Swollen Ankles

[johna]

Im a longtime sailor and am planning my retirement cruising the islands on my vessel. For the life of me I can't stop the swelling on my ankles after the 3rd day afloat. I'm 61. I know it's related to blood pressure, salt intake, lack of water, bare feet, etc. I'm looking for the right combination/cure to prevent this problem. Any thoughts?

[perchance]

Have you considered consulting a medical professional as opposed to seeking medical advice on a sailing forum?

[zeehag]

it could be congestive heart failure, spinal stenosis, anything--please go to medical doctor and get check up.

[mesailor]

i had the same. went to a cardiologist for a stress echo... neg
could it be your shoes?
Best of luck
if you figure it out, let me know

[CarinaPDX]

From what I can tell this is not uncommon for those of us getting on in years, particularly when not moving around enough. The causes could be serious, so you definitely need to get it checked out by a doctor.

Good luck.

Greg

[zeehag]

many older folks develop a spinal stenosis that will cause this edema situation, as well as achy feet.
there is also the phenomenon of thrombi. also cancer and other lil fun stuff causes swollen feet. i get them from spinal stenosis, secondary to traumas

[Teknav]

Fluid buildup/retention is medically known as "Edema". You need a cardiovascular checkup by a physician to determine the cause and the treatment. If it is related to hypertension, there are medications that alleviate this condition. Your potassium intake will need to be monitored, among other electrolytes. Just go see an "Internist" or a "Family Practitioner" for his/her advice. Do it at your earliest possible time. Mauritz

[Lake-Effect]

Ask a Doctor.

[Paul Elliott]

See a doctor. See a specialist if necessary.

I am on blood-pressure medication and was getting edema from my knees to my feet. My B.P. was under control but the edema just wouldn't go away. I eventually saw a heart specialist and, after having me take a full battery of tests, he was able to fine-tune my medications and now the B.P. and edema are both fine.

See an expert doctor.

[Kenomac]

As a registered nurse, I recommend you contact your doctor.

Forget about asking for advice on the internet. And don't go for any of the holistic or homeopathic voodoo remedies unless you also tell your doctor what you're taking. They will interact with blood pressure medication.

[CarinaPDX]

When every response on a forum is the same (see a doctor) then you probably should take the advice...

[boatman61]

I've had that happen but I was 35 days into a 47 day passage.. mine was down to mineral/vitamin deficiencies... I'd got so wrapped in the trip I decided to bypass the Azores and carry on to England...
I was living on pan bread and lentils once a day and 3 spoons of condensed milk a day...

[hellosailor]

I'm guessing that the boat has nothing to do with it, and that this is edema (swelling) that you are finding because you are "on your feet" for more hours every day when you are on the boat, compared to being on land where you are either sitting or moving around more.

As the choir says: See a doctor. You may just need diuretics, or you may have caught a more serious problem just starting. Either way, you need to see a doctor.

[Therapy]

Nah.

Who needs a doctor.

Eat an apple, take two aspirin and sleep like a bat.

You'll be fine. Trust me. I'm not a doctor.

[TacomaSailor]

I am a very active 65 year old - I ride my bike 120 miles a week and walk at least two miles a day and I live on a boat.

I get the same swelling anytime I don't walk enough or get enough exercise. When I am stuck on the boat for more than two days my ankles balloon and my feet swell.

As soon as I restart my exercise regime the swelling vanishes within 12 hours.

I do visit my doc yearly and have cardio stress test every five years - both those docs tell me very simply - don't stop exercising and you will not have swelling.