Whether she's posting photos of her garden or sharing silly selfies, we can always rely on Dawn French, 64, to deliver a dose of reality on social media.#
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On Thursday, she shared the health quirk she's noticed since reaching her sixties. Alongside a photo of her feet, Dawn wrote: "Warning. Something weird happens in your 60s. You wake up one day… and you no longer have ankles. Who nicks them?"
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Dawn's followers were quick to reassure her it was normal. One wrote: "Yes it's infuriating," while another said: "I can't wear nice sandals with straps around, very frustrating."
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Another fan offered Dawn advice, commenting: "I've bought an ankle chain to define and remind me where they were."
Swollen ankles are common as we get older and the condition is sometimes called oedema. The phenomenon is caused by fluid accumulating around the ankles or in the ankle joint – a bit like water retention in the legs.
© Photo: InstagramDawn French shared her ankle woes on Instagram
Ankle swelling in older people can be caused by a number of things, including standing for long periods, eating a diet high in salt, sitting for a long time (such as on flights) or taking certain medications.
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It's generally nothing to worry about, but do see a doctor or chiropodist if you're concerned.
© Photo: InstagramDawn Frech's fans sympathised with her health issue
To ease her swollen ankles, Dawn could try raising her legs on a chair or pillows, or trying gentle exercise such as walking, to improve her blood flow.
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To make her swollen ankles more comfortable, Dawn should opt for wide, comfortable shoes with a low heel and soft sole.
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