Why do my ankles swell in hot weather?
Dr Mark Porter on the causes of swollen ankles in hot weather and when to seek medical attention.
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Dr Mark Porter on the causes of swollen ankles in hot weather and when to seek medical attention.
I have always had good legs but over the summer my ankles had puffed up by the evening. Not only does it look unsightly, but it means I sometimes have to wear trainers as they are the only shoes I can fit into.
Could it be related to high blood pressure, which I developed about a year ago?
This sounds like classic peripheral oedema – an accumulation of fluid in the extremities – and there is a long list of possible causes, ranging from poor circulation returning blood to your heart (eg varicose veins) to liver, kidney, heart and lymph system issues.
Whatever the underlying cause, it tends to be worse in warmer weather and, thanks to gravity, tends to affect the lower parts of your body (ankles, feet and calves). Most people find it is better in the morning after they have had their feet up in bed all night, only for it to return and get progressively worse during the day.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. However, your mention of high blood pressure makes me think yours may be linked to medication. In particular, a group of drugs called calcium channel blockers whose names end in -pine, such as amlodipine.
While well tolerated by most, they are renowned for causing this in a significant minority. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory family of drugs – such as ibuprofen and naproxen – used to treat arthritis and aches and pains is another common culprit.
Book a routine appointment to see your GP, who will be able to help identify any underlying cause and switch you to an alternative blood pressure treatment if you are taking amlodipine.
One word of caution: if you are also feeling increasingly breathless, the swelling could be heart-related and you should book that GP appointment sooner rather than later.
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