Swollen Ankles and Swollen Feet (cont.)
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.
Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP
Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.
In this Article
- Swollen ankles and swollen feet facts
- What causes swollen ankles and swollen feet?
- Who is at risk for swollen ankles and feet?
- What are the symptoms of swollen ankles and swollen feet?
- How are swollen ankles and swollen feet diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for swollen ankles and swollen feet?
- What are the complications of swollen ankles and swollen feet?
- Can swollen ankles and swollen feet be prevented?
- What is the prognosis for swollen ankles and swollen feet?
- Find a local Doctor in your town
What are the complications of swollen feet and ankles?
Swollen feet and ankles can lead to discomfort and pain when walking or running is attempted. Chronic swelling can lead to skin color changes and skin ulcers. The skin ulcers can occasionally become infected. The skin infections can be further complicated by abscess formation, cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, and death.
Can swollen ankles and swollen feet be prevented?
In many situations, the swelling in feet and ankles can be reduced or prevented. The following is a list of ways to reduce or prevent ankle and feet swelling:
- Exercise to improve circulation and fluid distribution
- Eat a healthy diet; too much salt may cause fluid retention, hypertension and swelling
- Interrupt sitting or standing several times a day and elevate the feet and ankles above the heart
- Lose excess weight to retain less fluid and decrease pressure on muscles and joints
- Consider using support stockings or hose
- Examine prescription and other medications; consult with the doctor if medication may be responsible for fluid retention
- Avoid smoking, alcohol and other substances that can lead to underlying causes of swelling
Because there are so many underlying causes of feet and ankle swelling, there are numerous ways to avoid or reduce the chances for their development. The reader is urged to follow up on this article by reading about ways to prevent underlying causes of swelling.
http://www.medicinenet.com/swollen_ankles_and_swollen_feet/article.htm
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