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SWOLLEN ANKLES
     

Slight, painless swelling of the ankles is most often caused by fluid accumulating in the tissues after long periods of sitting or standing still. It is common in pregnancy, but it may be due to heart, liver, or kidney disorders. Consult your doctor if swelling persists or if you have other symptoms.
 
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Charak product for better Health>>Manoll

Recommended Therapy:
Basti, PINDA SWEDA
     

Are both ankles affected?

Both ankles

Have you been suffering from increasing shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath
POSSIBLE CAUSES
Swelling of the ankles & shortness of breath may be the result of CHRONIC HEART FAILURE. Other possible cause of these symptoms are liver problems as CIRRHOSIS, or kidney problems as NEPHROTIC SYNDROME.
MEDICAL HELP
Call your doctor within 24 hrs.
No shortness of breath

Are you pregnant?

Pregnant

Does either of the following apply?

Your face or fingers are swollen
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Retaining excessive amounts of fluid may be a sign of pre-eclampsia.
MEDICAL HELP
Call your doctor or nurse/midwife within 24 hrs. Meanwhile, rest with your legs raised.
You have gained over 4 LB (2 kg) in the past week
Neither
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Fluid retention, leading to swollen ankles, is common in pregnancy.
SELF HELP
Avoid standing still for long periods & put your feet up whenever possible to reduce swelling. Consult your doctor if your face &/or fingers become swollen or if you start to put on weight rapidly.
Not pregnant

Did your ankles become swollen after either of the following?

A long trip by car or train

An airplane flight
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Several hours of inactivity can lead to accumulation of fluid in the ankles due to less efficient circulation.The decreased cabin pressure in a plane increases this tendency.
SELF HELP
Encourage circulation by getting up & walking around at regualr intervals during any long journey. When seated, keep your legs raised & take a brisk walk when you reach your destination.
Neither
One ankle

Is the calf of the affected leg either of the following?

Swollen

Tender
POSSIBLE CAUSE
You may have a blood clot in a vein in your leg.
MEDICAL HELP
URGENT! Call your doctor immediately!
Neither

Have you injured your ankle within the past few weeks?

Recent injury
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Swelling can persist or recur for several weeks following an injury. This is unlikely to be a cause for concern.
SELF HELP
If the injury occurred within the past 48 hrs, follow the first-aid advice for SPRAINS & STRAINS. For a less recent injury, try resting the limb. Make an appointment to see your doctor if swelling persists despite rest or if the ankle is painful, tender, or inflamed.
No recent injury

Are you currently taking any prescribed or over-the-counter medication?

Medication
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Your symptom may be a side effect of the drug.
MEDICAL HELP
Make an appointment to see your doctor. Stop taking any over-the-counter medicines but continue to take prescribed medication unless advised to stop by your doctor.
No medication

Do you have prominent veins in the leg/s affected by swelling

Prominent Veins
POSSIBLE CAUSE
You may have VARICOSE VEINS, which can cause fluid to accumulate in the ankles.
SELF HELP
Avoid standing still for long periods. Walk as much as possible, & when sitting down try to keep your feet raised. Make an appointment to see your doctor if the swelling worsens or if other symptoms develop.
No prominent veins
If you cannot identify a possible cause for your swollen ankles from this chart, make an appointment to see your doctor.
     
     

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