Cankles

[camera]

I have cankles! My ankles are so swollen and big and gross I'm freaking out. I've always been a large framed girl so I've never had skinny and slender ankles and wrists but recently (noticing more because of the nice weather/wearing capris) they seem sooooo huge, not to mention they are seemingly edemic because if I press on them it takes a few seconds for the skin to punch back (I hope that makes sense to someone! lol).

I hardly have any salt and I make sure my foods are totally low or no sodium. Is this a water retention thing? Should I take a dieuretic? Anyone know what I can do to remedy this? It's embarrassing.

[cleochatra]

That sounds like one of two things:

1) Not drinking enough water

2) Bad circulation

Are you getting your minimum 64+ ounces of water a day? If not, your body is hoarding water.

If you're getting enough of that water jazz, look to circulation as being the problem. Sometimes tight socks or not getting enough exercise make a difference in water retention in an area such as the ankles.

And never forget what PMS does to us. Makes us all into bloated little pickles!

[yankee]

Re: Cankles

I had this problem a year or so ago and finally went to the doctor. An echo showed a healthy heart and his attitude after that was "oh well". I kept them up as much as possible and watched what I was eating and, as I dieted and gained and dieted and gained, I noticed there was a magic number on the scale. If I passed that number, my ankles would swell. One pound under and the problem passed. Since I started this diet - hopefully my very last diet - I've had no problems.

[camera]

I've been pretty good about my water, though I had to admit sometimes I make it right to exactly 64 oz (yes I do keep track ALL day lol) and then go no further. I probably need more.

Also I should be considering the fact that I sit at a desk all day.

I know it's not circulation issues from clothing because I hardly wear socks when the weather is nice because I wear sandals.

i'm just freaked out and I dont want to take a water pill if it's only going to cause harm

[cleochatra]

Sitting at a desk all day does cut circulation to your legs and feet.

I know that my feet do that (swell) if I sit too much. I could sing the School House Rock song about circulation... :joy

Get up more often as is feasible for your job. Also try doing some ankle exercises during the day (rotating them etc) to keep the blood a-pumpin!

[ttdriver]

Try some walking everyday .. like maybe a mile at first and increase from there?

And switch to Morton Lite Salt .. 1/3 less sodium than regular salt yet it tastes the same. And a very good source of potassium.

Hang in there.

Betty

[fivebyfive]

my calves have always been large.. in fact I usually call them cows because instead of calfs heehee

[Cassian]

what you have is called pitting edema, and sitting all day long is probably why it is happening. i know that when i sit at the computer for hours a day, my calves and ankles get all swollen. the pressure on the backs of your thighs is causing circulation issues. is it possible to get up and walk around every so often at work? that would help.

[borntolose]

Hi,
I hope this might help you. I have a similar problem. The wraps or support hose help ease the water retention problem.

I use ankle wraps something like this http://www.footsmart.com/Product.aspx?ProductId=125
Or support hose can help: http://www.footsmart.com/Product.aspx?productId=341

I have pain at night that is caused by fluid retention.
I sleep in the ankle wraps to prevent overnight swelling and foot pain.

The doctor offered me Neurontin for the pain but hey the ankle wraps work.

BJ Webb

[Buddrfly]

It sound like you have fluid on your legs! My mother had the same problem, and she ended up having to visit her doctor. He prescribed Lasix (spelling) which is a fluid pill, and she hasn't had the problem since she started taking them.


Her swelling and the fluid started after she had her bypass surgery. The leg that they took the vein out of kept swelling, and this is how they remedied the problem.

Seriously you may want to see your doc and make sure this is not something serious :hug

Keep us posted!

[clairebear]

If you are not sure if it is not enough water or circlulatory, an easy solution is to just drink a lot more water.

If it is a water problem, problem solved.

If it is a circulatory thing, you are up and walking around making more frequent trips to the toilet due to all the extra water.

[camera]

Thanks

Thanks all for your input!

I've got some pamphlets on ankle/foot excercises, gonna use those.
got an extra pillow to elevate during the night as well.