Swollen legs - Appalachian Trail

imported
#1 
									Has anyone suffered from their lower legs swelling after several days of hiking?

									_docbob_
#2 
									You don't state your age or where you were hiking.  Is the "doc" actually an MD?

Many hikers get swollen fingers if they hike without poles due to the gravitational force when swinging your arms. More likely on the East coast due to humidity. Legs could be the same thing. However, there are other reasons for swelling such as cardiac or kidney issues. Does the swelling go down overnight? Do you have an accompanying cough?

									_Marti /Swannee_
#3 
									Swollen ankles. At altitude. Annoying and not glamorous but not painful. Also get very swollen feet and ankles on long flights. I'd like to understand the mechanism, too! I also get swollen ankles after a long day at work (I work on my feet all day.) So far, nothing bad has happened as a result. Best wishes.

									_Donna_
#4 
									Perhaps you should be checked out by a doctor.  It could be caused by something more serious such as a blood clot or narrowing of veins, for instance.  Hope it's nothing, but best to check, IMHO.  :oh 

									_Lady Di_
#5 
									On my first two long distance hikes I had swelling in my feet and lower legs.  In both of these cases I started the trails over weight, and not in very good shape.  I've started my other hikes significantly lighter and in better shape.  With the weight loss, the swelling had gone away.

									_Ellie_
#6 
									Regarding swollen ankles on long flights, it is simply the reduced cabin pressure (air pressure) that is necessary at high altitudes.

Air cabin pressure is a balance air craft manufacturers have to maintain between having a lower air pressure for fuselage integrity while trying to maintain a higher air pressure for human comfort and ability to breath.

It is the same concept at higher elevation, which is reduced air pressure.
Just think of a plastic bottle that travels from high elevation to lower elevation and is crushed. Reverse that for going lower -> higher elevation.

									_Mr KnowItAll_
#7 
									Vein studies, Cardiac and renal workups all okay.  Doctor suggests that it is dehydration and electrolyte related.  Planning a section through the Shenandoah's late April/ early May.  If all goes well, planning to do Bear Mtn to Katahdin beginning in mid to late June.  Thanks for your thoughts.

									_docbob_
#8 
									What is the best way to prevent/illiminate knee pain. I guess its from the down hill. 

									_barry wiles_
#9 
									Walmart sells several types of inexpensive knee braces. I bought one and it proved very effective. Basically Velcro and elastic to keep your knee straight.   apple

									_apple_
#10 
									Best way to prevent knee pain is to strengthen the muscles that support the knee:  leg lifts, lunges, squats, etc.

If you have knee pain, hiking poles will take some of the pressure off the joint. Learn which foot to lead with when going up or down (good leg for uphill, bad leg for downhill.) Knee braces can help sometimes. Lighten your pack and yourself as much as possible.

									_Ginny_