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What Causes Swollen Hands and Feet?

Amy Hunter
Amy Hunter

Swollen hands and feet can have a variety of causes. The most common type of swelling is called idiopathic edema. Idiopathic edema is poorly understood, but it is not dangerous. Sometimes it is possible to pinpoint the cause, but often it is not.

Sometimes women suffer from idiopathic edema during certain portions of their menstrual cycle. The problem, however, is not limited to women and not necessarily to a particular time of the month. Swollen hands and feet is often combined with retained sodium. Diuretics rarely have any effect on idiopathic edema.

Swelling in the extremities is often caused by idiopathic edema or excess salt consumption.
Swelling in the extremities is often caused by idiopathic edema or excess salt consumption.

Swollen hands and feet from idiopathic edema can often be reduced by lying down for several hours and reducing the amount of salt in your diet. Some doctors treat idiopathic edema with ACE inhibitors or progesterone, but this does not consistently treat the condition. There is no health risk associated with this swelling, so rest and reduction of salt seem to be the best treatment.

Swollen hands may be a sign of heart disease.
Swollen hands may be a sign of heart disease.

In some cases, idiopathic edema is so severe that it causes discomfort. The swelling can stretch the skin, causing itching and pain. In this case, a doctor will first determine that the swelling is not part of a greater health concern. If not, he may recommend elastic stockings to help reduce the swelling and alleviate the discomfort.

Swollen hands and feet can sometimes be a symptom of a larger health concern. Swelling in the extremities can be a symptom of heart disease, or problems with the liver or kidneys. For this reason, it is important not to ignore swollen hands and feet. If you cannot reduce the swelling through rest and a reduction of salt in your diet, see a doctor.

Swollen hands and feet can sometimes be a symptom of heart disease.
Swollen hands and feet can sometimes be a symptom of heart disease.

Other signs that swelling in your hands and feet may be serious are if it is coupled with a shortness of breath, unexplained weight gain or nausea. Any of these symptoms, combined with swelling of the hands and feet, are a signal that something potential serious may be going on in the body. A thorough doctor’s exam can isolate the problem and help find a solution.

Prolonged periods of physical inactivity may cause swollen hands and feet.
Prolonged periods of physical inactivity may cause swollen hands and feet.

While frequent bouts of swelling in the hands and feet can be troubling, in most cases it is no cause for alarm. By reducing salt consumption and resting during the day, much of the swelling can be alleviated. If the problem persists, a trip to the doctor can help alleviate any concerns. Serious health problems that manifest as swollen hands and feet are uncommon. 

Why Do I Wake Up With Swollen Hands and Feet?

Reducing salt consumption, for example, eliminating salty snacks can aleviate swelling.
Reducing salt consumption, for example, eliminating salty snacks can aleviate swelling.

There are many potential causes of swollen hands and feet in the morning, some less threatening or scary than others. One of the most common reasons for swelling in the morning is related to sleep posture. If you toss and turn or fall asleep in an awkward position, you might cause inflammation, aggravating underlying symptoms like arthritis.

Arthritis is another common cause of morning swelling. Arthritis leads to inflammation of the joints. When sleeping, your body remains stiff or still for long periods, which can aggravate the condition. Typically, if swelling is brought on by arthritis, it will resolve itself within a few hours of waking.

Swollen hands and feet are commonly caused by idiopathic edema, which is usually not serious.
Swollen hands and feet are commonly caused by idiopathic edema, which is usually not serious.

Dehydration can also result in swollen hands and feet in the mornings. When you do not drink enough fluids during the day, your body might try and retain water while you sleep. The retention leads to swelling in the extremities, primarily the hands and feet.

How much sodium is in your diet? A high sodium diet can also lead to water retention. Therefore, if you are experiencing swollen hands and feet in the morning, consider your diet and make some changes if necessary.

Additionally, both activity and inactivity can lead to swelling. If you use your hands and feet for strenuous activity during the day, they might swell overnight. You might also experience swelling because of inactivity from blood being pushed to the hands or feet at night.

Pregnancy can also lead to swelling in the morning. During pregnancy, you retain a lot of water and other fluids. Some of those extra fluids will end up in your hands and feet.

Finally, infections, kidney issues, and allergies can all contribute to swelling in the morning. It is essential to see your doctor if you are concerned or experience more swelling than usual.

Why Are My Hands and Feet Swollen During Pregnancy?

The body produces nearly 50% more blood and body fluids than usual during pregnancy to help the developing baby. Because of the increase in fluids, pregnant individuals can and most likely will experience some form of swelling. The most common areas of swelling include the face, hands, legs, feet, and ankles. Edema is the normal swelling during pregnancy.

