![]() Localized swelling may be due to trauma, hematoma (collection of non-flowing blood in the soft tissue), infections, fracture, superficial thrombophlebitis (clots in veins of the fatty Post-phlebitic syndrome, chronic obstruction of veins in the leg or pelvis due to previous deep vein thrombosis,Ĭompression of pelvic veins due to an overlying artery, organ, or tumor,įailure of the calf muscles to pump venous blood out of the legs due to stroke, venous injury, arthritis limiting ankle motion, or inactivity. Obesity, which increases the pressures on veins and lymphatic channels in the abdomen and pelvis resulting in a partial obstruction of venous and lymphatic outflow from the legs back to theĭeep vein thrombosis, clots obstructing venous flow back to the heart, ![]() Venous insufficiency, a failure of one-way valves in the veins, Some of the causes of leg edema due to elevated venous pressures include: This causes pitting edema, swelling which will leave a temporary indentation in the skin with pressure from a shoe, sock, or intentional pressure such as a High pressure in the veins of the legs results in fluid, proteins, and blood cells leaking through the wall of small veins into the soft Pregnancy, fluid retention states, or drug effects. ![]() Swelling may occur due to high pressure in the veins of the legs, local injury, inflammatory changes, obstruction of lymphatic fluid outflow, infection, low blood protein levels, obesity, Frequently, leg swelling is caused by more than one factor such as venous insufficiency, obesity, and previous saphenous vein harvest for heart bypass surgery. The causes of swelling in one leg may be similar to the other leg, but it is not unusual for different factors toĬause the swelling in each leg. Leg swelling may affect both legs equally or may be more of a problem in one leg. Is “normal” or “was negative for clot” while failing to test for treatable venous insufficiency. It is common for patients with chronic leg swelling to be told that the ultrasound Veins of the legs and does not evaluate for failure of one-way valves in the leg veins (venous insufficiency). The most common failure of diagnosis occurs due to a venous ultrasound study which is performed in a manner to rule out clots, known as deep vein thrombosis, in the deep Further testing is based upon the clinical assessment and may include ultrasound, X-ray,CT, or MRI imaging in the legs or evaluation of the heart or blood vessels in theĪbdomen or pelvis. Untreated leg swelling may lead to other complications such as infection, poorly-healing wounds, or clots in leg veins.Įvaluation of leg swelling begins with a review of symptoms, personal and family medical history, and a clinical exam which may include heart, lungs, abdomen, pelvis, legs, and nerve/muscleįunction in the legs. The likelihood of major complications or death. While some of the causes of leg swelling may be minor self-limiting conditions, others require very urgent medical care to reduce Swelling is an especially important reason to seek evaluation. Pain or tenderness in the legs associated with Swelling of the legs is abnormal and should be evaluated by a physician if it occurs more than occasionally after a long day of sitting or standing.
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