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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does Swelling In The Ankles Indicate?

I have been diagnosed with degenerative disk disease. Exercise helps somewhat with that. My problem is pain in my buttocks which results in heaviness in my legs making walking a little difficult, slow. Both ankles swell, one more than the other. My new doctor wants to prescribe Lasix. Is it possible the swelling is somehow related to my disk disease. I am also having terrible leg cramps at night. I am female, age 84. Otherwise no serious health problem.
Wed, 8 Aug 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

The swelling may be indirectly related to your disc disease. Because of the pain there may restriction of movement or slower movement. You may also have your legs hanging down a lot of the time. Movement helps the legs to get blood back up to the heart, otherwise it would pool.

The disc disease can be contributing to your cramping because it may be affecting the nerves but you should consider having electrolyte levels done to rule out any other causes, e.g. calcium, potassium, chloride, sodium, magnesium.

I hope this helps.
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What Does Swelling In The Ankles Indicate?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. The swelling may be indirectly related to your disc disease. Because of the pain there may restriction of movement or slower movement. You may also have your legs hanging down a lot of the time. Movement helps the legs to get blood back up to the heart, otherwise it would pool. The disc disease can be contributing to your cramping because it may be affecting the nerves but you should consider having electrolyte levels done to rule out any other causes, e.g. calcium, potassium, chloride, sodium, magnesium. I hope this helps.