Ankle Swelling

[GreenFox]

Hello All,

I’ve had primary Lymphoedema in my legs for around 15 years which is generally well managed with compression garments.

However my left ankle is a struggle to manage (even with compression) and is now very swollen.

What is the best way to tackle ankle swelling?

Does a pump or MLD work well?

Thanks in advance.

[Andy13]

I too have had swollen ankles for many years. The swelling on my left ankle is barely noticeable while my right foot, ankle and leg below the knee are over 700cc larger, not helped by several episodes of cellulitis. I am afraid I don't know of any magic bullets.

I tried a pump over 20 years ago and multiple layer bandaging last year and can't say they made any difference.

My recommendations are

1) Keep wearing the compression. Make sure you put it before you get out of bed and keep it on till you're horizontal again, gravity won't take a break so you can't.

2) Try and keep your weight down, I'm currently failing on this one.

3) Take plenty of exercise, swimming (that's zero G so you can take your compression off), cycling, walking.

4) My right foot and ankle do go down slightly overnight so I try and give them a massage before I get out of bed just to keep the fluid moving. This is definitely easier first thing in morning than later in the day.

I am thinking of trying one of the newer graduated pumps.

The other challenge is actually getting regular, accurate, measurements of how swollen a limb is so that you can tell whether any treatment is effective or not. I have a background in science, process and management and hold to the view that "you can't manage what you don't measure". I think that's a bit of a challenge for all of us when we are left to manage the condition ourselves most of the time.

[Anne16 in reply to Andy13]

Hi,

I have bilateral primary lymphoedema in both legs, since birth, now coming up to 79. My left leg has always been the worse of the two, but both ankles have always been problematic in that they both hang over (if that is the right phrasing) of whatever shoes I am wearing. I have tried everything - multi-layer bandaging, compression pump and several lots of MLD. Sadly, the effects of all are very, very temporary. However, I do wear made to measure compression hosiery, but there are days when I cannot wear them because my legs are so sore and the pain is more than I can comfortably tolerate.

I am having another round of bandaging in October, but as I am unable to drive because of the bandages, it restricts me even further.

HOWEVER, I am still here, battling on. I have an allotment, am full time carer to my 81 year husband, and despite some very down days (today being one of them) feel I am lucky to be alive. As one doctor told me, many moons ago, the lymphoedema does not affect my mouth!!

Take care and kindest regards,

Anne

[PenelopeW in reply to Anne16]

Anne 16. Are you getting enough rest? Luckily I am retired and I find I have to space out the day. If I work/walk/drive for say 1/2 hour then I sit with legs raised for 1/2 hour. That way my legs don't get too painful.