What Causes Swelling In The Ankles And Feet While On Ibuprofen And Steroids?

Posted on Fri, 16 Dec 2016

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

Fri, 16 Dec 2016 Answered on

Fri, 13 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a pinched sciatic nerve on my right side. I take ibuprofen 800, flexible,norco and steroid pack. My ankles and feet are swollen.could one of these medications be causing.

Is this a concern. My doctor said once I start th steroid pack. That would help. I just it today. I have been on other meds about 10 days. How would I tell if it a blood clot forming? Also I noticed that when I am up standing for a little while the swelling isn't as bad. Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Possible drugs side effects.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

NSAID drugs and steroids also, both can cause legs swelling as a possible side effect.

However, systemic conditions such kidneys diseases is necessary to be excluded.

If the swelling is caused by blood clots (deep vein thrombosis for example), the swelling is also painful and of acute onset, usually only one leg is affected.

Please discuss with your Doctor about these issues.

Hop I helped you.

Feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

How could I check, if I can,what are symptoms to look out for in blood clot?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Doppler ultrasound.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

If it is a blood clot can be assessed clinically (pain, one leg affected, acute onset), and by simple tests such Doppler ultrasound.

Discuss with your doctor about getting a Doppler ultrasound done.

Hope I helped you.

Kind regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng