Feet and Leg Swelling

[Mackcb]

I take Norco 10/325 6/day & 30mg ER morphine 3/day for a degenerative spine disease. Sometimes, when I take more than is prescribed my feet and legs swell really bad. I was out of meds before refill date and had a toothache and took A LOT of Tylenol and didn't swell so it's not the Tylenol. Happened w Percocet awhile back too when I got them for the toothache. I have to go off them completely for 2-3 days before they're back to normal. Happens w one or the other or both. Anyone know why? Or have an explanation as to why they are causing this, besides the fact that I am taking excessive amounts?
Thanks in advance for any responses!
Mack

 

[PotatoMan]

Homeless ----> BDD

 

[《Plasticity》]

You're likely experiencing water retention, a potential side-effect of opioids. Acute swelling isn't a typical reaction though, have you by chance had your kidney function checked out? Water retention and subsequent edema can be a sign of reduced kidney funtion.

Out of curiousity, when pressing on the affected area for a few seconds are you able to leave a dent where you just pressed down? This is called pitting edema and a sure sign of water retention.

Anyways, while it may just be an adverse reaction to the opioids this is definitely something you should discuss with your precribing doctor, it could be a sign of an undiagnosed health problem. If the swelling is becoming a nuisance be sure to keep your feel elevated and/or wear compression stockings.

 

[pally pete]

This used to happen to me often when I'd take massive doses of Oxycodone/Dihydrocodeine/Codeine.

The first time it happened I panicked and went to A&E where they checked me out and blood tested me to see if my organs were working ok and everything was fine. One thing I always noticed when I had this problem afterwards was that if I lay down my legs would return to normal (Non swelling).

 

[Mackcb]

Yes, Plasticity, I get terrible pitting, very deep. You said Opioid use can cause water retention? It's only when I take really high doses that it happens. I literally have no ankles and can only wear flip flops and they cut into my feet. The top of my feet are swollen up over/higher than my toes. A big swollen puffed up bump from the bottoms of my toes. It looks like I have pillow padding under my skin...

 

[deos68]

when my mother takes a bigger than usual dose of tramadol her feet swell up to but after awhile it goes away
you should get checked out to ensure everything is functioning correctly
and if it only happens when you consume high amounts of opiates then more than likely its the cause kick it down some and see if you still get swollen

 

[《Plasticity》]

Yes, Plasticity, I get terrible pitting, very deep. You said Opioid use can cause water retention? It's only when I take really high doses that it happens. I literally have no ankles and can only wear flip flops and they cut into my feet. The top of my feet are swollen up over/higher than my toes. A big swollen puffed up bump from the bottoms of my toes. It looks like I have pillow padding under my skin...

Yes, water retention is a possible side-effect of opioids. However having visible water retention and swelling isn't exactly a typical reaction, though it does happen. It's almost always dose related and although the cause isn't totally understood I've seen a few theories as to why it happens. One theory is that opioids cause the release of anti-diuretic hormone (vasopressin) which results in antidiuresis and retention of fluids. Another theory is that the amount of histamine release from high doses can result in venodilation and peripheral edema.

Opioids also enhance renal tubular sodium reabsorption which can block the aquaporins and cause edema. Anyways it's usually benign but that doesn't mean that it's not a good idea to at least bring this up to your doctor and perhaps have your organs checked, a simple urine and blood test should be sufficient. If it makes you feel better though you're not alone, you can find scattered reports of this stuff happening on the web. Like I said previously if it becomes a nuissance lie down with your feet elevated on a pillow or purchase some compression stockings... or better yet, keep your doses low.