Feet/Ankles Swelling
 

As a driver, it is a given that you will be sitting in the same position for hours at a time. I drive team with my husband, and we both have problems with swollen feet and ankles. When it happens to me, it will usually go back to normal after I have taken my 10 hour rest break. With my hubby, no so much. Sometimes his are swollen so bad he says they hurt and feel like the skin is going to split open. He has tried elevating his feet/legs when he goes to bed, whick helps a little bit. We will be taking home time in a couple of weeks and he plans on seeing the doctor about it. In the meantime, I was thinking about getting him some water pills. I was just wondering if anybody else has this problem and if so, have you found anything that helps? Thanks in advance!

Make extra stops through the day to get out of the truck and walk around a bit. That will help the circulation open up in your hip/groin area. I usually go 2 to 2.5 hours between stops.

Compression hose, you can buy at a Pharmacy. They go up to your knee, and add support.
Your legs will feel better, but the problem still remains.
Probably need a diuretic, but trade off is you will have to urinate often.

Speaking from experience, it may be the beginning of kidney disease. Atleast it was for me :(

This happens to people that take long flights too. When you sit it's hard for the blood to pump back to your heart. He needs to move around more and even flex his feet and calves while he drives. Definitely need to see a Dr. to check for kidneys, heart and other circulation issues.

Am definitely going to make him a dr appt for when we are home, as I also am concerned it may be something more serious! As far as him getting out of the truck, we have 2 pugs who have to be walked...we usually stop every 2-3 hours to walk them. In the meantime, I wonder if the truck stops carry water pills? The frequent urinating isn't a problem for him...as long as there's not a lot of traffic around, he is able to go in a bottle, without having to stop! Wish it were that eady for us girls!!!! :roll3:

Cut back on salt helps too, and you'd be surprised, if you start looking at how much salt is in everything we eat.
The support stockings will make a difference, and stop the pain of swelling, and give him relief until you see the Doc.

Increased age and weight will add to this condition. Moving and walking helps, but like everything else, it won't stop the problem.

In between the 'dog walks' try putting on the cruise and then lift one foot after another, kinda like running in place. I do that just to strech out alittle and it helps. Do it for a mile or two and it really helps getting the blood circulating.

I do that dance thing, (trotting in place) when I need to find a rest stop. :)

You might see if you can find some diabetic socks. They fit more loosely than regular socks. Some socks fit tight, which impedes circulation in the feet. Most people who drive long distance will have swelling in their feet. It can also help to move your feet around while driving. The swelling is caused from blood collecting in the lower extremities. He also needs to make sure to drink a lot of water and fewer soft drinks. Water helps to flush the system and to keep things moving.