What Causes Swelling Of Lower Legs, Ankles And Feet?

Brief Answer:
might need further investigations.

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Thanks for writing in...

It is quite possible that the swelling might be due to the exercise or high altitudes you were exposed to while hiking. Electrolyte imbalance is another possibility.

The more serious causes of edema or swelling of feet/around the eyes are cardiac, renal, liver pathologies or hypoproteinemia.

Please visit a physician who might do a thorough physical examination and depending on the history and findings, might advise investigations like liver function test, renal function test, ECG, Ultrasound Abdomen,hemoglobin levels ,if necessary to rule out the above mentioned conditions.

Hope this information was helpful to you.

Regards,
Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan

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Brief Answer:
better if you see a doctor soon...

Detailed Answer:
1. Have you been walking up the mountains?
2. Do you experience other symptoms like breathlessness, cough, weakness/dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chest tightness/congestion,decreased urine output?

If you have been walking up the mountains, it might be due to high altitude edema. High altitude edema is seen in individuals during or after ascent which includes swelling of hands , feet and face/around eyes. If it is seen as an isolated finding, it might not be worrisome. The swelling should reduce after descent.
However, if you do experience swelling along with other symptoms as described above , it is a medical emergency.     

If you have been walking and running and you have developed edema around the eyes, feet etc, it is not normal.

Another possibility I can think of is BPH ( benign prostatic hypertrophy) causing obstructive symptoms, and probably affecting the kidney and its function causing the edema.

In my opinion, I would advise you to visit a physician at the earliest .

Regards,
Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan


          

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