Swollen Legs (edema)
Swelling of the legs or feet is due to increased fluid retention, pooling, or congestion. There can be many causes for swelling, at times it may be a combination of one or more reasons.
Abnormal reasons for swelling would include: trauma, infection, tumors, varicose veins/improper valve function, abnormal function of lymphatic system, poor circulation, hypertension, congestive heart failure ect.
Swelling can cause stretch on nerve fibers causing pain. Swelling can also cause overload to valves causing them to become dysfunctional or leaky allowing for backflow. A throbbing or full sensation of the legs is often a sign of the excesses swelling.
When swelling becomes excessive to the legs or feet clinical signs such are often noticed:
After an appropriate history and thorough physical evaluation your foot and ankle Doctor will likely be able to help you understand why this may be occurring and provide you with solutions to allow for decreased swelling and pain.
Abnormal reasons for swelling would include: trauma, infection, tumors, varicose veins/improper valve function, abnormal function of lymphatic system, poor circulation, hypertension, congestive heart failure ect.
Swelling can cause stretch on nerve fibers causing pain. Swelling can also cause overload to valves causing them to become dysfunctional or leaky allowing for backflow. A throbbing or full sensation of the legs is often a sign of the excesses swelling.
When swelling becomes excessive to the legs or feet clinical signs such are often noticed:
- sock line impressions
- redness
- speckling of the legs ( usually red or brown)
- brawny or leathery thickening of skin
- superficial wounds with consistent draining (aka Venous Stasis Ulcerations)
After an appropriate history and thorough physical evaluation your foot and ankle Doctor will likely be able to help you understand why this may be occurring and provide you with solutions to allow for decreased swelling and pain.