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What Do Swelling On Ankles After A Massage Indicate?

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Posted on Mon, 22 Jun 2015
Question: I just finished a 7 day cruise. On the 2 morning I got a pretty intense massage. She said she could feel some fluid in my legs. I've never really noticed it. The next day my ankle and shins were considerably swollen. I've been in the sun and drinking every day which is not normal for me. Ankles and shins have stayed swollen all week. I'm hoping my normal routine puts things back to normal. I am 43 male don't smoke. I've read this is common on cruises. Any input from a professional would be greatly appreciated
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Can be due to the travel.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
It is very common to find feet swelling after long travel because the travel results in inactivity which causes blood to pool in your leg veins. This should go away soon.
Other cause could have been the high temperature in which you were living for a few days. Not taking adequate fluids coupled with a poor diet high in salt and carbohydrates can cause ankle and feet swelling.

Other serious causes for pedal and ankle edema are congestive heart failure, kidney disease, arthritis, etc. Are you taking some medicines like laxatives? Abusing these drugs can also cause bilateral pedal edema.

You should follow these lifestyle measures to alleviate the symptoms:
1) Increase muscle activity with walking, avoid standing in place for long periods of time and avoid sitting with the feet dependent.
2) Limit salt intake and stop taking any laxatives (if you are taking them).
3) Elevate the legs when sitting and wear leg wedges while sleeping, support socks and proper fitting shoes and socks.
4) Keep your fluid intake adequate by taking plenty of fluids.
5) You can take diuretic pills after consulting your doctor to relive the swelling.

If the swelling persists then I suggest you an immediate physician consultation. You need to get blood tests, kidney function tests, electrolyte levels, ECG and stress ECHO, venous Doppler of the legs and urine tests done.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12315 Questions

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What Do Swelling On Ankles After A Massage Indicate?

Brief Answer: Can be due to the travel. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. It is very common to find feet swelling after long travel because the travel results in inactivity which causes blood to pool in your leg veins. This should go away soon. Other cause could have been the high temperature in which you were living for a few days. Not taking adequate fluids coupled with a poor diet high in salt and carbohydrates can cause ankle and feet swelling. Other serious causes for pedal and ankle edema are congestive heart failure, kidney disease, arthritis, etc. Are you taking some medicines like laxatives? Abusing these drugs can also cause bilateral pedal edema. You should follow these lifestyle measures to alleviate the symptoms: 1) Increase muscle activity with walking, avoid standing in place for long periods of time and avoid sitting with the feet dependent. 2) Limit salt intake and stop taking any laxatives (if you are taking them). 3) Elevate the legs when sitting and wear leg wedges while sleeping, support socks and proper fitting shoes and socks. 4) Keep your fluid intake adequate by taking plenty of fluids. 5) You can take diuretic pills after consulting your doctor to relive the swelling. If the swelling persists then I suggest you an immediate physician consultation. You need to get blood tests, kidney function tests, electrolyte levels, ECG and stress ECHO, venous Doppler of the legs and urine tests done. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal