Ankle Foot Edema

Definition:

Abnormal buildup of fluid in the ankles and feet.

Many people experience painless swelling of the feet and/or ankles and it's a very common problem in older people. 

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It is important to understand that there may be swelling in the thighs and calves, but is less noticable due to the fact that gravity plays an important role in depositing the fluid in the ankles and feet.

How do you know if you have edema?

How do you know if you have ankle foot edema?  Luckily there are some warning signs that can lead you to consulting your doctor about ankle foot edema.

The skin over the swollen area may seem to be stretched and is often shiney.  One sure sign of ankle foot edema is the lack of "memory" that the affected area will have. 

Pushing genlty on the swollen area of the foot and/or ankle for about 10-15 seconds will leave a dimple.  If you've don'e this home test and believe that you may have foot/ankle edema, you should consult your doctor.

What causes inflamation of the ankle and foot?

• You may experience inflamation of the ankle or foot if any of the below applies to you:
• Injury or some sort of trauma to your foot or ankle
• You are more than 20 pounds overweight
• Increased age (elderly)
• Prolonged standing
• Burns (including sunburn)
• Insect bite or sting
• Starvation or malnutrition
• Surgery to your leg or foot

While most cases of ankle foot edema can be treated, you should ask your doctor for a checkup to test for heart failure, kidney failure or liver failure.  Basically because these conditions also create an excess in body fluids.

If you are taking any medications you may want to consult your doctor.  Some medications can cause an increased amount of body fluids such as the following:

• Anti-depressants
• MAO inhibitors
• Steroids
• Certain hormones like estrogen or birth control pills
• Blood pressure lowering drugs