CHECK-UP:My elderly father has started to experience painless swelling of both his ankles. What could be causing this?
Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem, especially among older people. This type of abnormal swelling is called oedema. Oedema can affect both legs and may include the calves or even the thighs.
Because of the effect of gravity, swelling is particularly noticeable in the lower part of the body.
Foot, leg and ankle swelling can develop for a number of different reasons. It may be caused by being overweight, be the result of having a blood clot in the leg or due to an infection in the leg. Injury or surgery involving the leg, ankle or foot can cause swelling to develop. Swelling may also occur after pelvic surgery.
Long periods of immobility in bed as well as standing for long periods of time can cause swelling in the feet and ankles to develop.
Swollen legs may also be the result of heart, kidney or liver failure.
He is taking medication for a breathing problem. Could this be causing the problem?
Some medications may cause leg swelling. These include some antidepressants, such as MAO inhibitors and tricyclics, as well as medications called calcium channel blockers used to control blood pressure. Hormones, for example oestrogen and testosterone as well as steroids, can cause oedema to occur.
He should see his GP if he is concerned about the problem.
He went to his GP who could find no obvious cause for his ankle swelling. He’s been told to keep an eye on the problem and let her know if he gets any other symptoms. In the meantime, are there any self-help remedies that he could try to reduce the swelling?
He may find it helpful to raise his legs above his heart while lying down. This will prevent fluid pooling in the feet and ankles and help it return to the heart. As exercise helps pump fluid from the legs back to the heart, regular, gentle leg exercises will also prove helpful. And he may also find support stockings useful as they help return fluid from the legs to the heart.
He should ask his doctor about following a low-salt diet, which can also reduce fluid build-up and swelling in the body. When travelling, he should take frequent breaks, during which he should exercise and move around as much as possible.
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