View Full Version : Swollen ankles and feet, oh my
On occasion I experience swollen feet and ankles after the hike. This doesn't happen every time I hike and never has during the hike, but when it does it starts on the second day after I get off the trail. Milage doesn't seem to be the problem as it happens after a 30 mile 10 mpd hike and NOT a 90 mile 10 mpd hike. Weather doesn't seem to be the problem either, it happens in cooler temps too. My foot wear is the same each hike, my diet is the same each hike, vitamins and supplements are the same, I drink between 4-6 liters of water each day. My pack weight is under 20lbs, I'm not over weight and I'm very active year around. I understand the variations of terrain can take it's toll on feet, legs, joints etc, even after hiking easy non rocky terrain I will occasionally experience swelling the second day after returning home.
I did experiment with boots and trail runners, it made no difference with the swelling.
So ladies, why do you think my feet/ankles are swelling AFTER returning home and two days of being off the trail?
CherrypieScout
09-08-2008, 20:04
Interesting. My ankles swell as I hike so I sleep with my lower legs elevated on my pack.
1) drastic change in the amount of fluid intake?
2) legs and feet got use to a high level of activity to pump the fluids back up the legs?
Be interesting to see what the medical people write.
Interesting. My ankles swell as I hike so I sleep with my lower legs elevated on my pack.
1) drastic change in the amount of fluid intake?
2) legs and feet got use to a high level of activity to pump the fluids back up the legs?
Be interesting to see what the medical people write.
Both are good points, however I drink 4-6L of H2O per day while hiking.
I forgot to mention I use my pack to elevate. But as I said this doesn't occur until the second day after I return home from hiking.
Blissful
09-08-2008, 20:16
Just curious as to your age and if you have been to the Dr.
Might be good to have a physical and have it evaluated, esp if this is a problem. Could be heart or diabetes related.
Just curious as to your age and if you have been to the Dr.
Might be good to have a physical and have it evaluated, esp if this is a problem. Could be heart or diabetes related.
I had a complete physical with blood work the last week of Aug, heart and diabetes are not a problem.
Wise Old Owl
09-08-2008, 20:41
Sorry I thought this was "common" for those of us were over 40 and I am very interested for your thoughts. (No health issues, just happens)
information (http://www.walkingandhiking.co.uk/how-take-care-your-feeting-when-hiking.html)
Dicentra
09-08-2008, 22:03
Could it have something to do with the amount of water you drink after you get home? And/or the amount of sodium in your (off trail) diet?
Could it have something to do with the amount of water you drink after you get home? And/or the amount of sodium in your (off trail) diet?
that could be, I have a low sodium diet at home as well as on the trail, but I do want salty things while hiking and sometime carry a couple of salty snacks, nuts or chips. Water consumption at home is about 2L per day, plus other beverages, no alcohol, this is less than on the trail which is usually 4-6L per day.
So could it be the additional sodium on the trail and not enough water at home?
CaptainScarlet
09-08-2008, 23:16
Heart Failure
Right-sided failure
Backward failure of the right ventricle leads to congestion of systemic capillaries. This helps to generate excess fluid accumulation in the body. This causes swelling under the skin (termed peripheral edema (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peripheral_edema) or anasarca (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anasarca)) and usually affects the dependent parts of the body first (causing foot and ankle swelling in people who are standing up, and sacral edema in people who are predominantly lying down). Nocturia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nocturia) (frequent nighttime urination) may occur when fluid from the legs is returned to the bloodstream while lying down at night. In progressively severe cases, ascites (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascites) (fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity causing swelling) and hepatomegaly (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hepatomegaly) (painful enlargement of the liver (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liver)) may develop. Significant liver congestion may result in impaired liver function, and jaundice and even coagulopathy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coagulopathy) (problems of decreased blood clotting) may occur.
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You really need to see a doctor.
Pokey2006
09-09-2008, 01:50
No need to panic. This kind of foot swelling is perfectly normal. Happened to me and a couple other hikers I've known. The morning after hiking, a tiny bit of swelling. If you put on your boots and start hiking again, there's no problem. But if you take a day off, well, the swelling grows. If you take a second day off, it becomes noticeable. A third day off, and your feet look like they belong to the stay-puff marshmallow man. But as soon as you start hiking again, the swelling goes down.
I'm in my mid-30s and perfectly healthy, and this happens to me. Another hiker that this happens to, at least that I can think of off the top of my head, is also mid-30s and perfectly healthy.
Why it happens, I don't know. I'd actually like to know, too. My best guess is that it's just part of the healing process.
I doubt it's anything to worry about (though please note that I am NOT a doctor). Now, if you had random foot swelling with no explanation, that'd be different. I'd be concerned about that. But foot swelling after hiking? Totally normal.
that could be, I have a low sodium diet at home as well as on the trail, but I do want salty things while hiking and sometime carry a couple of salty snacks, nuts or chips. Water consumption at home is about 2L per day, plus other beverages, no alcohol, this is less than on the trail which is usually 4-6L per day.
So could it be the additional sodium on the trail and not enough water at home?
Someone told me to lay off the fritos and dr pepper while hiking and after. ;)
PS...nice avatar!
Someone told me to lay off the fritos and dr pepper while hiking and after. ;)
PS...nice avatar!
Studies show Dr Pepper and Fritos prevent skinned knees. You should try both sometime. By the way, how's your knee? ;)
hobo dank
09-09-2008, 14:23
After you hike, a long drive sitting in the same position can cause your ankles to swell.
Blissful
09-09-2008, 14:44
After you hike, a long drive sitting in the same position can cause your ankles to swell.
It sure made my knees ache something dreadful...
Esp that 12 hr drive back from Katahdin to NY the day we finished. Wow, that was awful.