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The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM

Ankle swelling

by Jennifer
(The Woodlands, TX)

I have been having my ankles swelling for about 2 to 3 weeks now. I have been trying to keep my sodium levels down. I had noticed that my ankles would swell even after eating a low sodium meal. At that time I determined it might be the chicken since the swelling got worst after eating chicken for the second time in a day. So, I did an experiment. One day I did not eat any chicken for protein or any animal protein for that matter. The swelling went completely down. The next day I had a whey protein shake and I swelled but just a little. The following day I ate tuna without worsening but the day after that I ate shrimp with scallops in a very light low sodium sauce and brown rice. Right after I ate it I started feeling my feet tingle. It even went up my left leg a bit up to my thigh. My ankles got swollen shortly after that. Could this be something having to do with my body not being able to break down animal protein? Or could it be diabetes? Or Peripheral Neuropathy caused by diabetes? Please help. I should say that I had been vegetarian for about 6 years before I got pregnant with my son. I had cravings for chicken when I was expecting though I didn't give in many times. I ended up having him

prematurely due to pre eclampsia at 28 weeks. I ended up anemic after giving birth as well. Since then my health has suffered and I haven't been able to completely get myself back to 100%. It has been 1 1/2 years since his birth. Oh, and I should also say that my legs feel very heavy after I work on my feet for more than 6 hours and my ankles swell at that time also, though I have not Not eaten chicken and worked lately either. Thank you for your help.

RESPONSE

Hi Jennifer,

To me, the most remarkable part of your narrative is that this problem with your feet, ankles and legs all started after giving birth. For that reason, that would be the first place I would investigate.
I am not a gynecologist but you may have hormonal issues that are still in play 18 months after childbirth. The fact that you had pre-eclampsia further enhances the relationship between your pregnancy and your ability to retain fluid and your ability to handle protein metabolism.
So as expected you should probably be having this problem addressed by your gynecologist.
As far as your symptoms being related to diabetes, or peripheral neuropathy, on the surface I would say not but again I am speaking to you on the other end of the internet, so once again discuss that possibility with your doctor.

Marc Mitnick DPM
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Nov 29, 2018
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Lower extremity edema/swelling
by: Michelle

I just want to comment that I have had an almost exact problem. I am a type I diabetic. I have been drinking whey protein shakes for breakfast for a month. I began to have pitting edema in my lower extremities. I went to my endocrinologist and she tested my thyoriod, electrolytes, kidneys, liver and all my labs were perfect. I went to the cardiologist and she ordered a BNP to measure for heart failure. The lab was negative. In the mean time I started wearing thigh high compression stockings medical grade and stopped drinking the whey protein. I also have exercised every day with the compression hose on. The edema is almost gone. I also had preeclampsia and gave birth a month early. I think maybe I have venous insufficiency from the preeclampsia and standing all the time and the whey protein powder was causing water retention. Water follows protein. I would see your doctor to rule out other stuff but stop drinking the whey protein

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Wonderful advice

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Florida

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a mom

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Ankle swelling

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