Swelling in the lower legs

Hello all, I have been really struggling with swelling in my lower legs. I suspect it is happening for a couple reasons. 1) I am having a tough time getting in my water ever since I went back to work and 2) because of my arthritis I'm still struggling with walking a lot. Any advice? When I get home from work (office job) from my legs down are tight as a drum and red hot to the touch. They itch really bad. Is there a good lotion that may help with that? Other than this, I'm feeling pretty good, but it's frustrating because I want to walk more, I feel like I could if it didn't feel like I was dragging my legs so much. Thanks, Kelle

Hi Kelle -- I used to have this problem before surgery. I was a 70something BMI pre-surgery. Some tips that helped me: - even if you can't go far, get up and walk once or twice an hour. - lay on your bed with your legs elevated. - rotate your ankles as often as possible while sitting still. - avoid salt like the plague - if there's ANYWHERE you can go swimming- GO! Swimming really helped with my circulation. - also, a last note - my computer chair used to be tight around my legs- sitting for long periods at my computer would make my legs and ankles swell. So if you're online a lot -- check where you're sitting. And don't be afraid to call a doctor if this doesn't let up. It can be a serious issue.

I've had my doc even suggest swimming but I still have a serious problem thinking of going in public in any kind of bathing suit in a YMCA with a bunch of rich and thin women. We've talked about putting in a pool but our back yard is tiny and it's unrealistic. But I am going to talk to the doctor. Thanks so much for the advice. Kelle

Kelle, I had the same "being seen in a bathing suit in public" problem when I joined my local Y's swim class ... but try for a certified "arthritis" aqua class ... then most of the ladies involved will be older and not wealthy or snobbish, and certainly not pretty in a bathing suit. That was the best exercise I've gotten over the months and I enjoyed it immensely. My problem now is that our Y doesn't have a pool of its own ... it "borrowed" a local motel pool, and that has now been torn down. We have no pool to use and I reallllllllllly miss that class! I wish you luck on this ... and don't worry about what people think ... just go for you!!! ((hugs))) Myra G

It's very typical when someone gets over 50 BMI that they develop a condition called Lymphedema. It sounds a lot like you are having the signs of the condition when you say you legs are tight and they are red and hot. Red and hot are not good signs, that can mean a sign of an infection coming on. If you feel like you legs have a ball and chain around them that is another sign. You are welcome to check out my site www.amylhwilliams.com for information, go to the drop down to my lymphedema story. I had a severe case, but they have milder cases and I would seriously have someone look at it. Just a warning many doctors don't know about this condition and it often goes unnoticed and undiagnosed for years. Any questions please ask and I hope you get relief. I finally did when I got the proper therapy for my legs. Amy

Thank you so much Amy! After reading the information about lymphedema on your site I instantly felt relief. Obviously not from the symptons but from trying to explain to my family that this was different than just regular edema. I can't tell you how familiar every I read sounds. I have an appointment very soon with my family doc and I am taking prints of some of the info from your site so we can discuss. Oh thank you again. Kelle'

Do see your doctor...I ignored mine for months until I ended up with an infection. My BMI is 70+ so excerise was difficult until I discovered a program on most Public Broadcasting Stations called "Sit and Be Fit". It really helped with my circulation. Best of everything to you...