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What Causes Swelling In Ankles During Postpartum?

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Posted on Fri, 14 Feb 2014
Question: Hi, I'm 8 weeks postpartum and I have painful swelling on my ankles. The pain and throbbing goes up to my calf, behind my knee. I've tried soaking them in Hot water with Epson salt, drink lots of water, ibprofen but the pain is still there. Please advise.
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Answered by Dr. Timothy Raichle (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Hello, I would be happy to help... Detailed Answer: I am assuming that this has either persisted since the delivery OR is a new problem that is worsening. In any case, I think my impression and plan would be as follows: 1. Swelling during and after pregnancy in the legs and ankles is very common 2. It is often made worse after a delivery in the setting of anemia (less "stuff" in the bloodstream allows fluid to leak into the surrounding tissue) and extra fluids given, for example, during an induction or with an epidural 3. Less commonly, but of some concern, is the risk for blood clots. Given your description of the swelling actually causing pain, I think that #3 needs to be ruled out. You should go in to be examined as soon as you can. If there is no evidence of blood clots, have them check your blood counts (CBC) and review with you if there are any concerns about your blood pressure. I hope that this helps - let me know!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Timothy Raichle

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Practicing since :1999

Answered : 1687 Questions

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What Causes Swelling In Ankles During Postpartum?

Brief Answer: Hello, I would be happy to help... Detailed Answer: I am assuming that this has either persisted since the delivery OR is a new problem that is worsening. In any case, I think my impression and plan would be as follows: 1. Swelling during and after pregnancy in the legs and ankles is very common 2. It is often made worse after a delivery in the setting of anemia (less "stuff" in the bloodstream allows fluid to leak into the surrounding tissue) and extra fluids given, for example, during an induction or with an epidural 3. Less commonly, but of some concern, is the risk for blood clots. Given your description of the swelling actually causing pain, I think that #3 needs to be ruled out. You should go in to be examined as soon as you can. If there is no evidence of blood clots, have them check your blood counts (CBC) and review with you if there are any concerns about your blood pressure. I hope that this helps - let me know!