg
One 25 mg hctz
Two valsartin ( Diovan) 320mg
Would any of her meds effect the swelling of the left foot. The swelling is puffy on the left foot... minor puffy edemain the right foot

Answered by Dr. Rishu Saxena (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes HCTZ relieves edema!

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,

Tab HCTZ will help her in edema,However consult your cardiologist to add a strong edema relieving medicine like Frusemide.

Thanks!

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee