Ask Doctor Chris: Miscarriage and ankle pain

Average rating:

Every week we partner up with our sister magazine, Woman, to bring you expert health advice from This Morning's Dr Chris Steele MBE, health journalist of the year. This week he answers your questions about miscarriage and ankle pain.

The problem: 'Will aspirin help?'

I'm 45, have a seven-year-old, and want another baby, but I've had three miscarriages recently. I've heard taking aspirin can reduce the risks. Is this correct?

The solution

Yes, but check with your GP first. Apririn thins the blood, helping to improve blood flow through the placenta, the baby's life support system. It can also protect against pre-eclampsia. Take one low-dose aspirin (75mgm) a day once pregnant. Also, avoid smoking alcohol, soft cheeses or patés, and handling of cat litter trays.

The problem: 'My ankle's still not right'

A decade ago, I fell and badly twisted my ankle. I never went to the doctor, as the swelling went down, but now it's become tender to touch and I can still feel fl uid in the ankle. What should I do?

The solution

Go to your GP and ask for an X-ray. You need to find out exactly what's wrong. You may be developing osteoarthritis from your previous injury, when you may have experienced a minor fracture in one of the many bones in the ankle joint. Meanwhile, taking mild painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol should ease your symptoms.