What can cause your lower legs and ankles to swell?
602169
wow, a lot of things actually. You could have heart problems, lymphedema, edema....it's really hard to tell. And as I am not a doctor, (only in my dreams). You really need to speak with your doctor if you are experiencing this!!!
997156
It may just be swelled up,takes a little while for swelling to go down.Are you taking oral anti-biotics(ampicillan,amoxicallin......etc....)??
785543
It could be a blood clot - an extreme case of Cellular thrombosis where the superficial veins are swollen blocking the circulation of blood to and from the lower parts of the leg partially. Need to wear either a crepe bandage or a surgical stocking and consult a doctor who will surely suggest a ultrasound sonography test to determine the exact location of the clot.
1155502
I would suggest she goes to the doctor-it sounds just like the pain I'm having and my ankle is fractured.And it can mess with your circulation  which can cause the dry skin.Have her go-like NOW.
857007
Sounds like poor circulation.  You might want to ask your doctor.  I think poor circulation in your feet can be a sign a diabetes.
671216
You have not mentioned whether it at rest or while walking. Main causes leading to progressive narrowing of the major arteries of the legs due to smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and hyperlipidemia( High cholesterol deposit in the blood vessels).  Rest, if presence of rest pain. No smoking.  Reduce weight if you are obese. Skin should be protected from injury, shoes should be comfortable. Avoid tight garters.  Trim nails carefully. Avoid siting with legs crossed.  I f the skin is dry apply oil at night and dusting powder at day. Control fungus infections. Control high cholesterol diabetes, and blood clotting with medicines.   Till you get pain walk slowly up to that point several times daily.Warm environment is a necessity.    But do not apply warmth to the legs.   Active & Pasive leg exercise should be done. If necessary drugs should be taken .  I f all these fail surgery may be necssary.
1077103
you need to see the doctor.\nMeanwhile, raise your feet as much as you can when sitting, and in bed put a pillow underneath them. Move your feet as often as possible in little circles from the ankles. All these things help the drainage. \nYour feet are swelling due to the blood pressure and your circulation being ineffiecient, it isn't too serious but your doctor may give you a diuretic which will make you pee more, as your blood pressure could be affecting your kidneys.\nIf you are overweight you need to think about diet and exercise as they can help the oedema (fluid),  reduce salt and fat in your food. Drink low sodium water.\nGood luck, hope this helps.
749150
Cold packs or ice packs help to decrease edema (aka swelling).  You could lay down and elevate your legs (above your heart level).  Do some ankle pumps to improve circulation.  Take anti-inflammatory medication (swelling usually indicates inflammation).  Work on improving the range of motion in your knees to decrease the damage to your back.  A physical therapist could help with your knee and back condition - talk to your physician about getting a prescription.  Good luck, hope I helped.
1002523
The swelling in your arm is due to the action of white blood cells taking action in your body. As the white blood cells see that something is wrong in your hand, they migrate to that particular area of your body and set to work repairing. Just like we sweat when we exert ourselves, the white blood cells are giving off a bi product as well. Think of it as though they are gassy. It may sound weird, but the bi product of their work is actually causing your arm/hand to swell. Edema is a medical term for localized swelling. Some quick fixes to swelling are massaging the area if you can tolerate a little pressure in that area. Gently rub the area. By massaging the area, it causes improved circulation in your hand making the swelling less intense.  Ice or cold compresses will also cause the blood vessels to constrict resulting in less swelling. Compression of the area will also help. Try an ace bandage, gauze, or any other material that may cause slight compression to your hand.
515310
It's called pitting edema and could be due to kidney problems, to vein problems, to inflammation from allergies, to heart problems...., and you should indeed see a doctor asap.
334940
Excess fluid.  Take a bottle of water with you and when you are not walking, keep active.  Drink plenty of water every day. Good luck.  Fluid tablets?  These might help, but you need to see your Dr about them.  Good luck.
425715
I am a walker and my hands swell when I walk.  I believe it has something to do with gravity and the blood falling all towards the ground (when your hands are pointed downward)
471100
Edema is an observable swelling from fluid accumulation in certain body tissues. Edema most commonly occurs in the feet and legs, where it also is referred to as peripheral edema. The swelling is the result of the accumulation of excess fluid under the skin in the spaces within the tissues that are outside of the blood vessels. These spaces are known as interstitial spaces or compartments. Most of the body's fluids that are found outside of the cells are normally stored in two spaces; the blood vessels (where the fluids are called the blood volume) and the interstitial spaces (where the fluids are called the interstitial fluid). In various diseases, excess fluid can accumulate in either one or both of these compartments. \n\n\nPitting edema can be demonstrated by applying pressure to, for example, the skin of a swollen leg, by depressing the skin with a finger. If the pressing causes an indentation in the skin that persists for some time after the release of the pressure, the edema is referred to as pitting edema. Actually, any form of pressure, such as from the elastic part of socks, can induce the pitting of this edema.
208804
Are you diabetic? Could be cellulitis. You need to go to the doctor. An antibiotic might be needed along with the appropriate creams to put on your legs and a dressing might be warranted. Be careful with dressings sometimes they tend to hold moisture in. Are you on lasix? drainage could be increased. My advice go to the doctor......
591916
Jacqui S gave some good advice and I will add to this.\n\nArnica gel works really well to decrease swelling - well worth trying.  Available from some pharmacies or health food stores.\n\nApply ice packs around the whole ankle: 10 minutes every hour.  Applying for longer than 20 minutes can result in increased swelling (vasodilation) which is the bodys natural response to a cold stimuli.\n\nKeep it elevated: ankle above your knee, knee above your hip.\n\nAn ACE wrap to control the swelling will help.\n\nTry and gently move your ankle with your hands in each direction - this will help to reduce the swelling and increase the circulation to the area.\n\nIf this doesn't work, ask your doctor for a referal to a physical therapist who can use different modalities to help.
4276
First, I find the first post to be offensive, and if you dont know the answer just dont give it!\n\nSecond your answser - blood clots are caused from the stagnant flow of blood which does not return to the heart.  Unlike your arteries which have alot of muscle in them, your veins rely on compressions of skeletal muscle to return blood back to the heart.  If you are not moving your feet or legs, blood pools and can clot while it is sitting there.\n\nThe tight socks in the hospital compress the skeletal muscle which help blood to return back to the heart.  In flight, your legs can swell, thus tight socks would contrict blood flow and possibly make swelling worse.\n\nNo matter what socks you wear, just do ankle exercises and all will be well! :)
1082018
Yes. My fathers and mother in laws feet get that way. They are diabetic. They also have a rash like look on the feet as well. You should really go to the doctor. Feet swelling and blueness is the first sign of diabeties. Also if you are over weight and on your feet alot, that could also be a problem