If you have ever had swollen feet and ankles you know what a literal pain it is. In this article, I will discuss the causes of swollen ankles and feet and the treatment.
When your heart is weak, the fluid accumulates because the heart is unable to pump blood and oxygen throughout the body. This causes fluids to build up in the body.
Usually, fluid retention or edema is a symptom of left-sided heart failure. Congestive heart failure is the inability of the heart to pump adequately, thereby the legs will often become swollen.
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Why Does Fluid Accumulate in the Ankles?
Congestive heart failure can cause both leg edema and abdominal edema. The swelling occurs because the heart is too weak to pump blood around the body properly, so the blood gathers in front of the heart.
Due to the increased blood pressure in the veins, the fluid leaks out into the surrounding tissue.
This may cause swelling in the legs or a build-up of fluid in the abdomen. If the person spends a lot of time lying down, the edema might show up on his or her back (called sacral edema).
Congestive heart failure can also cause fluid build-up edema in the lungs. Edema in the lungs is life-threatening because the lungs are filling with fluid because the left side of the heart is not strong enough to pump the blood returning from the lungs.
Pictures of swollen ankles due to congestive heart failure can serve as a visual indicator of the condition’s effects. In some cases, beri beri sa buntis (beri beri in pregnancy) can lead to swelling as well.
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Sometimes the legs are more swollen than the ankles. In this case, the individual will need something to control the swelling.
Treatment for Ankle Swelling In Congestive Heart Failure
- The first line of treatment is a diuretic called Lasix. When swelling is severe, intravenous Lasix is prescribed.
- Diuretics such as Bumex and Aldactone
People with CHF should limit processed foods and canned foods.
- Elevate legs
- These socks are used for compression and they increase Increase Blood Circulation, Relieve Arch Pain, Reduce Foot Swelling
- These compression stocking sleeves Relieve Achilles Tendonitis, Joint Pain. Plantar Fasciitis Foot Sock with Arch Support Reduces Swelling & Heel Spur Pain. Injury Recovery for Sports
- These compression stockings are used for Athletes, Runners, Nurses, Shin Splints, Flight Travel & Pregnancy – Boost Stamina, Circulation & Recovery
Compression Stockings
- Another good choice is 7 Pairs Compression Socks For Women
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- When a person with congestive heart failure has swelling of the ankles, they should be weighing themselves daily. This Bathroom Scale has great reviews on Amazon.
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Causes of Swelling in Legs and Ankles in Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure can cause both peripheral edema and abdominal edema (ascites). This is because the heart is too weak to pump blood around the body properly, so the blood gathers in front of the heart. Because of this, and due to the increased blood pressure in the veins, fluid seeps out into the surrounding tissue.
This may cause swelling in the legs or a build-up of fluid in the abdomen. If the person spends a lot of time lying down, the edema might show up on his or her back (called sacral edema).
Congestive heart failure can also cause edema in the lungs (pulmonary edema). This is not common, but the condition is life-threatening. It means the lungs are filling with fluid because the left side of the heart is not strong enough to pump the blood returning from the lungs.
The blood gathers in the blood vessels of the lung, and fluid seeps out into the lung tissue. The signs are shortness of breath and rapid, shallow breathing or coughing.
The following are the reasons why you may experience swollen ankles due to congestive heart failure:
Fluid Retention
Inadequate Blood Flow:
Kidney Dysfunction:
CHF can cause the kidneys to retain sodium and water, leading to fluid buildup in the body’s tissues, including the ankles. Venous Insufficiency: In some cases, CHF can cause venous insufficiency, leading to blood pooling in the legs and feet, causing swelling.
Early Signs of Edema and Swelling
Swelling or edema comes about when there is excess water in the tissues. Edema most commonly occurs in the arms and legs. Although it can occur in the abdomen. There are some early signs of edema that you should be aware of.
- Arms or legs that suddenly start to feel heavy
- When pressing on an arm or leg leaves a “dent”
- When clothes and jewelry start to feel tight
- Pain in surrounding joints
Causes of Edema
- Edema could be benign, or it may simply go away by itself
- It could be a symptom of heart disease that needs treatment right away
- Sometimes edema is caused by cancer treatments (lymphedema).
- Sometimes, medications can cause swelling or edema.
Edema related to circulation heart, or liver problems are serious, and these conditions need emergency treatment.
Venous Insufficiency
Venous insufficiency can cause swelling in the feet because the veins are having trouble transporting blood to the feet and back to the heart.
When this happens, the blood gathers in the feet, and water is forced out of the blood vessels into the surrounding tissue. Varicose veins can also cause edema.
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure can cause peripheral and abdominal edema. In CHF, the heart is too weak to pump blood around the body, therefore the blood gathers in front of the heart. Because of the increased pressure in the heart, the fluid leaks into the surrounding tissues.
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Peripheral vascular disease can cause edema because the vessels in the lower extremity are damaged. When you develop peripheral vascular disease, your lower extremities don’t receive enough blood flow to keep up with demand. This process causes edema and leg pain.
If you have ever had swelling in your ankles and feet, leave me a comment on what worked for you. These are pictures of swollen ankles due to congestive heart failure.
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