Swollen Ankles?....

[Jemisa]

Since we've had these last warm days I've noticed my ankles have swollen, in the morning they are ok but by the end of the day I can push a finger in them & it leaves quite an indentation.
I already take water tablets, should I pay the doctor a visit? I am a grandmother so I'm no spring chicken, does it normally happen to older ladies?

JEM

[pixie373]

Yes, sounds like water (with the indentation). I would just check with doctor.

[nungate]

Have the same problem Jem - I'm currently on two kinds of water pills to no avail (well slight improvement) You could try raising the bottom of your mattress by sticking in a couple of cushions to elevate your feet slightly higher than your hips. If you can, try and keep your legs elevated during the day when you can as well and see if that helps. Though you might want to pay a visit to your GP and see if a change of water tablet might work.

[Sqad]

I agree with nungate, providing that you do not feel more short of breath than normal and as it is as recent as "these last warm days" I shouldn't be too bothered about a GP visit.
Swollen ankles do occur in the hot weather and you are already taking "water pills."
No big deal.

[woofgang]

Jem, oddly some people find that drinking more watery drinks (ie not alcohol) can help with swollen extemities in hot weather.

[Jemisa]

Thankyou all for your advice I'll certainly give your tips a go.
(must put my feet up more) I'll keep an eye on the situation & act accordingly.

jem

[Wak]

When Mrs. W. had water round the ankles years ago some one suggested Dandelion Tea ( it comes in paper bags like other teas) which you can get from the health shops. It's a diuretic.
It got rid of the water in no time at all but she was up nearly all the night in the toilet.
Well worth a try I would imagine??

[islasmum]

I'm on a frusemide once a day, and can adjust to two if my ankles swell up more - I'm not advising you to do so as I'm not medically trained, but if you do decided to it's better to take two in the morning than one at night - or maybe the pills work by making you trot to the bathroom several times a night!

[Jemisa]

Wak, Haven't heard of that, when I go into town I'll pop into the health shop.
Islas, I'm on Bumetanide 1mg 2 each morning. I was put on these after having open heart surgery in 2011.
I'll see how things go, but I will see the doc if things don't improve. Thankfully I don't get out of breath any more.

Jem.

[Wak]

Just out of interest, we used to call dandelions "Pittle-beds" when I was at school years ago which I assume was because they are a diuretic.
You just use the tea bags like ordinary tea with hot water, sugar if required but no milk.
Hope this helps.

[woofgang]

Jem, the active ingredient in dandelion tea is similar to the water tablets you are taking. If you use the tea as well, you are, in effect doubling (or at least increasing) the dose. It might be as well to get some medical advice before doing that!