The reason women experience swelling during pregnancy is the retention of extra fluids. There is a biological reason beyond the developing baby. The swelling helps prepare the pelvic tissues and joints for the delivery; it also softens the body, allowing it to expand as the baby grows. It is estimated that nearly 25% of the weight women gain during pregnancy is a result of these extra fluids and retention.

While swelling can and should be expected at any point during pregnancy, it is usually noticeable in the fifth month, increasing into the third trimester. While water and fluid retention are the primary contributing factors to swelling during pregnancy, other elements can also contribute to the severity of the condition, including:

  • Low potassium diet

  • High sodium diet

  • Caffeine consumption

  • Standing for long periods

  • Rigorous activity

  • Summertime heat 

Despite the commonality of swelling during pregnancy, some occurrences should be more concerning than others. If you experience sudden swelling of the face and hands, you might want to contact your doctor because it can be a sign of preeclampsia.

How To Help Swollen Hands and Feet During Pregnancy?

When pregnant, you must prioritize your health and comfort. Swelling is likely inevitable during pregnancy, but the duration and severity of the condition vary significantly.

If you want to manage swelling, you will need to manage your lifestyle. You will want to avoid standing for long periods and minimize rigorous activity. You should prioritize rest, keeping your feet elevated when possible.

Additionally, avoid time outdoors when it is hot. You should also wear comfortable shoes and clothing, avoiding clothes that are too tight or restrictive, especially around the wrists and ankles. Drink plenty of water and minimize sodium levels in your diet.

Finally, when you experience swelling, use a cold compress to help. You can also wear supportive stockings or tights.

Swelling is expected during pregnancy, but making subtle changes can reduce the severity of each occurrence. Additionally, making changes that your doctor might suggest to your diet can help reduce how often swelling occurs.

If you experience severe or sudden swelling, you should consult with your doctor. While swelling is expected, some instances can point to more serious issues.

Discussion Comments

lowens09

I have swollen feet (mainly in the evenings) and when I wake up every morning I am swollen in my hands and face as well. My feet are red on the outer edges and they contain really hard dead skin that's brown in some spots. I have went to the doctor about it once, they told me it could be my vitamin D, so they prescribed me 50,000 units of that a week. Then they told me it could be my muscle relaxer (zanaflex) but it was like this before I started taking it as well as after. It used to be only when I used drugs would they swell up but since I've been clean, the results are the same. Anyone have any idea what could be causing this swelling? I'm on a diuretic now (Lasix) and this is my third week taking it. Last week I was on a different one but there has been no changes at all.

anon974533

@Jenny 29: I hope you have figured out what is wrong. Please have yourself checked for Lyme Disease. You need to tell the doctor to test you for that. Your symptoms of black out, tingling, fatigue, swelling, and numbness are symptoms, and so are depression, headaches, irregular heartbeat (racing, or feeling like is slowing down), restless sleep and joint pain. If you were diagnosed a while ago, it can come back. Please get yourself checked.

anon971386

@anon94232 -- I would suggest you start to treat it as lymph edema. It may not be that, but from what you said, it should help with the symptoms and it's totally non-invasive.

Wear compression stockings. There are different strengths so if the lowest doesn't do anything, try the next. Don't go any further than the third before talking to a doctor. Always wear the stockings when you are walking. That's important.

Next, sleep with your feet and hands raised above your heart. This should help your extremities lose some of the swelling.

Finally, (OK, this is icky and you might not want to do it but it won't harm you at all) stroke your lymph nodes. Start with the ones where your jaw meets your neck. No harder than you would stroke a cat. You should do both sides at the same time. The second group are under your arms right where you sweat all the time. Same thing, stroke them even if you do look like a monkey. Next do the ones at your groin. Those are the ones where your leg meets your torso. It's very close to the main artery. You only need to stroke each spot three or four times.

Next is a bit different. You'll have to take one leg at a time. Start at your knee and using both hands stroke the entire thigh (or as much of it as you can get). Do the same on the other thigh. On all of these always stroke toward the heart. The last one is the same as the thigh. Stroke your calf from your ankle to your knee. We're not done yet. After all that, you need to do it all again, starting from the ankles and finishing at the ears.

As you can see, there is nothing invasive at all. The stockings, the sleep, the stroking-- none of it will hurt you, and you never know; it may help.

anon971375

Most of what I've heard here sounds like fluid retention or vein/artery problems. Treatment: sleep with your feet above your head. I know that is extremely simplistic, but doctors will blame obesity on anything they can get away with (and a few that are criminal) so always seek a second opinion if you're getting nothing from your first doctor.

Here's the thing. None of your stories sound like what is happening to me. (Isn't it always that way?) Three weeks ago I found a fairly noticeable swelling on the back of my left hand. The next day the swelling had extended to the web between my forefinger and thumb, and across the extent of the back of my left hand. My right hand also had a bump. I also noticed that the veins that are usually slightly visible under my skin had become huge highways of blue a good eighth of an inch raised above my hand. By the end of last week, both hands have swollen but aren't tight. They do feel like they're on fire.

This week my feet have begun the process. I've been to two doctors who say it is systemic (yeah, tell me something I don't know) but they couldn't say much other than that. They didn't seem worried, but they did no tests. Strangely one of them didn't look at my hands either. Any ideas?

anon971364

@anon278059 -- What you have is an inability of the blood in your lower extremities to make it all the way back up to the pump (the heart). Absolutely the best thing for it is to make a firm long pillow you can place under your feet for when you sleep. That will raise your feet above your heart and aid the fluid in finding its way back home.

I've had this problem for about 40 years. I now have a hospital bed -- it's easier. Try to find times during the day when you can do the same thing. You will feel so much better!

anon955816

I am a 45 year old female with no hypertension or diabetes, but I have had pain in my right side and swelling on my face, and in feet and ankles for the last six months. I feel tired and have pain in my hands and feet.

All lab examinations are normal. The ultrasound and CT scans show mild fullness in the kidneys. But my doctors don't consider it to be serious.

anon949957

Only my index fingers swell, not at the same time, though. First one will swell then the others and like the next day, my big toes do the same thing but it's one at a time. When all four go through this process I'll be OK for three weeks to a month and doctors just say it's the weather. I live in west Texas and the only weather we have is wind. Advice greatly needed.

Nikkibufo

@post 37: I was on Lamictal and got a rash and was on prednisone for a week or two, two years ago. Since then I have been sick with vomiting, fevers, profuse sweating and fatigue and joint pain. Now primarily, I have shortness of breath and swollen hands and feet. My Creatinine level is borderline high, usually over .99 mg/dL. I accidentally overdosed on lithium four years ago, which they say didn't destroy my kidneys, but I don't believe them. My ANA was negative, but I had to cuss out my doctor to get tested for it. Keep fighting everyone. Don't take no for an answer.

anon943081

I only have swelling in my right ankle now. Two months ago, after lying around all winter, I walked around our small complex once. I used to walk daily. This time I started limping half way around.

The next day, I noticed both feet swollen around ankles only. I put my feet up and iced them. The swelling lessened and eventually went away, until I tried walking the same distance and not making it all the way around before I started limping. I had fallen down a few steps 18 months ago, injuring my right hip and foot. The same foot has had prior injuries, and I’ve had a broken outer right fibula, with a screw placed in it. The screw slipped, damaging a nerve, and I had the metal removed six months later and the damaged nerve removed nine years later. Nothing had happened other than tenderness until last fall. Now, there’s this troubling swelling and limping from walking. I've been told that I might have fibromyalgia, or have a rare congenital back spinal cord among other injuries.

I gained 16 pounds in the last six months from having a strong craving for sweets. All kinds of tests show nothing. The doctor took me off a new pill, thinking I was allergic and now have removed one of my blood pressure pills, amlodopine. I am going to a cardio specialist to address that because it took six years to reduce my blood pressure and I was told to stay on all three meds for that since my blood pressure was finally under control. The doctor said I could have a stroke or heart attack and die. That’s how they convinced me back in 2005 to begin these meds. Heart disease is what killed both my parents.

I'm now finally back to eating better and determined to begin walking although it's painful. They’re still running tests. My current doctor could tell me to take another test, elevate my foot and ice it. But a person can only do this for so long. God help us all.

anon354955

I am 24. In the last four years I have gained 40kg. My main issue for the past two years is the swelling. My hands and feet burn, itch and feel as if they want to explode. I also cannot wear my wedding ring. I have been to so many doctors. I have had one thyroid test done and it was normal. I did have a kidney stone removed about six months ago. The stone was as big as a jelly bean. I am not an unhealthy eater. I do not drink alcohol excessively. I really wish that someone could help me.

About a month ago, I suffered with my eyes feeling so erratic in my head. It felt like they were vibrating. I went to check my blood pressure and it was fine. I have been drinking a water pill every morning for the last month and it has done nothing.

Every GP I go to also say it is because of my weight. My question is why am I picking up this weight?

These are the following symptoms I struggle with badly: Swollen and burning hands and feet and face. dry mouth, blurry eyes, bad water retention, heavy anxiety paired with difficulty breathing sometimes. Also, my menstruation has changed from normal to heavy and painful. I have itchiness in my hands and feet and cheeks and also have pins and needles if I put pressure on a body part for not even like five minutes.

Please, if any of you have some advice, please share it! I am in South Africa, in Port Elizabeth.

anon340811

Sounds like sodium issues. Swelling is due to way too much sodium in the bloodstream. The kidneys flush more water than sodium from the body. This traps the sodium within the muscles, which causes the swelling.

Drink more water and reduce salt intake is what the docs tell you. If you look on the labels of the food you eat, you will see how much sodium is in each product you consume. Also, many meds bring sodium levels up.

When doctors know that you are taking these meds, they expect a higher reading on sodium so they do not take the test results as being high over medical problems. They will tell you to reduce salt and that's that. Drink more milk since vitamin D3 helps absorb sodium and calcium within the digestive tract, which helps remove and balance one's sodium level within the blood. All in all, it will reduce swelling, tingling, numbness and pain.

anon329983

@Jenny: Has your doctor done any kind of brain scans such as an MRI? My aunt has multiple sclerosis, and she has almost all of your symptoms. The swelling and inability to use the bathroom seems like it is related to internal swelling, which can be MS related. The blackouts, tingling in arms and legs -- all of that seems related.

anon321789

@Jenny29, post 43: Yours must be a hard day every day. I know the feeling and my heart goes out to you. Typically, when medical doctors cannot find anything out of the ordinary by doing various tests, they begin to imply that the symptoms may be psychological. This will make you laugh, I am sure. At age 23 or so, I too gained weight rapidly; I had moved to Dubai (this is significant because of the foods available at the time - broccoli after four or five weeks in fridge was the same as the day I bought it!))changed the pill, started swelling and in matter of three or four months, I had gained 20-plus kilos, and started producing milk in one of my breasts.

When the doc couldn't find any irregularities after weeks and months of testing, he recommended Prozac, as it was possibly “all in my head” and I was depressed because I had gained weight. While I do recognize that certain symptoms may be or have psychological reasons, this certainly was not the case, and I was not pregnant, so I promptly took my boob out and 'squeezed' and the breast milk sprayed into his direction, calmly saying, “And in whose head is this now? Seems to me it is on your desk and very nearly on your face!” Not my proudest moment, but I am sure you can sympathize with my frustration!

Now, what I was eventually diagnosed with may not be the underlying issue that causes your health problems, but you might want to check it. I am now 41 and three years ago, it was accidentally discovered that I have genetic hypertriglyceridemia and a virus in my pancreas. Pancreatic issues are apparently very difficult to diagnose but in short, my health issues started with hormonal disturbances, subsequent endometriosis, and ended up affecting my pancreas, although I was told three years ago that I had contracted a virus in my pancreas but cannot imagine it was in me for 25 years! This is all endocrine system-related, and I am pretty sure that the food I was eating then (which was heavily processed irradiated meat injected with hormones, etc.) started the ball rolling.

Anyway, I hope this helps you in the further investigation of the causes for your health issues. I don’t know where you live, but do have a look at the Surrey Park Clinic in the UK. If you live outside the UK, perhaps you can write to them.

I wish you all the very best. Do not give up. The best is yet to come.

anon303365

My daughter had severe swelling in her hands and feet, skin rashes, loss of energy, severe weight gain and many other symptoms described on this site. She was finally diagnosed with Celiac disease. After a change in diet, the swelling and rashes went away in a few days. The weight is coming off at about one pound a day. Now my whole family is on this gluten free diet and the results are amazing.

jenny29

I need help and I am adopted so I have no idea of genetic causes. I swear I am getting sicker and there is no medical cause for it. It started when I was 18 to 21 and I would have random black outs. They could occur throughout the day when I was at work and I had no idea how I got home, or even drove home, for that matter. The doctor said nothing was wrong after running tests.

At ages 21 to 24 I had chronic headaches, swelling in the feet, and tingling in the arms and legs. During this time, I had high sugar levels but they said it wasn't diabetes. So I cut down my sugar and hoped for the best. I also was using the restroom about once every week or two weeks at this time. I never drank water unless it was koolaid. I would lose sensation for hours in my legs. I had insomnia and would just shut down randomly.

Now I am 29 and I just don't understand what is going on with my body. My blood tests come back normal. I tested my kidneys and nothing is wrong. I have high sugar but am not diabetic. I am retaining water like there's no tomorrow. I have had huge weight gain and cannot shake it and if I do, I gain it back quickly.

I have to rotate my body when lying down to stop the tingling in my arms. I still don't sleep but maybe three hours and I have to force myself. I drink water now and use the restroom about two times a day. However, I have a pain in my lower stomach and have to take deep breaths when using the restroom. I used a diuretic and laxative tea and the swelling went down and I lost weight. However, that isn't the solution because if I stop either of those it all comes back.

I have constant nausea and vomiting and swallow it. I am constantly fatigued and I have to force myself to do anything. From noon to 3 p.m. at work I totally shut down and can't seem to do anything. I can fall asleep standing up if my body is ready to shut down. I eat a balanced meal diet, all grass fed food, hoping that would help.

Does anyone have any advice? I am too young to feel so old!

anon290825

Undiagnosed swelling in the hands, feet, stomach (with severe pain), face and throat could possibly be a result of a very rare condition called Hereditary Angioedema. It is caused by the failure of the body to produce a C1 esterase enzyme.

My husband has been diagnosed with this disease after two years of not knowing what was wrong with him. More information can be found by looking up HAE or HAEA.

anon278064

I am 32 years old and I am a working woman. I have a three years old baby. I have a back pain problem. Sometime I have swelling and pain in legs. I have pain in my fingers especially in right hand. Sometimes I have swelling on my face. I don't understand what is the cause behind all these problems.

anon278059

What do I do when I have swollen feet, ankles and toes and my doctor has no idea what is causing it? He has sent me to three specialists and they have no clue either. It is so uncomfortable and hurts because my skin is so tight. I have no idea what to do about this or what direction to go in. Can anyone help me with this?

anon269548

I woke up one morning covered in a whole body rash. By night fall my ankles, feet, toes, knees, neck, wrists, thumbs and fingers were sore and swollen. I am told by the ER nurse practitioner that I probably had an allergic reaction to something. However, that it could be viral. Here is some prednisone, don't come back unless you can't keep fluids down or you can't breathe. Nice.

It is one week later. My hands are useless. My feet, knees, elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers are extremely swollen. I can hardly function. I am 50 years old and was very active. I can't imagine living like this.

God bless all of you who have been dealing with this for more than one week. I don't know how you do it. I am heading to the doc in an hour. I am hoping it was an allergic reaction to calcium citrate. That is all I can think of.

anon263600

I have been on anti-depression and anti-convulsion medications and seven days ago, I had a horrible allergic reaction to my Lamictal which made me break out all over my body with a red rash and hives. I finally cleared up the rashes but now my feet, right leg and hands are swelling and have pain with it.

I walk around and shake my hands to make them "wake" again, but most of the time it doesn't help. I hope it is only from having the bad reaction to my medication.

My joints hurt and I have a hard time using my hands. When I make a fist, it sends pain into my wrist and sometimes goes into my elbow. I am swollen all over, but mostly the hands, feet and legs.

Please, if anyone ever had an allergic reaction from medication, please let me know that this is part of it and will go away. It is freaking me out. I'm not a heavy person and I'm active so it's not because I'm lying around doing nothing.

I can't sleep because it keeps me up through the night. God help all of you people with these problems.

anon245554

Candida diet! Check it out. It saved my life and I am pain free!

anon221643

I have swollen hands, and from time to time, swollen feet. I I feel sick, like sick like I will die. I have seen two rheumatologists, a naturalist, and talk to everyone I know.

The naturalist's energy test says I am intolerant to wheat, dairy, soy and wine.

The rheumatologist, says the naturalist is a witch doctor and I should continue getting worse no matter my diet.

I am sick and tired all the time. I am unhappy, and I need help. I have tried every way possible. I pray for the answer! Can anyone help/relate?

anon219280

I have swollen fingers and my fingers are very cold. It comes and goes sometimes they stay swollen for weeks, and other times they are not as swollen, so I don't know what is going on.

I am talking about very swollen, just my fingers. I have adrenal gland insufficiency, and I take Cortef. I believe that has something to do with it. I take in potassium and sodium, so my tests show my electrolytes are balanced. So what else can cause swollen fingers?

I have achy joints in my knees and muscle pain in my back. I also have thoracic outlet syndrome of the neck. My fingers hurt, and tingle a lot. Usually low sodium or low potassium is the cause of swollen fingers or hormone changes. So check all that,and check for low cortisol that can cause it. I will keep searching for answers. Good luck.

anon188012

Any one of you on corticosteroids? Prednisone, medrol, solumedrol, inhalers, etc.? You could be suffering from lupus – systemic lupus erythematosis, or autoimmune hepatitis, or another type hepatitis, or another type kidney failure besides Lupus is diabetes! Diabetes insipidis, I think is one type that causes this horrible swelling.

I know how you all feel. I have SLE, systemic Lupus, where your own immune system attacks your own body, and often the kidneys or liver and swelling occurs and dialysis is needed. Heart failure can also cause this and COPD. A "water pill" should help most of you, so ask your doctor for one! Or just go to the ER like they say and get on water pills! Follow up with your doctor as to the underlying cause. This is not normal and is dangerous!

Water can begin to fill the lungs and death can occur!

There is a root cause, and if the doctor ignores it, go to the ER, and get a referral for a good doctor! Good luck!

anon185221

I too was suffering all of the above symptoms and a friend recommended a book "Why do I have thyroid symptoms when my lab test are normal?" by Datis Kharrazian.

