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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Swelling In The Ankles Indicate?

My father is 84 and has congestive heart failure. They are trying him on several water pills because of fluid buildup. His ankles and feet are still swollen after months of this. Note he recently fell and had a partial hip replacement and right before that lost my Mom his wife of 64 years. Doctors had to prescribe Zoloft. He is on many medications for heart, cholesterol, high pressure and a slow heartbeat. Is the swollen ankles a sign that he only has months.
Fri, 22 Dec 2017
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi and welcome. Thank you for your query. Swollen ankles and swollen feet are common and usually not cause for concern, particularly if you have been standing or walking a lot. But feet andankles that stay swollen or are accompanied by other symptoms could signal a serious health problem.
Well, if you dont recall injury then swelling of the ankles and feet is often an early symptom of venous insufficiency, a condition in which blood inadequately moves up the veins from the legs and feet up to the heart. Normally, the veins keep blood flowing upward with one-way valves. When these valves become damaged or weakened, the blood leaks back down the vessels and fluid is retained in the soft tissue of the lower legs, especially the ankles and feet. Chronic venous insufficiency can lead to skin changes, skin ulcers, and infection. You should treat this with elastic stockings, keeping leg elevated and in severe caes you should see vascular surgeon for further treatment.
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What Does Swelling In The Ankles Indicate?

Hi and welcome. Thank you for your query. Swollen ankles and swollen feet are common and usually not cause for concern, particularly if you have been standing or walking a lot. But feet andankles that stay swollen or are accompanied by other symptoms could signal a serious health problem. Well, if you dont recall injury then swelling of the ankles and feet is often an early symptom of venous insufficiency, a condition in which blood inadequately moves up the veins from the legs and feet up to the heart. Normally, the veins keep blood flowing upward with one-way valves. When these valves become damaged or weakened, the blood leaks back down the vessels and fluid is retained in the soft tissue of the lower legs, especially the ankles and feet. Chronic venous insufficiency can lead to skin changes, skin ulcers, and infection. You should treat this with elastic stockings, keeping leg elevated and in severe caes you should see vascular surgeon for further treatment.