Ankles constantly swollen

Posted by maxine50 @maxine50, Jun 19 10:22pm

I was told many years ago that I retained water but only a few times a month. But, now at 87, my ankles swell really big and fat every day. If I walk a lot, they really swell. If I sit at the computer as now, they swell. I go to bed and when I awake they are normal, but during the day, I need to walk places and do sit at the computer and they swell. I can take a water pill as the doctor suggested, but then I am confined to the house due to having to pee every hour. I really would like to know why my ankles swell so much and what I can do about it besides taking a water pill and remain home all day. I don't think it's normal to have swollen ankles every day all day. Anyone else have this problem and is it a sign of something more serious. A friend told me that it's a sign of heart problem which at my age could be but I feel fine. I'm really tired of having swollen painful ankles and not being able to put my shoes on and having to stay home shoeless.

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Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Jun 20 6:34am

@maxine50
I noticed you posted about similar problem in 2023, so it must be frustration not finding a solution. The water pill may be treating the symptom, but as you imply, you do not know the cause.

Leg swelling, also known as Peripheral Edema is a common problem that can have many causes.

This article discusses reasons and causes: https://www.healthline.com/health/peripheral-edema

Have you had a complete physical lately, blood test including thyroid, Electrocardiograph (ECG) , etc... If your provider is not willing to help you find a solution, maybe you should get 2nd option.

When at home, are you able to raise your legs during the day to help alleviate swelling till find cause and solution?

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Jun 20 8:07am

Hello @maxine50, I have swelling in the legs and ankles, mostly in my right leg that was diagnosed as lymphedema at Mayo Clinic. I currently wear compression socks to just below the knee which help control the swelling during the day. Mine swell whether I'm sitting or standing also. If I'm able during the day, I try to elevate my legs frequently which helps with the swelling. I'm 80 and don't much like wearing compression socks but have found some with zippers on the side which make it much easier to put on and take off.

Mayo Clinic has some information on therapy that is used to help manage the swelling here - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphedema/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374687.

I was diagnosed with lymphedema after having a Lymphoscintigraphy test that showed some blockage. Have you had any tests done that check to see if you lymph system is working OK?

dustycat52 | @dustycat52 | Jun 20 8:44pm

My ankles have been permanently swollen for over ten years now. I have the enosis in my feet. The only shoes I can wear are crocs. I’ve been to Stanford and the doctors don’t know what it is.