I read the book in a day because I was so excited that a doctor in text was answering all my questions and concerns. I contacted a nutritionist shortly after reading the book. She looked over my labs and had several concerns from anemia to liver enzymes. Keep in mind, my primary said everything was fine with my lab work with exception to the anemia.

Long story short, I've been on a gluten free, grass fed beef, veggies and some fruits diet for 10 days and I've already lost 10 pounds. I'm currently waiting for my food allergy and celiac disease results. Good luck to you all. I know what you're going through and I'm still trying to figure things out as well, but I feel confident I'm on the right path.

anon184499

It seems that most of the cases of swollen feet/hands had an abnormal inflammatory response that generalizes. Also, it seems like an immune system is overactive! Have ESR and antibodies tititers checked for autoimmune response like Lupus. What works? Corticosteroids like betamethasone. Try it in small doses, from minuscule increasing to up to one pill, then decrease the dose gradually to miniscule for 14 days for females, eight days for males. Don't use prednisone or derivatives. Why? you will be Cushingoid in no time! After feeling better, go back and have the tests done again. You need to prove that the treatment worked, so repeat it.

Doctors who treat Lupus are dermatologists. Not all rheumatologists know enough about Lupus. Other autoimmune disorders can be traced by a good nurse practitioner. Good luck!

anon181575

I am 21, female, a student of Medicine. I develop swollen feet and hands by the the end of the day or earlier in the evening {if i have exerted more throughout the day} daily, it gets very annoying, i literally have to drag my feet and the swelling won't go before i have had some rest for an hour or two. I also suffer from chronic constipation.

I have figured out that i may be suffering from hypothyroidism, so today i went to the Pathology Lab to get my Thyroid blood test done. The Doctor also asked me to go for a blood CP and a Urine RE. She also had my bp taken which was normal.

So you people should also get your blood CP, Urine RE and Thyroid function tests done!

I shall get the reports in four days time, and i will get back to you here.

anon179585

All of you need to do a liver/kidney cleanse. Your organs can't keep up and that's why you are swelling.

anon173482

Where are the answers to this? No one can help. Doctors laugh and saying you must be allergic to something. Or water retention, that's it. So far on going to the moon. --Henry

anon163149

I have a swollen face, also hands and legs. Is there a medical reason for this or what? I have been to every hospital in the area I live in and usually they end up kicking me out saying go see your private doctor. Anybody else have this problem? I am at the point where I am ready to give up but I am so uncomfortable. Any ideas? Help.

anon160086

Can swelling be caused an allergic reaction? I had shrimp two days ago and when I woke up yesterday my hands were swollen and very painful as if they were going to explode. I can't figure out if it's a reaction to iodine or if I've developed an allergy to shrimp.

anon158043

number 16: research throat cancer and HPV.

anon153030

I am only 17, about to be 18, but for about a year now when it's too hot or too cold, or just for random reasons throughout the day, my hands and feet swell so badly that I can barely move them. And this is a daily occurring thing, not just every few weeks or so.

It starts to hurt so badly I want to cry sometimes. My feet are extremely bad when I get out of the shower. For the past few months I have been gaining weight constantly and I have been eating healthy like I always have but I really want to know what's going on? Can anyone help me please?

anon139301

As a longtime collier of holistic healing and nutrition, my suggestion is to really look at what you are eating. We are what we eat and many people are allergic to wheat, corn and dairy -- some of the basics of their diet. Doctors will usually laugh at this and say "take these pills".

Think about it, though. How many people do you know who have been helped that way? Eat whole fresh foods for a month and I bet you'll notice a big difference.

anon137726

these doctors stink. all they do is look at blood tests instead of going by symptoms. they rely on technology too much. the old way of doctoring does come in handy. i bet if we could find some old textbooks it would tell us what the heck this is.

anon123225

This post is for #12, Anon94232: I would love to know your diagnosis if any. I have the exact symptoms to the t and even had a very bad stomachache about two weeks ago that brought me to my knees. Don't laugh. I prayed hard! And it went away in about twp hours after having it for over five hours. I would have gone to the er, but i live in the dominican republic and don't speak spanish.

Anyway, I'm still very much the same as you 12. It's now been a good five weeks and it's getting worse. Please let me know if you have a diagnosis yet. I'm disabled, take medications and only wonder if my liver has had enough. Thank you. --anthony

anon122472

there must be a holistic approach to get rid of swelling feet and ankles. frankly, i can't stand to look at my ankles anymore, they are so swollen.

i have an inkling that prescription medications cause this problem however, i don't know for sure. i recently started to swell terribly. Before this, i had swelling in my left leg that went away after a night's sleep. Now, nothing helps.

I've tried the stockings and wraps but my feet and ankles swell under the stockings and i get deep ridges in my skin that hurt. I'm hoping that i can get some answers.

anon119639

FYI: I had a friend who was extremely swollen for over a year. She was a diabetic but was constantly visiting the doctor and hospital for the swelling issue to no avail.

