Does anyone have problems with swollen feet? My mother inlaw has real swollen feet from retaining water. Is there something she could take that would help?

My grandmother also has really swollen feet, legs, and wrists. She was put on lasix to help with it and so far so good the swelling has went down. The only drawback to using this medicine is that you will have to use the bathroom a lot since that is they way your body rids of the excess fluid.


justagirl

I think you should consult a Doctor

I was wondering how there would be swelling (or edema) in the feet when I realized it must be because of the poor blood circulation and subsequent fluid shifts. Anyway, lasix (furosemide) is a diuretic that helps in reducing fluid accumulation that manifests as swelling. In the process, it reduces blood pressure. Your mother-in-law may also elevate her feet to draw water back to the upper part of the legs or to promote venous return. Be careful not to massage the swollen feet or she might develop thrombophlebitis.

cellulitis or the dema of asciets pooling is basd ona number of factors.
High blood presure, circulation problems, which can also lead to DVT.

I ahve edema in my ankles and legs when I sit at the computer, stand too long or eat iceberg lettuce.
cellulitis or he edema can be caused by a host of factors.
What is her salt intake, what her coffee and tea intake, doe sshe exercise at all, doe sshe have cardiac problem, or lung or kidney problems.
Lasix is good, But though its useful it has to be used with caution since it can and does disrupt potassiums and electrolytes as well.

Spirinolactone is a better diuretic as it doesnt cause kidney damage nor cause an eventual impabance of electrolytes.
Diovan works, as does monipril. Both are also ACE inhibitor sthat provide not olny fluid relefe buty maintain a BP.

elevating the legs with no exercise can be a continuing fight. Small ankel rotations and elevations with simple exercises has been shown to reduce edema as well .

When I finally got a laptop I took to sitting on the sofa with my feet up on a chair slightly higher than the sofa. This is because I do use the computer a lot. I also have highly elasticated knee high socks that I use when I will be driving a long way or sitting normally a long time.

Its always a good idea to keep your legs elevated. Peopel who sit all day long or crossed legged and pool water( cellular fluid) may also ahve a tendency to develope DVT. Deep vein thrombosis.
Its just as econdary complication and a dangerous one at that.

If you ahve to sit for along period of time you will find that your legs feel like weigts, swell and look like balloons.
getting a floor cycle is great. It hidees under the desk and keeps the legs circulation going.

j

Here is an article on water retention over at diabetic live.


Water Retention

__________________
Christopher Berry
Diabetic Discussion

I think that one of my blood pressure pills, Diovan, is similar to that mentioned above.

My doctor referred to it as having the effects of a "water pill."

I assume this sort of thing is prescribed for water retention, too?

Both of these are called ACE inhibitors.
They are prescribed when its suspected theer is an elevated protein level in teh urine. This is due to teh kidneys not filtering everything or damage due to elevated glucose overa long time.
What they do is stimulate the kidney cells into opening and letting more water pass through and out.

Hence the diuretic effect.
I was on both, I am nwo off both. Instead I take a plain ol Bendryl or an OTC mild diuretic.

My legs swell up so bad they hurt and look like water balloons at times.
Midol works great for both the pain and the water.
One thing my doctor at the time I was getting great care told me was that drinking at least 1 20 ounce bottle of plain watera day will help to keep kidneys clearn and reduce the effect of leg swelling. She also told me enphatically to stay away from soda. It has too much salts and chemicals that harm diabetic kidneys....

she was wonderful... sigh......