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Swollen ankles: Nuisance or problem?
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Jonathan Dykstra, MD
Medical director
Wound Healing Center
PeaceHealth Southwest
Specialty Clinic —
Mill Plain Campus
8716 E. Mill Plain Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98668
360.514.HEAL (4325)
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—An interview with Jon Dykstra, MD, medical director, PeaceHealth Southwest Wound Healing Center
Why are my ankles swollen?
Veins have valves that are supposed to keep the blood flowing in one direction: up towards the heart. When these valves are not working well, blood can slip back down into the feet and legs, causing swelling. Although this kind of swelling may be reduced when you get up in the morning, usually it gets worse after a long day of sitting or standing. Sometimes this will lead to painful varicose veins, too.
How can I take care of my legs?
Salt makes swelling worse. You should limit your sodium intake to 2000mg per day. For example, it may not surprise you that (according to the USDA), a slice of ham contains nearly 1100mg of sodium. But did you know that a tuna salad submarine sandwich at your favorite fast food place contains nearly 1300mg of sodium?
Putting your feet up for twenty minutes at a time, two or three times a day, can make use of gravity to drain the fluid out of your legs. Using your leg muscles helps pump the fluid back up towards the heart as well. Walking is good for swelling problems, and so is flexing your ankles up and down while you are sitting.
When should I see my doctor?
Sudden, painful swelling in just one leg can be a sign of a blood clot. Swelling that goes along with trouble breathing can be a sign of heart failure. If you already know you have heart failure, a change in the amount of swelling can be a warning signal. If your swelling is painful, there are some medications and even some surgeries than can help.
What about these sores that won't heal?
If swelling problems get bad enough, it can be very hard for your legs to heal cuts and scrapes. If you have sores that won't heal, you may need the kind specialized care we provide at the PeaceHealth Southwest Wound Healing Center.
Learn more:
Published August 2009
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