Finally it got so bad, (she would sleep for hours among hours a day) we rushed her to a different hospital where she was diagnosed with kidney failure. She has been in dialysis ever since and the swelling is gone.

Please do not take your doctor's word that you are fine and your tests are coming back fine if you feel in your gut that it is not fine.

Doctors are human and often make mistakes. Always go for a second opinion and do not stop until you find out what is wrong.

anon118374

@Anon117067: First of all, i really feel for you in your situation.

On treatment, i really wonder whether the overall allopathic approach is going to give you your answers. The risk is you find yourself in a vicious circle where one thing leads to another.

I strongly recommend you build some understanding about Ayurveda, start thinking overall and holistic health, where just for example, food becomes your first medicine.

Dr Vasant Lad explains very well the processes of disease and health. I would buy one of his books, get the picture and then find a good practitioner near you. I'm sure his office can help with that. So go for it and be healthy again!

anon117067

I have been severely swollen for about three years now. I went to my doctor and got weighed and I about cried. The month before I was there I was 195 pounds, then the next month I was 215, so my doc came in and said what's going on with you? (let me remind you he's been seeing me swollen every time I go).

I keep hearing about me having fibromyalgia. I'm in a lot of pain, my neck, back, legs, everything aches. I went for blood work last month and they checked my thyroid, sodium, liver enzymes, inflammation and diabetes, then I had a CT scan because I've been getting real bad sharp pains in my lower back on the right side. It felt like pressure pain right by my kidneys. So, I called and asked about my results and they said everything looks like it did before. I asked, like what do you mean it looks like it did before? i guess I had the same tests. I do have HEP C from a tattoo and my enzymes were extremely high, my doc says, so he said go see this liver specialist asap.

I went and I was crying thinking I am going to die, and he said yes the enzymes were high but not like the doctor had explained it to me. I went for blood work. One test was for cancer and the other to see if they went down before they did a biopsy. they were like 197 and went down to 109, but I will always have this hepatitis forever.

I just saw my doc at the end of september and he gave me 5 lasix 20 mg and potassium pills. they didn't release anything. i am going through the same crap. About me complaining too much to my husband and family: they don't know what I'm feeling or experiencing. It's not easy or fun. I do itch a lot on my calves, and I do also have a problem going normally to the bathroom. I go like one time every two weeks, so I have to take a laxative to feel better. Oh, and I do have a funny taste in my mouth all the time.

And I saved the best for last. I got diagnosed with COPD last year, so I was trying to explain myself. I have almost all the results people on here were talking about. I am also scared because heart problems run in my family. I really hate saying this but I just wish I wouldn't wake up in the morning. That's how miserable I am and I'm not getting the answers I want to about what's going on here. And it's a shame that, every time I call my doctor, I'll be damned if they don't say go to the ER. I said is that all you doctors know how to say? Anyway, I will be going to the ER in the early afternoon, because I am scared now and this has been the most and longest time I have held this much water.

It's already bad enough that I have other health problems and everything I read I am experiencing. Any feedback and my prayers go out to the woman and men suffering and in pain!

anon109105

I have had the same issue of swollen feet, ankles and now wrists too. It's been about four months. I went to doctor, did all blood work, etc. Everything comes back fine.

I do need to lose a little weight, but I am working out five days a week and no weight seems to be coming off, because I believe I am retaining water everywhere. I started tanning around the same time this happened.

I went to web MD and asked if tanning can cause this. I bumped into Lupus. One of the symptoms of Lupus is flaring up from ultraviolet rays. I actually have quite a few of the symptoms. I have no idea why the doctors never looked into this.

After the holiday weekend that will be my first call -- to the doctor. So my advice is to take a look at the symptoms. I guess we never know. Good luck to all of us. I cannot stand the way my ankles, feet and lower legs look anymore.

anon107163

I have had best luck when my thyroid TSH tests at around .5 and not higher despite what the doctor says.

I have also found that taking in more potassium through celery and such (look up food sources) to release the sodium works wonders, and also if desperate, one capful of milk of magnesia will get rid of lots of water and swelling. That is because most of us don't get enough magnesium. I will always try some of these simple things and see if they help.

anon103487

I have had swollen hands and feet since I was 24 and I have small kids. I can't sleep -- my feet just feel like two balloons ready to explode! My hands: walking or doing stuff at home, even just typing right now hurts me. I can't wear my wedding ring because it won't go on. my husband understands.

I walk, try to dance, try to play with my kids.What can be done to make me feel better?

anon94232

I have had severe swelling in my legs, feet, and ankles for around 5 months now. I have been hospitalized three times for it and released in worse condition. My hands started swelling around two months ago and I can no longer straighten my fingers. It is extremely painful. I always have a tingling feeling in my hands and it prevents me from sleeping.

