Swollen ankles - Aging Issues Message Board

annie42 · 04-27-2008, 03:08 PM

I'm 65 years old. I've had high blood pressure since I was 50. It's well under control with meds, diet, and exercise.

My problem are my ankles. I told my GP that they have been swelling for about a year now and never go back down to normal even after a night's sleep. He just said to wear some support or compression hose. It didn't seem to concern him.

I take one-half of a HCTZ 25mg tablet. I take this to slow my pulse to a comfortable pace. I know that HCTZ is usually prescribed for edema and asked my GP if I should take a whole one. He almost shouted 'NO.' I was on my way out of the office and didn't stop to ask why not. I think it's an implication I'll probably need it later on (considering I'm headed for heart disease or I'm already there!) and he doesn't want me to take it unless absolutely necessary.

I tried compression hose and my ankles became extremely swollen! I got the hose at a medical supply store and these are not the prescription-type so I know they weren't too snug. I canned them.

Have any of you had a problem with ankle/feet swelling and if so, please tell me if you found any way to reduce it beside all the usual 'feet-higher-than-the-heart' and no salt.

Many, many thanks!

Blessings, Annie

AnnD · 04-27-2008, 03:20 PM

I would get a second opinion because it isn't just a normal thing to have them swollen. If they are not going down even after elevation of overnight isn't right. I am guessing you need a different type of heart medicine. Compression socks are to be put on before your feet touch the ground in the morning but if they are are still swollen then they are useless.

annie42 · 04-27-2008, 06:39 PM

Thank you for replying to my post Ann. I forgot to mention that the ankle area is red most of the time. My GP said it is a circulation problem. Of course even a lay person knows that! He is a very sweet physician and will see me anytime I call but I feel like I'm considered to old to bother with. I know the swelling isn't normal and I feel that there is something which can be done to get rid of this edema. I'm currently on combination of lisinopril, atenolol, lovastatin, and of course the HCTZ. I take lovastatin for cholesterol although I've never had out-of-range labs. It's a 'preventative' thing I guess.

I monitor my pressure almost daily and it is always 110-125/70-80.
I will try the compression hose in the morning. As I said earlier, my ankles are still swollen after being in bed for nine hours.

I hope you don't mind my asking Ann but do you wear compression hose?

Thanks again, Annie

Misty800 · 04-28-2008, 07:05 PM

Reduce or omit salt from your diet. Too much sodium in your diet can counteract the effects of a diuretic.

Sodium sneeks into many, many foods we consume, especially prepared foods.

Elevate feet/legs off and on during the day.
Sleep with legs/feet elevated on pillows.

If overweight, fat acts like a sponge to retain fluids. Gravity pulls the fluids downward to your feet/ankles.

Some blood pressure meds cause swelling of the ankles.

billkirk · 05-21-2008, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annie42

I'm 65 years old. I've had high blood pressure since I was 50. It's well under control with meds, diet, and exercise.

My problem are my ankles. I told my GP that they have been swelling for about a year now and never go back down to normal even after a night's sleep. He just said to wear some support or compression hose. It didn't seem to concern him.

I take one-half of a HCTZ 25mg tablet. I take this to slow my pulse to a comfortable pace. I know that HCTZ is usually prescribed for edema and asked my GP if I should take a whole one. He almost shouted 'NO.' I was on my way out of the office and didn't stop to ask why not. I think it's an implication I'll probably need it later on (considering I'm headed for heart disease or I'm already there!) and he doesn't want me to take it unless absolutely necessary.

I tried compression hose and my ankles became extremely swollen! I got the hose at a medical supply store and these are not the prescription-type so I know they weren't too snug. I canned them.

Have any of you had a problem with ankle/feet swelling and if so, please tell me if you found any way to reduce it beside all the usual 'feet-higher-than-the-heart' and no salt.

Many, many thanks!

Blessings, Annie