Cankles, Party of 1

kickball7091 · September 2017

Sorry for the obnoxious post title, but I'm wondering if anyone else has tips for decreasing swelling, such as low sodium recipes or recommendations for compression stockings. My foot, ankle, and hand swelling gets outrageous after I eat salty foods (don't worry, I was just screened for preeclempsia this week and I'm good). I've literally gone up 1 and a half shoe sizes, and my fingers joints are super sore from the swelling. In additional to avoiding super salty foods, anyone have any good tips?

katiegeminimoon · September 2017

This would probably be a good question for the symptoms thread

kyrwyn · September 2017

I've been doing a lot more walking to try and control my blood sugars (15-30 min after each meal) and it has eliminated the swelling I used to have in my legs and feet a few weeks ago. It also encourages me to drink more water, which helps my hands from swelling up. I don't know if it would help you, or be compatible with your OB orders, but keeping moving is helping me on so many fronts.

kickball7091 · September 2017

@ktcakes87 I think that leads me to a general board organization question. Yes, I am mentioning a symptom (which I completely agree might be better suited for the Symptom Thread) but I'm also hoping to start a dialogue about the topic where people can share tips? I guess I just feel like when the Symptoms thread is many pages long and discusses a bunch of different topics, it's hard to get a conversation going about any one thing.
But on the other hand, I definitely see the advantages of keeping people's random issues limited to one thread; I wouldn't want the Dec 17 board to be totally bogged down with people's individual issues having separate posts. If there were, like, 7 different posts that were titled "Anyone else's toes hurt today?", that'd be super annoying.

elev2017 · September 2017

@kickball7091 I think that your actual post about swelling was more relevant overall to people than the title just about cankles may have been. While I'm sure you just meant it to be funny (cankles is a great word), I think it might be easier to get a one off thread going when the title/subject matter is applicable to more people.

anewadventure · September 2017

I don't think it needs to only go in the symptoms thread, perhaps it's more that if you ask it in both places you will catch more people.

Also agree that your title is funny but you could edit it to add that your question is about reducing swelling. Neither of these suggestions are because of board organization - just trying to get you more responses.

AFM, walking walking walking helps. Elevating your legs whenever possible. I know they always say to elevate above the level of your heart, but how practical is that unless you're lying completely prone? Even having your feet up on a chair when you're working at your desk (if you have a desk job) can help. I have pillows on my couch and bed that go under my feet and legs. It's like a pillow fortress but it's worth it. My favorite ones, actually, are the 2-pack of pillows from Costco that are filled with pieces and bits of memory foam. They are like 10.00 for two because they are using the cast-off pieces of foam from larger products instead of one solid piece. They provide more support and last longer than regular pillows, I can't recommend them enough. Probably in store only because it's Costco.

I wear compression sleeves due to a blood clotting disorder but they seriously help with circulation and swelling. The full socks are even better but I started wearing sleeves due to convenience and the ability to wear what socks / stockings I need for my footwear. If you want a specific product, look for medical-grade compression (20-30mm Hg) in a full sock or sleeve, Amazon has a ton of options, especially in the 20 dollar range which is actually pretty darn cheap for this type of product. Generally you measure your ankle and calf circumference to pick a size. Hang dry them or you'll regret the shrinkage (they dry super fast so it's no big deal). Specifically I own a lot of Mojo brand but there are quite a lot out there.

I'm sure the salt thing is something you have observed. For me personally, cutting out all salt is actually not helpful but this seems to vary. Definitely stay as hydrated as possible which will also help avoid BH contractions. It seems backwards to drink more liquid when you feel so swollen, I know!

Good luck, edema sucks!