Suggest Treatment For Swelling In The Ankles

Posted on Tue, 10 Oct 2017

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

Tue, 10 Oct 2017 Answered on

Fri, 10 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been standing at a trade show for 5 days. My ankles have swollen. I woke up this morning and the swelling was down but have gone back to being swollen. I also have some new flat boat shoes.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
due to build up of fluid in the superficial veins

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

There are two sets of veins in the legs, the superficial veins and deep veins. The superficial veins lie closest to the skin and blood flows from these to the deep veins then back to the heart

With prolonged standing, blood tends to build up in the superficial veins , it is not effectively taken back to the heart.
This especially occurs if there are any problems with the valves that are present in the deep veins, if they are not working as they should and allow a back flow of blood

When you lay down, blood goes back up to the heart, on standing again blood once again re accumulates.

Propping up your legs during the course of the day, if possible would help. If this is not effective or cannot be done then compression socks may be needed.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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