Can Low Potassium Cause Swelling Of The Feet And Legs?

Yes, it is true that low potassium can be a cause of swelling to the feet and legs and this would be down to what is called water retention. However, there are a number of factors that can contribute to water retention and swollen feet and legs.

As we are not medical experts, it is highly advisable that a person suffering from swollen feet or legs should make an appointment with their doctor urgently in order to examine the swelling and look into the person's diet.

Water retention, which is medically referred to as Edema, relates to the abnormal build up of fluid in the body. Edema is most frequently found in a person's foot or ankle due to gravity pushing down the excess fluid south and then building up in the base of the body; which is obviously the feet and ankles.

As mentioned earlier, with any medical concern it is advised to seek proper medical advice from qualified doctors, as research on the Internet can cause more alarm than is necessary. Nine times out of 10 the condition isn't as serious as first thought or what the symptoms may suggest on the Internet forums.

A shortage of potassium in body fluids may cause a potentially fatal condition known as hypokalemia typically resulting from diarrhoea, increased diuresis and vomiting.
Deficiency symptoms include weakness, paralytic ilieus, ECG abnormalities, decreased reflex response and (in severe cases) resperatory paralisis, alkalosis, and arrhythmia.
Eating a variety of foods that contain potassium is the best way to get an adequate amount. Healthy individuals who eat a balanced diet rarely need supplements. Foods with high sources of potassium include broccoli, orange juice, potatoes, bananas, soya beans, avocados, apricots, pomegranates, parsnips and turnips, although many other fruits and vegetables, and meats contain potassium. Research has indicated that diets high in potassium can reduce the risk of hypertension.
Potassium is important in allowing muscle contraction, therefore, when there is a loss, the muscle isn't allowed to contract properly, and if you can't use that, then you will loose muscle.
If potassium is given in the proper doses over a period of time, the contraction of the muscle may return. But I think it's important to get the diarrhoea to quit also if he is suffering from it. I hope this helps.

Can raised potassium levels cause swelling of hands and feet

Hypokalemia is known as low potassium and it usually causes a small elavation in blood pressure, it can also cause muscular weakness, myalgia (muscle pain), muscle cramps and constipation. en.wikipedia.org
I would go see a doctor.

I did some research, and couldn't find anything that says that, it could be water retention such as edemia, I think you need to see a doctor about this, as there are other things that can occur with Hypokalemia as well. I suffer with this all the time. They are always making me take potassium tablets, gross smelling and tasting! Hope this helps, good luck to you.