Suggest Treatment For Swelling In Ankles And Feet

Posted on Wed, 17 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 17 Sep 2014 Answered on

Mon, 6 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello. I have been experiencing swelling in my ankles and feet for the past week. My heart has also been pounding, so much that I feel it alot. I went to my reg Dr. yesterday and had a heart rate of 120 and they wheeled me over to the ER where I remained for the next 7 1/2 hours. They came up with hyperthyroidism and I am scheduled for more tests today. When I looked into the symptoms of that, is says that you eat more but lose weight and I have been experiencing the opposite of that. Also it doesn't refer to the swelling problem. I do experience thirst alot, but the heart pounding is freaking me out. Does this sound right to you?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes ,it sounds like Hyperthyroidism.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome to HealthcareMagic!

I read carefully your query and understand your concerns.

Common symptoms of Hyperthyroidism may include:
-Weight loss with increased appetite
-Tachycardia (heart beats over 100 beats/min)
-Tremor on hands
-Excessive sweating and difficulty to tolerate heat.
-Anxiety and irritability
-Sleep problems etc

It is not meant that all these symptoms are present in all patients with Hyperthyroidism.
The symptoms may vary from person to person.It is possible that you have only one or 2 symptoms of hyperthyroidism and still have it.The diagnosis is confirmed by thyroid function tests.

Although , swelling in ankles and feet (leg edema) is caused more often by Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) ,it also can be a sign of Hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid).In both of them the metabolism of proteins,water and salts is altered which may cause the fluids to build up in legs tissues.

According to all the information you have provided , it is possible for you to have Hyperthyroidism .
Your blood tests of thyroid function :FT3,FT4,TSH will confirm the condition.

You may need an evaluation of kidney function ,liver function and probably an heart ultrasound to exclude other pathological causes for legs edema.

Once diagnosed you will start the treatment and the symptoms will subside soon.

Hope it was of help.
Let me know if you have other question or doubts to clarify.I will be happy to assist you further.

Kind Regards!
Dr.Rovena Murati

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar