Thread: Swollen Ankles
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Old October 12th, 2008, 12:31 AM posted to rec.travel.cruises
Rosalie B.
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Default Swollen Ankles

BobEdwards wrote:

My ankles always swell up considerably during a cruise. I know that
this has been discussed here before but I'm wondering if anyone has
come up with any new ideas for dealing with this problem.

One suggestion has been to drink a lot of water. I drink a lot of
coffee. That hasn't helped. Does coffee have the same effect as
water?


I'm not a coffee drinker, but I don't think coffee is the same as water. I try
not to eat salty food, or at least not very much of it, and I drink water or
maybe sometimes juice or maybe tea. Soft drinks are too salty for me.

I used to have my ankles swell when I was pregnant. Most of the time when I
have a problem with my ankles swelling now it is because I've been on a plane
where I've had to sit for a long time. Whenever I have to sit with pressure on
the back of my knees, it interferes with the fluid getting back up to the
kidneys. I try not to sit still for long periods - I either walk (which helps
massage the water back up into the body), or sit with my feet up. I think
swelling ankles may also be the sign of a weak heart.

Other causes are
# Arthritis
# Cellulitis
# Cirrhosis Of The Liver
# Deep Vein Thrombosis
# Kidney Failure
Relief and Prevention:

This is what the internet says about it.

*The hallmark of treatment is to reduce foot, leg and ankle swelling, and the first line of defense: leg elevation. Elevate legs above the level of the heart, which puts minimal pressure on the backs of the knees and thighs and lower back. Just sitting in a reclining chair in front of the TV is a great way to elevate your legs. Many products, for use at home or at work, can also help reduce swelling.
*
*Other aids include:
*
* * Leg wedges to elevate the feet while sleeping.
* * Support socks and stocking, either over-the-counter or custom-made.
* o Support socks and stockings come in various gradients depending on the pressure needed, and various lengths depending on the level of the edema.
* * Proper fitting shoes and socks. Buy new shoes in the afternoon to get the best fit.
*
*Techniques to help decrease swelling:
*
* * Increase muscle activity with walking.
* * Avoid standing in place for long periods of time.
* * Avoid sitting with the feet dependent.
* * Limit salt intake.
* * Do not abuse diuretics, but a short-term course may be helpful.
* * Do not abuse laxatives.
* * Drink plenty of water.
* * Avoid contraceptive pills and hormone replacement therapy if possible.