Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs is often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas, called oedema Oedema is usually caused by: standing or sitting in the same position for too long eating too much salty food
When should I be concerned about swollen ankles?
If your swelling is accompanied by other symptoms, including fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight gain, see your doctor right away If you feel short of breath or have chest pain, pressure, or tightness, call 911
How do you get rid of swollen ankles?
7 Helpful Ways to Reduce Swollen Feet and Ankles Walk it Out Drink Lots of Water Sleep on Your Side Enjoy Some Pool Time Limit Your Salt Wear Compression Socks Elevate Your Feet
Should I go to the doctor for swollen ankles?
When the cause is minor or temporary, swollen ankles are often treatable at home, but there are some cases when they need to be treated by a doctor In these situations, swollen ankles could be a sign of a serious illness If your swollen ankles occur along with shortness of breath or chest pain, call 911
When should you go to the hospital for swollen feet and legs?
You should seek emergency care if you have sudden, unexplained swelling in just one limb or if it occurs along with chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, fever, or skin that is red and warm to the touch
Does swollen ankles mean heart failure?
Swelling of the feet is a common sign of heart failure You may also notice swelling in your legs, ankles, and stomach Many things can cause swelling, so it’s important to see your doctor to diagnose the cause
Can dehydration cause swollen ankles?
Stay Hydrated – dehydration causes the constriction of blood vessels leading to the forcing of fluids into the extracellular spaces between cells leading to retention particularly in the lower limbs
What medications cause swollen ankles?
Medications that may cause the feet to swell include: hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone calcium-channel blockers that help control blood pressure steroids, both androgenic and anabolic, and corticosteroids antidepressants nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs medication to help manage diabetes
What does water retention in ankles mean?
Sitting or standing too long can cause your tissue to hold water If your job keeps you on your feet, you may notice swollen legs and ankles at the end of the day It’s also common after a long time on an airplane The key is to keep blood circulating
What causes swollen ankles in elderly?
Legs, ankles, and feet swell when excess fluid is pulled down by gravity and builds up in the lower body This is called edema and it’s common in older adults and usually happens on both sides of the body It can be caused by a variety of health conditions including heart failure, kidney disease, gout, and arthritis
What health conditions cause swollen feet?
But there are also some conditions that can cause similar swelling because they affect the movement of fluids within the body Venous insufficiency Phlebitis Deep-vein thrombosis Heart failure Liver disease Kidney disease Bone and tendon conditions Problems with the skin and toenails
When should I be worried about swelling?
Swelling by itself is not usually a sign of heart, liver, or kidney disease However, people with swelling that also experience a loss of appetite, weight gain, and fatigue should talk to a doctor Shortness of breath or chest pain should always trigger a 911 call
Are swollen ankles life threatening?
Swollen ankles can also indicate a potentially serious disorder, such as congestive heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, and liver failure Because ankle swelling can indicate a potentially life-threatening illness, you should seek prompt medical care and talk with your medical professional about your symptoms
Does walking help swollen ankles?
Tips to reduce ankle and foot swelling Simple lifestyle changes — such as exercise and weight loss — also can help reduce or prevent swelling while also improving your overall health, says Dr Botek She suggested activities such as walking and swimming
Can High BP cause leg swelling?
High blood pressure can impair the function of the kidneys, leading to fluid retention and swelling of the legs, and even kidney failure High blood pressure can affect the eyes, causing vision loss High blood pressure can seriously affect the circulation causing pain in the legs with walking, cold feet, and stroke
What happens if edema is left untreated?
If left untreated, edema can lead to increasingly painful swelling, stiffness, difficulty walking, stretched or itchy skin, skin ulcers, scarring, and decreased blood circulation
What 3 foods cardiologists say to avoid?
Here are eight of the items on their lists: Bacon, sausage and other processed meats Hayes, who has a family history of coronary disease, is a vegetarian Potato chips and other processed, packaged snacks Dessert Too much protein Fast food Energy drinks Added salt Coconut oil
How can you tell if your ankle is swollen and your heart is related?
Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet Swelling (edema) in your lower legs is another sign of a heart problem When your heart doesn’t work as well, blood flow slows and backs up in the veins in your legs This causes fluid to build up in your tissues
How do I know my heart is failing?
Heart failure signs and symptoms may include: Shortness of breath with activity or when lying down Fatigue and weakness Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet
How do you flush out edema?
Lifestyle and home remedies Movement Moving and using the muscles in the part of your body affected by edema, especially your legs, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart Elevation Massage Compression Protection Reduce salt intake
What to eat to reduce swelling in feet?
Magnesium-rich foods (tofu, spinach, cashews) Therefore, when you are suffering from swollen feet, eat magnesium-rich foods These include tofu, spinach, cashews, almonds, dark chocolate, broccoli and avocados
Does drinking water help reduce swelling?
Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day Though it might seem counterintuitive, getting enough fluids actually helps reduce swelling When your body isn’t hydrated enough, it holds onto the fluid it does have This contributes to swelling