Re: Swollen Ankle - It just would not fade

Hello Friend:

I am not a doctor, but my mom had the same condition because of walking and she is on medications for diabetes. We have studied this condition, which is called Edema. Hopefully this will help you.

1. Unexplained leg swelling (edema) should be evaluated by a doctor whether or not you have diabetes. Leg swelling can be a side effect of certain diabetes medications called thiazolidinediones, which increase your body's sensitivity to insulin. Other causes of leg swelling may be unrelated to diabetes but still require further evaluation and potentially urgent treatment. Possible causes of leg swelling include:
·Kidney disease
·Heart failure
·Obstruction of the veins or lymphatic system in the leg

I do not remember the medications my mom took for this, It helped her a few days and then swelling continued. She did not have any major side effects.
When kidneys are not working well the sodium concentration rise in the cells and water is retained. To relieve this increase your potassium intake. Dried apricots, prune juice, bananas, most beans, cream of Tatar and also fresh pressed carrots!
But I would avoid carrots and bananas as your mom is a diabetic.

Low protein levels in the blood, kidney and liver disease can cause edema. The proteins help to hold salt and water inside the blood vessels so fluid does not leak out into the tissues. If a blood protein, called albumin, gets too low, fluid is retained and edema occurs, especially in the feet, ankles and lower legs. Why it is only one foot puzzles me. My mom had problems in both feet.
Prolonged standing or sitting, especially in hot weather, can cause excess fluid to accumulate in the feet, ankles and lower legs. Keep the legs elevated during day time if possible.
Tiny valves inside the veins of the legs upon weakening can cause a problem called venous insufficiency. This problem makes it more difficult for the veins to pump blood back to the heart, and leads to varicose veins and buildup of fluid.
Certain medications may also cause your legs to swell:
·Hormones like estrogen (in birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy) and testosterone
·A group of blood pressure lowering drugs called calcium channel blockers (such as nifedipine, amlodipine, diltiazem, felodipine, and verapamil)
·Steroids
·Antidepressants, including MAO inhibitors (such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine) and tricyclics (such as nortriptyline, desipramine, and amitriptyline)

My mom is ok now. We cannot pin point exactly what worked for us. IMO diet is the most important factor. She did increase her potassium intake. She did not walk during her episodes of swelling. Also dad would do some massages with olive oil and some other lotions. She stopped the meds right away after it did not work. My mom has changed her diet and eats more natural produce than ever before, no meats and chicken or turkey once in a while. Dad and mom also juice a lot. I have learned to eat right from mom and dad, which has benefited me and my health. My children are non believers in holistic healing.

My advice is to see a doctor regardless.

I hope this helps. Good luck.
ZMZM

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