Water retention of swelling in lower legs

Hi,

I have lower leg swelling, mainly in the hot weather.
This is how it works for me.

I am overweight, but my ankles and lower calves swell up in the heat, if I sit too much.

I was prescribed Spironolactone for something else (PCOS), and it had an almost magical effect on my ankles - they hadn't been that slim in years! They looked 18 again! Showing that as well as the hot weather swelling, they are also permanently a bit swollen. Spironolactone is a diuretic that 'makes the kidneys work a little harder' according to my consultant. So presumably not ideal for someone with kidney problems.

Don't take the spiro any more now because it failed to tackle the PCOS symptom, and I don't like taking any drug for too long - especially since the swelling has improved a lot.

The swelling has hardly troubled me at all this last year - ever since I clamped down and went very low carb (less than 50g carbs a day). It really has made a brilliant difference. I've lost a bit of weight, but not enough to account for the improvement. I'm guessing it was cutting out the wheat and other grains, but I can't be sure.

Other things that helped:
Not sitting down for too long. Even just getting up and walking to the office loo and back, or to the printer, every hour or so makes a big difference.
Drinking more water.
Avoiding monosodium glutamate in food.
Avoiding artificial sweeteners and fizzy pop
Sitting with ankles raised in the evening
Wearing lace up boots around the ankle prevented/massaged the ankles while walking
Walking to and from work

Hope that helps!

Hi. Are you overweight? If so, this is always one source of potential water retention. I've never heard of any water problems with insulin or most diabetes drugs except the Glitazones which are known to cause water retention. Whilst there are always exceptions, I suspect the water problem is tied-in with your other conditions; but just guessing. You say your BS control is poor? What insulins are you on and what are the control problems? Ref T1.5, probably most diabetics who are overweight are T2 due to insulin resistance, those who are perhaps younger with a normal BMI are more likely to be Late onset T1 (LADA). I'm generalising of course. I refer to myself as T1.5'ish as I've never been overweight and needed high medication early together with a low-carb diet. I'm officially T2 but I know that's wrong as my GP just guessed with no tests. What has your endo said to you?

I had this a few weeks ago, was brought in for two sets of X-Rays/Ultrasounds and scans. Found no clots in my leg or body. Anyways I cured it myself in about three days. 20ml of Liquid Magnesium. Salus Liquid Magnesium.

http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/floradix-magnesium-60071190