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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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Comments for Ankle swelling

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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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ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

Mayo Clinic

Johns Hopkins Medicine

MedlinePlus

Arthritis Foundation

University of Rochester Medical Center

Harvard Health

Drugs.com

American Academy of Pediatrics

Penn State Medical Center

National Institutes of Health

Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation

ScienceDirect

Stanford Health Care

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

Mount Sinai Hospital

Institute for Chronic Pain

University of Florida Health

American Family Physician

Cedars-Sinai

University of Maryland Medical Center

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(location unknown)

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(location unknown)

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Mansfield Ctr, CT

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Unknown

Unknown location

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Unknown location

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New Zealand

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Poland

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South Carolina

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unknown location

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location unknown

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location unknown

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Bre

location unknown

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so much for your reply. I did let my physician know and they took an x-ray - all is well! Also, thank you for providing this wonderful site, it is very helpful with lots of useful information! I appreciate your gift of time! God bless.

anonymous

Dr. Mitnick, Thank you, you were 100% correct. The pain finally brought me to the ER. I spent 8 days in the hospital. The Doppler you spoke of was able to show that there was no pulse in that foot. This was an arterial clot that split and traveled throughout my leg. My leg was almost amputated. I am in rough shape but have all my parts intact!! You certainly know what you are talking about. Thank you for taking the time to answer. Yours Truly!

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Poland

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Seattle, WA

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location unknown

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New Jersey

Thanks so much for answering my question. You've been more help to me than my own Dr. has been lately. Thanks again....I hope to be able to walk without pain someday.

Debbie

location unknown

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Thanks so much for this website Dr. Marc! It is so nice that you have this ask the doctor feature..I'm sure I'ts been helpful for alot of people. I will try what you suggested and see if it helps...thanks again!

Tracy

Evansville, IA

Dear Marc

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San Diego, CA

Dr. Mitnick, Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better. So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!

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Albany, NY

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location unknown

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Whichita, KS

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Boston, MA

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Colorado

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annielou

Colorado

Wonderful advice

by: Anonymous

This is the best site for foot problem info.

Thank you for this information. This description fits my pain and inflammation behind my 2nd toe perfectly.

by: Max

location unknown

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Canada

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location unknown

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Wisconsin

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location unknown

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North Carolina

Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...

KG

location unknown

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Bessie Mae

Florida

Dear Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,

Lynne T.

location unknown

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New Jersey

Thank you. you were more detailed than what others have told me they finally called from the last xrays and my son is now in a cast for 2 weeks he did have a fracture that was not noticeable.

a mom

location unknown

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Lenoir, NC

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Bellevue, WA

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Jodi

location unknown

Ankle swelling

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