Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Foot Swelling?


sarahm19

Recommended Posts

sarahm19 Newbie

Hi everyone! Im still waiting to get my tests back. Basically i have TOOOONS of celiacs symptoms and a lot of other autoimmune disorders. I cut out gluten for about 1 month now and i have wayyy less stomach probs, so i think i have celiacs.

Anyway, i have a lot of symptoms of malnutrition like i'm very underweight, cracked lips, etc. Almost every day, my feet get so swollen like a balloon and i read online that that can be from malnutrition. Is that from celiacs cause i cant absorb stuff right?

How long does it take of being gluten-free to stop the malnutrition symptoms? Thanks!!!!


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Ursa Major Collaborator

Well, I never LOOKED malnourished, as I was gaining instead of losing weight, but I was low in several nutrients.

My feet used to get awfully swollen, by night they'd be blown up like balloons. I never have swollen feet any more now.

You might want to consider that you may have other intolerances as well, not just gluten. The swelling could be a reaction to something else. I am not sure if it could be from malnutrition, maybe one of the people that lost a ton of weight prior to diagnosis can answer that one.

sarahm19 Newbie

thanks for the fast reply.

I do know that I'm lactose intolerant too and im pretty sure I'm allergic to citrus. I'm avoiding all that. Lately its just hard for me to eat out because i really dont want them to mess up this healing process for me. Like im supposed to meet people at quiznos Saturday, but they have gluten in all the sandwiches and even in the chicken breast strips...well maybe i'll bring something!

Ashley Enthusiast

Sarahm19- Your symptoms are very similar to what mine were. I, too, was really underweight (lost nearly eighty-pounds). Right, the anti-bodies attack the small intestine when gluten sticks to the villi (sp), wearing them down thus many nutrients are not absorbed. My feet were also swollen at times, but, I've had issues with my right foot being re-sprained for the fourth time. Tomorrow, I have will be Dxed for an entire year. After staying gluten-free for the most part, I noticed my weight-loss began to level off near 8 months or so. It's different for everyone, depending how long you went eating gluten and how damaged your intestines are. What kinds of tests did have done? Blood Work? Endo scope? A biopsy is really good look of how your intestines look and the G.I. doctor could probably give a rough sketch of how long it would take for things to heal.

-Ash

nikki-uk Enthusiast
Anyway, i have a lot of symptoms of malnutrition like i'm very underweight, cracked lips, etc. Almost every day, my feet get so swollen like a balloon and i read online that that can be from malnutrition. Is that from celiacs cause i cant absorb stuff right

My husband's feet and ankles used to swell up so much he couldn't get shoes on-he could only wear sandals.-but he was very skinny everywhere else.His feet also used to be a funny purple colour.

If you pushed your finger into his swollen feet it used to leave a white indentation,suggesting it was water retention.No doctor ever gave him an explanation for it,-so we just chalked it up to one of the many symptoms of celiac disease.

The swelling went away a few months after G.F

eKatherine Apprentice

My feet were swollen, too, and the one with the bone spurs was downright painful. I used to get bruising just from walking.

Not eating gluten has been extremely helpful, but it's not the only issue. I'll be figuring out if milk or something else is an issue soon, too.

If your lips are cracked and dry, you might want to look at your diet to see if you're getting enough fat. Fat keeps your eyes bright and your coat shiny.

Guest Babbia

I would also have very swollen feet, but I was gaining weight.

Anyone know what causes the swelling?

Babbia


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Guest Viola

I have bone spurs as well, one on my heel, the other on my left hip. Not fun things.

Swelling of feet and legs is frequently caused by using too much salt. This problem can be inherited as well, and a low sodium diet is recommended.

sarahm19 Newbie
I have bone spurs as well, one on my heel, the other on my left hip. Not fun things.

Swelling of feet and legs is frequently caused by using too much salt. This problem can be inherited as well, and a low sodium diet is recommended.

hmm thats weird. Ive always had very low blood pressure and im always showing dehydration on my tests too so they told me have salt if i want. Thanks everyone for the replies. Im just really happy, thinking that maybe 6 months from now I'll be feeling a lot better. Its hard to stay gluten-free! But its gonna be worth it.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      129,674
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Susieq2
    Newest Member
    Susieq2
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.2k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • StevieP.
      Thanks so much for that information!! That helps me out alot!!
    • Scott Adams
      It’s completely understandable to feel confused and anxious—colonoscopy prep can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with symptoms like loose stools and elevated inflammation markers (that high calprotectin and CRP definitely warrant further investigation!). Regarding the senna tablets: The warning about avoiding senna with IBD (like Crohn’s or colitis) is typically because it can irritate an already inflamed colon. Since you don’t yet have a confirmed diagnosis—but your brother has colitis—it might be worth calling your gastroenterologist’s office today to clarify if you should skip the senna given your symptoms and family history. Some clinics have an on-call nurse who can advise quickly. For the prep itself: Plenvu is strong, so if your bowels are already loose, the senna might be overkill. Stick to clear liquids tomorrow (broth, apple juice, etc.) and stay near a bathroom! For anxiety, remember the procedure itself is painless (you’ll likely be sedated), and the prep is the hardest part. Bring a phone charger or book to the clinic, and treat yourself afterward to something gentle on your stomach (like mashed potatoes or yogurt). Hang in there—this is a big step toward answers. You’re doing great advocating for yourself!
    • Scott Adams
      Great question! Wheat straw dishes are typically made from the stalks of wheat plants (which are naturally gluten-free) combined with a binding resin. While the straw itself shouldn’t contain gluten, the safety depends on how the product is processed. Some manufacturers may use wheat-based binders or process the straw in facilities that handle gluten, creating cross-contact risks. To be safe, I’d recommend reaching out to the company directly to ask: 1) If their wheat straw material is tested to confirm it’s free of gluten proteins, and 2) Whether the production line avoids cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients. Many brands now cater to gluten-free consumers and will provide detailed answers. If you’re uncomfortable with the uncertainty, alternatives like bamboo, ceramic, or glass dishes are inherently gluten-free and worry-free. Always better to double-check—your diligence is totally justified!
    • Scott Adams
      I’m so sorry you’ve been struggling for so long without the answers or relief you deserve. It’s incredibly frustrating to have a celiac diagnosis yet still face debilitating symptoms, especially after decades of strict gluten-free living. Your history of chronic health issues—SIBO, food allergies, recurrent infections, and now potential complications like nerve pain (left leg) and mucosal ulcers—suggests there may be overlapping conditions at play, such as autoimmune comorbidities (e.g., Hashimoto’s, Sjögren’s), nutrient deficiencies, or even refractory celiac disease (though rare). Stanford is an excellent step forward, as their specialists may uncover missed connections. The medical gaslighting you’ve endured is unacceptable, and while legal action is an option, focusing on thorough testing (e.g., repeat endoscopy, micronutrient panels, autoimmune markers, skin biopsy for dermatitis herpetiformis) might be more immediately helpful. Menopause can absolutely exacerbate underlying inflammation, so hormonal imbalances should also be explored. For symptom relief, some in the celiac community find low-dose naltrexone (LDN) or mast cell stabilizers helpful for systemic issues, but a functional medicine doctor (if accessible) could tailor supplements to your needs. You’re not alone in this fight—keep advocating fiercely at Stanford. Document everything meticulously; it strengthens both medical and potential disability claims. Sending you strength—this shouldn’t be so hard, and you deserve real solutions.
    • Scott Adams
      Since you have a confirmed celiac disease diagnosis alongside severe IgA deficiency, consulting an immunologist is a reasonable step to better understand the implications of your immune status. While many IgA-deficient individuals remain asymptomatic, the deficiency can occasionally be linked to increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmune conditions, or other immune-related concerns. An immunologist can assess whether additional monitoring or preventive measures (e.g., vaccinations, infection screening) are warranted. Given your location in Atlanta, academic medical centers like Emory University may have immunologists familiar with IgA deficiency, even if they don’t specialize exclusively in it. Telemedicine is also a great option—consider reaching out to specialists at institutions like the NIH, Mayo Clinic, or Cleveland Clinic, many of whom offer remote consultations. If you haven’t already, checking with the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) for provider recommendations might help. It’s always wise to gather expert insight, especially since celiac and IgA deficiency can coexist with other immune dysregulation.
×
×
  • Create New...