Feet & Ankles Swollen

[Sargento]

Both of my feet (the top) and my ankes swell up, especially if I sit for long periods on the computer or an airplane.

I drink beer daily but do not eat sweets of any kind and avoid sugar as much as I can.

Could this be diabetes?

I'm 39, fifty pounds overweight, and don't exercise (yes, the latter is my fault).

This has been happening for about six weeks.

If anyone has a recommendation or thinks I should get a blood test please let me know, thanks.

[gunnyd]

Depending on how swollen are getting can be an indicator of the need for urgent medical assistance. When you feet are swollen press your finger against the skin firmly, if you finger print stays for more than a moment than it can be an indicator of poor leg circulation and can be caused by many things including diabetes. But more concerning is that the heart may be involved. IMHO you need to see a cardiologist. They can also run tests for diabetes at the same time.

Now if it springs back quickly (1 sec) It could just be related to you being seated too long. But in any case you should at least go to a GP and have your blood sugar checked. And you should have your blood pressure monitored regularly since you are overweight. I get the same thing on long trips. My doctor tells me it is my weight and high blood pressure. This is a fairly new condition for you so definitely get checked.

[imaneggspurt]

lack of exercise, i had exactly the same ,more in 1 foot than the other, take a walk morning and evening, the "memory " in your feet will disapear ,.

[Sheryl]

Gunnyd is correct, could be a sign of heart disease.

Overwieght, not exercising, dependent edema (swelling in feet/legs) = need a thorough check-up. Any check up package will include fasting blood sugar; should also get a stress test. And be sure to tell the doctor about the edema.

[deprogrammed]

50 lbs of blubber = morbidly obese. Just loose the blubber and you will feel a lot better

[Sargento]

gunnyd, Sheryl, immaggspurt, and deprogrammed, thank you.

Yes, gunnyd, if I press my ankle bone (where the swelling area is greatest) it leave a white colored impression that stay for about 2-3 minutes, maybe more.

I'll follow all of your advice pronto. I'll see a specialist and get tests. On a side-note, I've changed my diet and am completely off of the beer.

Thanks for the advice.

Edited June 11, 2009 by Sargento

[Pai2009]

gunnyd, Sheryl, immaggspurt, and deprogrammed, thank you.

Yes, gunnyd, if I press my ankle bone (where the swelling area is greatest) it leave a white colored impression that stay for about 2-3 minutes, maybe more.

I'll follow all of your advice pronto. I'll see a specialist and get tests. On a side-note, I've changed my diet and am completely off of the beer.

Thanks for the advice.

Do you have problem sleeping at night? Shortness of breath? If no? It also could be the liver(Which I hope not). Once you have problem i.e. cirrhosis the blood can not return to the lungs and heart. It stays in you vessel in the legs and fluid leaks out cuasing edema. You make sure get a check up as the others suggested, restrict salt, not too much water and take water pill(as prescribed).