Swollen ankles?

[slleipnir]

My mom's ankles have been REALLY swollen for a few weeks now. Like, you should be able to clearly make out where her ankles are, but she literally has none. They're that swollen. She's tried new sneakers. She's tried going off pain medication she's on...nothing works. She's been to atleast 3 different doctors and they don't seem to be doing anything. Any ideas?? It sounds really serious to me. I think her hands swell up too, but not as bad.

[caseysmom]

My mom had arthritis and had that problem. She should have her heart checked out that can be a sign of congestive heart failure, not to worry you it could be just water retention.

[Laura's Babies]

Is she watching her salt intake? Keeping her feet proped up as much as possiable? Elevated the foot of her bed about 6 inches? Tried compression stockings? Fluid pills? If she has tried all that and they are still swollen, GET ANOTHER DOCTOR!

[elizabethann]

When she elevates her feet, make sure they are elevated above her heart. That should help with the swelling. Good luck.

[slick]

Ask her to have her kidneys checked. The same thing happened to my Mom when I was a kid and it ended up being something that medication took care of. I'm not saying that this is it, it's just one more thing to check.

[Barbara]

It could be a heart condition as well. I hope the doctors find something.