Swollen feet, ankles and legs

[Blackcatlover]

Went up into the mountains of Maine and stayed in a little cabin for four days. Took long walks up the mountain. Days were quite hot and I’m sure I didn’t drink enough water. Didn’t do my own cooking a lodge delivered all my meals. I’m careful not to use salt when I cook so I tasted the extra salt in my meals. After two days my feet, ankles and legs started to swell. Could the elevation and Prednisone have caused the swelling? After returning home, I drank lots of water and returned to my low salt diet. Within two days the swelling disappeared. This has never happened before. I’m on 4.5mg of Prednisone. Needless to say it was very scary. I’ve been home for a week and no more swelling. Any ideas why this might of happened?

[SheffieldJane]

I think your own assessment is probably accurate. Additional salt in your diet, unaccustomed exercise. Heat, dehydration . I would mention it to your doctor though. I would want to know that my heart was functioning efficiently.

What a shame. It sounds like bliss otherwise.

[Blackcatlover in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks so much. Have a feeling hydration was the key. I always blame the Prednisone!😏

[MrsNails]

Hi BC

I think all the answers are in your explanation, the heat, dehydration, the additional salt & the long walks! As Jane suggested discuss with your GP but for once l wouldn’t blame the Pred 😉

Glad the swelling has now subsided but it needs to be in your notes & maybe the GP might want to run some tests.

Best Wishes

MrsN

[Blackcatlover in reply to MrsNails]

Thanks so much. Once I got myself more hydrated, the swelling started to go down. Will make sure GP knows what happened.

[SnazzyD]

Salt would have done that to me even at that low dose.

[Blackcatlover in reply to SnazzyD]

Thanks. That makes me feel better.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Probably the salt in the food that you aren't used to. It happens to me when we are away and eating out more than just odd days. 2 or 3 days in a row of hotel/restaurant food and my ankles are up like footballs! Not altitude - I live at about 2,500ft and it happens to me when I go to Lake Garda which is at 250 ft.

[Blackcatlover in reply to PMRpro]

Thanks so much. I’m sure that’s what is was. Just first time it happened. I do all my cooking and don’t salt anything. You made me feel much better. I’ll stop checking my ankles!😏

[Chaucer]

Less salt more water there’s your answer! Also uphill walking in hot weather can cause swollen feet and ankles, now you’re home no more salt because prepared meals can have a lot of sodium in them!!!

[RoadTrip]

When I was first put on PRED (70mg) feet and ankles became very swollen. Have always been prone to puffy ankles, especially in heat. Checked with doctor, said ok just keep an eye on. It sorted itself out within a week, think mine was initial water retention, as day weeing for England, and symptom subsided.