Lower legs feel swollen after sitting upright for long periods?

[Artorias]

Whenever I'm well enought to sit upright at a desk for an extended period (which for me is more than one hour) my lower legs feel swollen and tight, and I notice that my feet look very slightly puffy. If I then sit in a reclined position on the sofa the effect goes away.

This has only ever happened since I became ill. Is it an ME thing? Any idea what causes it?

 

[taniaaust1]

having coexisting POTS with the ME can cause this...as the blood with that often pools in the legs. The legs also can get a flushed kind of look with this blood pooling thing.

 

[Sushi]

Whenever I'm well enought to sit upright at a desk for an extended period (which for me is more than one hour) my lower legs feel swollen and tight, and I notice that my feet look very slightly puffy. If I then sit in a reclined position on the sofa the effect goes away.

This has only ever happened since I became ill. Is it an ME thing? Any idea what causes it?

Yes, as Tania says, this is probably blood pooling and is common in ME/CFS patients. This can be caused by several forms of dysautonomia, not only POTS.

A "quick fix" (that doesn't get to the root of the problem though) is using compression knee socks, thigh-highs or full compression tights. I use compression knee socks every day. I have some that are mostly cotton and are very comfortable and prevent the pooling.

Best wishes,
Sushi

 

[Artorias]

Thanks for the info guys. I was worried I had yet another condition to worry about I'll check out those compression socks.

 

[Iquitos]

The same thing happens to me. My solution is to lie down for 10-20" every couple of hours. Seems to make me urinate soon after, as well.