Wendy Williams reveals the disease making her ankles swell

‘And how dare you talk about the swelling of it all! It’s lymphedema. And I’ve got it under control,’ Williams said by way of conclusion.

Lymphedema is an incurable disorder of the lymphatic system, a network of channels and glands that remove excess fluid and help fight infections.

Most of the 10 million Americans living with lymphedema develop swollen arms and/or legs, with symptoms particularly aggressive during the daytime.

It is particularly common in women who have survived breast or vulval cancers – around one in five survivors go on to develop the condition.

Lymphedema can be caused by breast implants, which can tamper with the lymphatic system, according to the FDA.

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Breast implants are also linked to Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism, two autoimmune diseases Williams lives with.

As well as swelling, other lymphedema symptoms may include:

• An aching, heavy feeling
• Difficulty moving
• Repeated skin infections
• Hard, tight skin
• Wart-like growths
• Fluid leaking from the skin
• Folds developing in the skin

It can be treated using compression stockings, massages, and exercises.

Most importantly, doctors recommend lifestyle tweaks, such as cutting down on salt, alcohol, and caffeine, which can exacerbate swelling, and exercising regularly.

Williams’ diagnosis comes in the wake of her divorce from her husband of 21 years Kevin Hunter, a stint in hospital for a fractured shoulder, and time in a sober house after a battle with alcoholism and cocaine addiction.

Daily Mail.