SWOLLEN ankles are a regular occurrence in many people – and can be caused by just standing for long periods every day or even periods of hot weather. The condition – also known as oedema – is a build-up of fluid in the body which can cause the tissue to become swollen.
According to NHS Choices, symptoms of oedema can include stiff joints, weight gain, skin discolouration and aching limbs. The condition could be a symptom of an underlying health condition such as kidney disease or heart failure.
Swollen Ankles and Feet Causes and Treatment
Heart failure is a serious long-term condition that will usually continue to get slowly worse over time. Experts also believe it could indicate chronic lung disease or could be caused by medicine prescribed for high blood pressure.
The topic was discussed by GPs on This Morning after a caller rang in saying she had put on weight and was suffering from swollen ankles.
Debbie said her feet have also swollen up. Dr Ranj, who joined hosts of This Morning Ruth and Eamon said the condition can happen to anyone. He said: “Fluid leaks into the tissues. It can happen to everyone.
“Gravity pulls fluid into your tissues. “There is another condition closely related called lymphoedema – we don’t know why this happens. There is no cure but there are techniques to manage it.”
He said the simple measure to ease the condition include losing weight and increasing protein intake. People can also benefit from raising their legs. Dr Ranj added: “Massage can help, and compression stocking with squeeze your legs. If you’re really struggling, there are special clinics.”
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition which occurs when the lymphatic system doesn’t work properly. NHS Choices as the system helps the body to fight infection and remove excess fluid from the body.
The swelling can get worse during the day and go down overnight. NHS Choices said symptoms in an affected body part can include a heavy, aching feeling, difficulty moving, tight skin and fluid leaking through the skin.
Lymphoedema is thought to affect more than 200,000 people in the UK. Lymphoedema affects around five in every ten women with vulval cancer, which affects more than 1,000 women in the UK every year. express co uk
