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Old 11-01-2018, 01:55   #1
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Swollen feet/ankles on board

We did a short sail to Maputo/Inhaca Isaland and back to Richards Bay recently (over 5 days) during which time my husband experienced extreme swelling of his feet and ankles. I've had that before some years back when sailing around Durban.
What causes this? Any tips/natural remedies?
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Old 11-01-2018, 02:59   #2
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pirate Re: Swollen feet/ankles on board

Most common is fluid retention.. drink more coffee..
Another possibility which is more age dependent is venous insufficiency.. poor circulation which may just be down to not enough exercise..
Visit your doctor.
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Old 11-01-2018, 03:05   #3
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Re: Swollen feet/ankles on board

Thanks boatman61. I think standing a lot on the boat and lack of walking exercise but coffee is doubtful as he doesn't drink lots of coffee, so I will look into other diuretics
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Old 11-01-2018, 04:07   #4
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Re: Swollen feet/ankles on board

So I’m a doc- sudden extreme swelling could represent DVT (deep venous thrombosis) which could come with relative inactivity. That’s a medical emergency. More commonly 1 leg or the other though so if both equal still could be a blood clot but less likely.
If your husband overweight? Makes venous insufficiency more likely. Fat tissue in legs compresses veins returning blood from feet, and walking usually helps pump blood back up. So long term solution is wear compression socks and elevate legs, and lose weight.
Any additional swelling in hands or face- go to doc immediately as this can be a kidney issue.
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Old 11-01-2018, 04:16   #5
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Re: Swollen feet/ankles on board

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nadineon31 View Post
We did a short sail to Maputo/Inhaca Isaland and back to Richards Bay recently (over 5 days) during which time my husband experienced extreme swelling of his feet and ankles. I've had that before some years back when sailing around Durban.
What causes this? Any tips/natural remedies?
Please note: I am not a doctor, I do not even play a doctor on TV, I do not profess I know anything about medicine and I am not charging for this advice. Cut back on the added salt, drink more water and or make him walk the decks and exercise.

Above all, discuss it with a real doctor. Take a picture to show the doctor what "extreme" means.
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Old 11-01-2018, 04:20   #6
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Re: Swollen feet/ankles on board

Hmmm white or black compress socks with sandals, now that's a real fashion statement here in FL.
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Old 11-01-2018, 05:49   #7
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Re: Swollen feet/ankles on board

For heaven's sake, make him go to a doctor. This is not a sailing issue, it's a medical issue and potentially a serious one. It had nothing to do with where you were sailing or even that you were sailing at all, it's related to a change in his activity level profile.
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Old 11-01-2018, 06:20   #8
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Re: Swollen feet/ankles on board

Thanks guys. We will be seeking medical advice now that we are back home again.
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Old 11-01-2018, 08:13   #9
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Re: Swollen feet/ankles on board

Quote:
Originally Posted by boatman61 View Post
Most common is fluid retention.. drink more coffee..
Another possibility which is more age dependent is venous insufficiency.. poor circulation which may just be down to not enough exercise..
Visit your doctor.
Just move around more, after you've ruled out medical conditions, of course.
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Old 11-01-2018, 08:18   #10
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Re: Swollen feet/ankles on board

Please let us know what the professional diagnosis is.
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Old 11-01-2018, 08:29   #11
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Re: Swollen feet/ankles on board

[QUOTE=Nadineon31;2553023]We did a short sail to Maputo/Inhaca Isaland and back to Richards Bay recently (over 5 days) during which time my husband experienced extreme swelling of his feet and ankles. I've had that before some years back when sailing around Durban.
What causes this? Any tips/natural remedies?[/QUOTE
How old is he?
Is he on meds ?
Any blood pressure or blood sugar issues?
Does the swelling go away when overnight?
Any urinary or prostate problems?]
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Old 11-01-2018, 08:35   #12
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Re: Swollen feet/ankles on board

How old is he?
Is he on meds ?
Any blood pressure or blood sugar issues?
Does the swelling go away when overnight?
Any urinary or prostate problems?]
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Old 11-01-2018, 08:37   #13
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Re: Swollen feet/ankles on board

obviously go see a Dr to rule out a medical condition, but I tend to experience the same when standing at helm for 8 hours days for weeks at time.
Returning to walking daily and other shore side activity ankles return normal within days. I do not have any diagnosed problems, (went to er to be sure one trip) and have not yet resorted to the compression sock suggestion- The Dr suggested as one ages this becomes more obvious. I do keep close eye on time it takes to swell and time to clear. Pictures for a Dr are a huge help. Most of the shoreside support Drs desire pictures when doing sat. communication diagnosis offshore.
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Old 11-01-2018, 08:39   #14
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Re: Swollen feet/ankles on board

I used to have that problem. Now I'm on salt restricted diet and BP meds and it went away. It could be many things including the beginnings of right sided heart failure. Go to the doc. If it's going to be a while before you can see your doc, quit salt and see what happens. That is statistically the most likely cause.
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Old 11-01-2018, 08:41   #15
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Re: Swollen feet/ankles on board

Hopefully a doctor will diagnose briskly. For me, it was a DEET allergy that developed due to over exposure. A friend with similar symptoms was diagnosed with a genetic disorder that requires IV meds. There are a lot of non obvious causes for these symptoms.

Cheers, RickG
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