Swollen ankles make travel painful

Dear Dr. Gott: My problem is swollen ankles, and, if I take a plane trip, the swelling goes almost up to my knee. My foot, ankle and knee remain very painful for a week to 10 days.

All my doctors can give for helpful advice is to wear support stockings, which are made for this problem and are no help at all.

Dear Reader: Before recommending specific therapy for your edema (abnormal fluid retention), I’d have to know the cause.

Dependent edema (in the lower extremities) can be related to heart disorders, kidney disease, venous blood clots and other factors. If your doctor has simply recommended elastic stockings and has not tested you, an internal-medicine specialist should become involved.

At the very least, you need an ultrasound scan of your leg and pelvic veins, simple blood tests to check your kidneys and a heart test to check the efficiency of your heartbeats.

In the meantime, I recommend that you quit smoking if you do, reduce your alcohol and salt intakes, and do not sit or stand in a stationary position for more than an hour at a time.

Stretching and walking can help the blood start flowing properly again.

If your testing comes back normal and the above measures do not help, your doctor may choose to put you on a diuretic (water pill).

While there is no cure for edema, it can be treated.

Dear Dr. Gott: Regarding your no flour, no sugar diet, you must be asking yourself, “What is it about the word ‘no’ that people do not understand”? Nevertheless, I would like to know what you think about two different products, the first being Ezekiel bread, which is found in the health section of the grocery store.

According to its label, Ezekiel bread is made from sprouted grain and contains no flour.

The second product I’d like your input on is spelt. The label on the product refers to it as whole-grain spelt flour, and so, based on the label, I assume it is not acceptable for anyone choosing to follow your diet.

Dear Dr. Gott: Sprouted grain is a good substitute for flour in bread. I often recommend its use in place of regular bread.

I find it has a better taste and texture compared to most flour breads.

Spelt is flour, a no-no, so you are correct in assuming it is not allowed.

For more information regarding my diet, including recipes, food lists, etc., I recommend you purchase my book “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Diet.” It is available in most bookstores or online at www.amazon.com. My newest book “Dr. Gott’s No Flour, No Sugar Cook Book” will be out in January but is available for preorder on www.amazon.com.