Swollen foot and ankle

Mars · Post by **Mars** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 7:49 pm

Hi everyone!

Strange things going on here - my left ankle and foot are swollen about twice the size they should be (can't even see my ankle bone) and my right foot is swollen but not near as bad. Strange, neither one hurt. I have had them elevated, have been drinking water and nothing is helping. I am starting to have tingling in the left foot.

I also have them elevated. Any suggestions? Is this something I should be worried about? Maybe from the heat?

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 8:37 pm

Gee Mars,
I don't know. Sounds like that one foot is REALLY bad. The only thing I can think of is some kind of diuretic. I'm sure there is a "natural herb" one but I don't know what it is.

Keeping your feet & legs elevated should help - at least some. Hopefully someone more informed will be along soon.

:bigbighug:

Shirley

Post by **tex** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 8:54 pm

Hi Mars,

Evelating them a foot or more above your heart 3 or 4 times a day, should help prevent it from happening in the future. You might need to wear support hose, during the day. Reduciing salt intake might help, also.

Are you drinking plenty of water during the day? Are you taking any meds that might thicken your blood?

Do you by any chance crave salt?

Wayne

Mars · Post by **Mars** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 9:03 pm

Hi Tex!

Yes, I crave salt

Yes, I am drinking water

Yes, I am elevating my feet as often as possible

I am NOT taking any meds to thicken my blood.

I have had the swelling all day - noticed it about an hour after getting to work. Strange. My hands aren't swollen which is the first thing that normally swells.

Mmmmmmmmmm, strange happenings for me.

Post by **tex** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 10:04 pm

Have you recently discontinued the use of a glucocorticoid medication?

Have you ever been checked for adrenal insufficiency? The reason I ask, is because a few months ago, you seemed to have many of the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, and it is typically not diagnosed until it is in it's latter stages. It tends to cause a craving for salt.

Long-term use of glucocorticoids can cause adrenal insufficiency, and sudden withdrawal can sometimes cause symptoms to present. Adrenal insufficiency can also be caused by autoimmune reactions.

To be honest though, I doubt that this is causing the problem, since you don't seem to have the typical symptoms at the moment, some of which are fatigue, and loss of energy, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, muscle weakness, dizziness when standing, dehydration, anxiety and depression, (though I believe you had many of those symptoms in the past). There can also be certain hormone-related symptoms.

I suppose that it's possible that some of the meds that you were taking, in the past, might have been contributing to adrenal insufficiency, but the problem was resolved when the meds were discontinued. I was under the impression, though, that adrenal insufficiency, once realized, rarely resolves without supplimental hormone treatment.

The swelling might simply be due to poor circulation.

Tex

Momster · Post by **Momster** » Fri Aug 12, 2005 11:32 pm

Just my opinion, but it may be a good idea to go to a clinic and get it checked out - don't leave it until Monday. I don't like to sound like an alarmist, but a swelling like that isn't normal and one possibility could be a blood clot. Best to be on the safe side and get it checked out.

Anyone else feel this shouldn't be ignored?

I know we're not physicians here and can only pass our own experiences on, but please, for your peace of mind and safety, get it checked out.

Love - Momster

kate_ce1995 · Post by **kate_ce1995** » Sat Aug 13, 2005 6:24 am

Yup, I'd say go get checked out. Especially if you are having some tingling...you don't want it to get worse and cause nerve damage. It is vey likely its the heat, but better safe than sorry.

Let us know how you are doing.
Katy

Post by **tex** » Sat Aug 13, 2005 6:31 am

Hi momster,

You're referring to deep vein thrombosis, (DVT), and I have to admit, that thought did cross my mind. Normally, though, there would be some degree of pain associated with DVT.

Certainly, if she has any shortness of breath, coughing, irregular, and/or increased heart rate, etc., immediate attention is necessary. Foot swelling is not an uncommon condition, but the sudden onset, and severity, could indicate a problem that requires medical intervention.

Tex

Carrie · Post by **Carrie** » Sat Aug 13, 2005 6:51 am

Hi Margie. I also think you should get it checked - today - if the swelling didn't go down by this morning. It's probably no big deal but it's best to be sure. I had a clot (DVT) in my left calf in late 2003; it was red and somewhat painful. When I went to the ER they put me right in the hospital, flat on my back, for a week. Yours doesn't sound like DVT but it will be good to have it ruled out. Good luck and keep us posted.

Love,
Carrie

Mars · Post by **Mars** » Sat Aug 13, 2005 6:52 am

Thanks everyone.

I awoke this morning to a normal size foot. We shall see how it progresses as the day goes on. I will take everyone's advise to heart and watch it closely.

I feel relatively fine otherwise. No other symptoms that are out of the ordinary. I believe the tingling was due to the swelling and lack of circulation from the swelling. My hubby was concerned it was my heart.

Nice to know so many care - I will watch it closely.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! I have tons of housework to do!

Ps Wayne - what is glucocorticoid meds? Guess if I don't know, I prolly wasn't taking them! lol

Post by **tex** » Sat Aug 13, 2005 7:13 am

Hi Mars,

I'm glad the swelling is gone this morning. That's a VERY good sign, to say the least.

Glucocorticoids are a class of steroid hormones characterized by an ability to bind with the cortisol receptor and trigger similar effects. The group includes Hydrocortisone, Cortisone acetate, Prednisone, Prednisolone, Methylprednisolone, Dexamethasone, Betamethasone, Triamcinolone, Beclomethasone, Fludrocortisone acetate, Deoxycorticosterone acetate, and Aldosterone. Dexamethasone, Betamethasone, and Fludrocortisone acetate are the most potent, and therefore, the riskiest, (as far as side effects are concerned), of the group.

Wayne

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Sat Aug 13, 2005 7:21 am

Hi Mars!

Glad to hear that you're better. Maybe that will be it for the swelling.

I doubt if it's a thrombosis, since it involved both legs. Probably due to heat and/or sodium intake - if your heat is anything like we're having (several days now with heat index of 100-105). Another possibility is cardiac, but you would likely have other symptoms, like shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, chest discomfort, etc.
If it returns, it's worth checking out, IMHO.

Love,

Polly

Mars · Post by **Mars** » Sat Aug 13, 2005 8:41 am

Nope, none of those meds. I wonder if it had something to do with BP?

Anyhoo, so far, so good! Will keep a close

on things.

Good day all!