Swollen Ankles

[starone]

Ever since I broke a couple of ribs two weeks ago I have been taking paracetamol, 500mgs. with 30 mgs codeine (prescribed for the pain). The pain is still with me although it is gradually getting better. However, my ankles have swollen. Does anyone know if this is a side effect of the pills - should I be worried about it, or will it go when I stop taking them? I try not to take too many, keeping it to no more than 4 a day, although I am allowed 8, but sometimes the pain is pretty bad so have to take 1.

[excelsior-1]

oh dear.

i'm sorry, starone, i had no idea you had broken some ribs

i do not have the necessary knowledge to adequately answer your question .... i just want to wish you a prompt recovery

[woofgang]

If you are spending much of your time sitting in one position with your feet on the floor, that may be why your ankles are swelling. If you are immobile for long periods because of the pain, you might be better taking more pain relief and moving about more. You can also "drain" your ankles by resting with them raised to level with or a bit higher than your hips (think draining a garden hose) Circle your feet at the ankles and wiggle your toes.

If you aren't immobile then ignore the above!!

[Mamyalynne]

Might it also be that because of the pain you have been less mobile?? Have not heard of the above side effect - try to sit with feet raised and do circular movements to help alleviate swelling.

If in doubt check with GP surgery.

[woofgang]

Snap!!

[Mamyalynne]

Snap!

[woofgang]

lol

[starone]

Thanks excelsior. My own stupid fault. Thought I could go out in the garden and pull up some weeds. They came out more quickly than I expected and i fell hitting my ribs on a small wall. It is very painful, and apparently takes a long time to heal, as I have found out. Shows your brain does not always keep time with your body and you think you are younger than you really are.

[society]

lol at you both.

Starby, hope it's nothing serious. Have you been taking in a lot of liquids?

[excelsior-1]

http://image.blingee.com/images18/content/output/000/000/000/750/730356546_1206402.gif

[starone]

Thanks woofgang and mamya. You are right - I have not been moving about so much because every movement was a pain and breathing deeply was not very good either although doc told me to deep breathe every couple of hours so that I would not get pneumonia, which apparently might happen. I am feeling a bit better now, so have started moving about more and I have one of those chairs which will adjust so I can put my feet up but I will also try the circling exercises to see if that will help. Must admit to getting a bit concerned. Swollen ankles are very ugly aren't they? (Still vain in spite of age)

[starone]

That is very pretty excelsior, thank you.
Don't think I am drinking any more than usual, society. Actually probably less, since the pain involved in getting up to get anything made it less likely.
Already on pills for BP methyl, so I think that is probably all right
Thanks for all the help. It is very reassuring.

[Sqad]

starby

The pain killers that you are taking have nothing to do with your swollen ankles.
I agree with woofy, that the likeliest cause is poor venous return due to your inactivity.
However I also noticed that following your incident, you did not have a chest X-Ray. It would be foolish to assume that there were not other causes for your swollen ankles and shortness of breath, as I believe that you already take tablets to reduce your BP.
See your GP at your leisure.