What Causes Swelling In Arms And Legs And Ankle Pain?

Posted on Wed, 3 Sep 2014

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

Wed, 3 Sep 2014 Answered on

Thu, 25 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have pain and swelling in both my arms and my legs. I have tried elevating my feet, tylenol, ibuprofen, massage, but nothing seems to help. The swelling goes up and down; however, the pain seems to stay. My ankles tend to hurt when walking for periods of time. My feet have swollen so much that I can barely put my shoes on. I have seen my pcp and neurologist. They ran labs, MRI of neck to rule out a pinched nerve and I had an EMG for carpal tunnel. My carpel tunnel has gotten worse in my right hand, but other than that, no one can tell me why I am swelling and hurting. This has been going on for 2 months now. Should I see some other type of doctor? Vascular, cardiologist, podiatry, lymphema?

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hypothyroidism ? Hypoproteinemia

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.

While reading the history, gender and age and medication history, about CARPEL TUNNEL Syndrome more on right, it just clicked in my mind can this be Hypothyroidism / Hypoproteinemia ?

Have the following investigations done. If already done get repeated on empty stomach in the early morning.

FreeT3, FreeT4 and TSH
Serum Proteins
Serum Electrolytes.

I would advise
Low salt diet
Lasix- frusemide to remove the edema
Correction of the medical disorders if found on reports.

You may please take a second opinion of another Physician

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

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (3 minutes later)

They have tested both. Labs are normal. They were done by pcp and neurologist both to rule out.

I am on a prescriptiondiuretic. Woukd that do the aame as the lasix?

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Lasix is a diretic which removes extra sodium

Detailed Answer:
Yes lasix is a diuretic. What is the dose you are taking and have you stopped or reduced the salt intake?

Requesting you to post the reports, please.
An opinion of an Orthopedic surgeon would be better than the ones you suggested as you have pain and swelling feet and around ankles.

He may advise you further tests .

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