I can no longer function as a normal person. My hands always hurt and I lose feeling in them many times a day. I have now noticed swelling all over my body, especially my abdomen, it looks like I am about eight months pregnant. Anyone have any idea what could cause this to get so bad in such a short amount of time?

anon88810

my feet get swollen whenever i came back from work. i am a driver.

anon86816

my feet swell when it is hot outside, not in the winter months.

anon84653

My hands and feet have begun to swell. I haven't been able to remove my wedding ring now for around three years. My feet are now so wide I have trouble finding shoes. Some days my hands and feet are so swollen they feel hot and tingly all over.

I'm 41.

anon82192

For the past five to six months i have been swelling in my face, abdomen, and in my legs and hands. I feel miserable all the time. When i was pregnant i was having troubles with my kidneys with losing protein in my urine and i swelled uncontrollably. I have been to the doctor several times and nothing seems to be showing up! Could this be a recurring problem from my pregnancy? KR

anon67285

anon30674: I've suffered from swollen extremities all my life. Truly as your gp says, losing weight helps. At first when i do physical activity i get swollen and it's not comfortable at all. But in time it all gets better. If not entirely, at least it helps.

If there are no meds there aren't any better ideas than to improve your diet (decrease your salt intake, avoid processed foods entirely), exercise etc.

If you don't like going to the gym try something else, like dancing, thai-box etc. Any kind of movement is good for you rather than nothing. good luck!

-Sabine O.

anon66799

Over the past year or so my fiance has been having problems with his feet and hands swelling. His feet and ankles will usually sweel after a days work, but putting them up doesn't really help. They will stay swollen for days. His hands swell from time to time, but a couple days ago he jammed his thumb. Nothing is broken, but the next day his entire hand was swollen and his wrist and part way up his arm was swollen. From an outsiders point of view it looks like an allergic reaction, or bee sting but it's not. This is really starting to worry me. Does anyone know what it could possibly be?

anon49983

I have started a walking program to try and get some weight off. However, it doesn't take long before my feet and hands are so swollen that walking becomes very uncomfortable. Why is that?

anon45768

i have had swelling for the last five or six years in my legs whenever they hang for any length of time. For the past three years I've had swelling in my hands, feet and face. It comes only whenever i've slept for long hours or more than one hour. i was diagnosed with thyroid of 6.2 last year. I have been taking eletroxin for one year. my thyroid is OK from 10 or 11 months near 3.75. My blood pressure has been low several times. the doctors say it's because of my thyroid. i have no sugar, kidney or liver problems. I've been fully tested with ultrasound. my problem of swelling is still the same after two years.

mibbbe0312

anon 30674 have you ever been told about milroys disease or restless leg syndome I have been asked if i have either one and I am not over weight and may weigh 113.. So they can't say that is my problem .. I hope you get your answer. I know a lot of us out there hope for that

anon36495

I do have a question I have had swelling in the feet and hands from birth and I have been to a lot of doctors even to UVA and no one can tell me a reason of what and why it is going on? The most I have been told is I could have milroys des. I have tried lying down and propping my feet up but they stay swelled all night and day I am not on my feet a lot so I can't understand. I have been to a doctor but as always same outcome -- they have never seen this before. could you give me a idea of what it could be and maybe I can research into that a little? I would really like to know what I have before I die.thanks a bunch AC

anon30674

I have severely swollen ankles I am tired and feel sick upon eating. my mum has problems with swollen ankles as did my gran before her. i have seen lot's of people who are overweight suffer from this. yet another thing that doctors can just fob off as my fault my problem and simply not help with. i am in pain but do not want to go to see my gp as she will just say you are fat go away or words to that effect. anyone got any better ideas?

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    • Swelling in the extremities is often caused by idiopathic edema or excess salt consumption.
      By: Dusan Kostic
      Swelling in the extremities is often caused by idiopathic edema or excess salt consumption.
    • Swollen hands may be a sign of heart disease.
      By: nebari
      Swollen hands may be a sign of heart disease.
    • Swollen hands and feet can sometimes be a symptom of heart disease.
      By: forestpath
      Swollen hands and feet can sometimes be a symptom of heart disease.
    • Prolonged periods of physical inactivity may cause swollen hands and feet.
      By: Pixinoo
      Prolonged periods of physical inactivity may cause swollen hands and feet.
    • Reducing salt consumption, for example, eliminating salty snacks can aleviate swelling.
      By: etiennevoss
      Reducing salt consumption, for example, eliminating salty snacks can aleviate swelling.
    • Swollen hands and feet are commonly caused by idiopathic edema, which is usually not serious.
      By: Kalim
      Swollen hands and feet are commonly caused by idiopathic edema, which is usually not serious.