Why do you think i have swollen ankles?

Question

i have recently noticed my ankles are swollen round the outside bone area can you suggest why? i stand all day long but have done so for the last 40 years without any problems. am 56 male.

thanks

Answer 1

It could be an indication your heart or kidneys are under strain, pop along to your GP for a general check up. Keep your legs elevated when you sit down in the meatime.

Answer 2

hi this could be water retention .(visit gp or ask at chemist)

Answer 3

Have you noticed any other symptoms? By the sounds of it is affecting both ankles?

Ankle swelling is a common sign of congestive cardiac failure, liver disease (many forms), kidney disease (causes a more generalised swelling), venous thrombosis (DVT) - rare in both legs however. These are the most common causes for someone your age.

Please go and see a Doctor. If caught early these condition have far more favourable outcomes than if left untreated.

Be prepared to answer questions about your lifestyle - your smoking/drinking/exercise habits in particular; and questions about your past health e.g. have you ever had a heart attack or do you have high blood pressure.

Hope this helps

Answer 4

get your blood pressure and urine checked by your doctor

Answer 5

You and I are getting old, my friend.  It happens to most men our age.  It's due to decreasing muscle tone, decreasing circulation, fluid retention due to a variety of causes - your physician can determine exactly what's causing yours.  There are medications that can help, as can keeping away from salt and highly salted foods.  Learn to read labels; there are many commercially packaged foods that contain stunning amounts of salt and still taste neutral or sweet.  

About the decreasing muscle tone - getting more exercise can help but is unlikely to completely resolve this issue.  

The above is what I tell all my patients.  My bill for this consultation is in the mail ;^)

Answer 6

Do any of your clothes (e.g.socks, pants) leave a ring around your legs when you take them off?  If so, they may have been restricting the circulation of blood in your legs.  I am about the same age as you and had the same problem for the reasons stated.  Take care

Answer 7

it may be water retention, if you attend your GP and explain the problems that are occuring. they most probably put it down to water retention.  

Answer 8

Hi it sounds like you have water retension, see your gp, he will pop you on some diaretics (water tablets) to reduce the swelling. Try putting your feet up of an evening as well. Hope you get sorted xx