Swollen ankles - Obesity Message Board

ralve · 11-17-2003, 05:10 AM

Hi, I was just wondering if anybody has any info on swollen ankles, is this a pretty common thing if you are overweight? I am overweight, and I tend to get slightly swollen ankles if I sit for an extended period of time, like over a couple of hours. I was on the computer tonight for a couple of hours, and I could feel them swelling up a bit, and when I look at them, it's a little swollen, nothing really bad, but a difference. The reason I worry is that my Dad was healthy all of his life, and at about 69 years old, he got swollen ankles and shortness of breath, and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, and died six months later. I am a 44 year old female, and worry this could be inherited. The specialist that he went to said he didn't think the type my Dad had was hereditary, but the swollen ankle thing still scares me, and I was wondering if it also has more common and less worrisome causes. Thanks for any help!! Val

CannedFruit · 11-18-2003, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by valger

Hi, I was just wondering if anybody has any info on swollen ankles, is this a pretty common thing if you are overweight? I am overweight, and I tend to get slightly swollen ankles if I sit for an extended period of time, like over a couple of hours. I was on the computer tonight for a couple of hours, and I could feel them swelling up a bit, and when I look at them, it's a little swollen, nothing really bad, but a difference.

I'm also overweight and I can relate to you. I've actually noticed mine for the first time when I was on the computer too lol. If you're short (like me) make sure that there is something under your feet so your feet don't dangle. Put a foot stool, chair or something next to your chair - if you feel like the swelling is coming on, put your feet up to relieve the pressure. If it gets to the point where it becomes painful with all of the swelling, lay flat on your back with legs propped up as far and you can go. Sometimes I would lay in bed with my legs up against the wall, kind of in a 90 degree angle. When worse came to oh-my-God-I-can't-take-it-anymore, I would take a water pill. And as always, stay away from salt and salty foods.

Hope this helps!

all things · 11-18-2003, 09:49 AM

Swollen ankles can be inherited....mine are...but it doesn't necessarily have to be related to congestive heart failure. Most people are overweight because they eat something that is counter to their body type. Some do well on Atkins, some need to be vegetarians. In my case, I can control my swelling by eating NO sugar or flour, and limited dairy, and increasing the fiber content of my meals. If you think of carbohydrates as fiber and non-fiber, and consentrate on eating only the fiber ones, (salads, green leafy vegetables, fruits, etc.) you'll see a big difference in all aspects of your health. Being more active will drain the liquid out of the lower extremeties. And if you must sit for hours at the computer, get up and move around frequently. The overweight abdomen, and the bending of the legs at groin and knees, serve as tourniquets.

It has taken me years to figure out what my body needs and doesn't need, to be healthy. Being overweight and trying to get healthy, has been the single most daunting challenge in my life. I'd gladly give birth a dozen times, without anestesia, if I could be rid of the problematic weight hassles I have lived with since childhood.

Just kidding (I think, LOL).