What Causes Persistent Swelling In The Feet And Ankles?

Posted on Wed, 30 Nov 2016

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

Wed, 30 Nov 2016 Answered on

Wed, 21 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I continually have swollen feet & ankles. Constantly tired. sleep poorly.
I wear compression stockings but they don't seem to help with my feet & ankles
Now my hands are starting to swell.
My joints are extremely sore.
I get very little exercise due to arthritic knees.

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend performing some tests:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HMC!

I carefully passed through your question and would explain that your symptoms could be related to fluid retention, which can be caused by heart failure, a kidney or liver disease.

Coming to this point, considering your past medical history, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician and performing some tests:

- a chest x Ray study
- a cardiac ultrasound
- fasting glucose for diabetes
- kidney and liver function tests
- a urine analysis.

A diuretic (like furasemide) may help reduce the swelling.

You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues!

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr.Iliri

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

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