
Hi, 76, Diabetes , High Bp , Plaque In Arteries.

could be related to diabetes
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
there are certain disorders that may cause leg swelling. Please keep in mind that the following list is not exhaustive:
- diabetic nephropathy: patients with diabetes mellitus who develop leg bilateral leg swelling should be checked for proteinuria. A simple urinalysis should suffice in most cases. If the urinalysis reveals proteinuria then a quantitative test will have to be ordered (24h urine albumin).
- thyroid disorders: checking the TSH is usually enough to detect such disorders, particularly those that are severe enough to cause swelling.
- side effects: certain antihypertensive drugs (like amlodipine) may cause leg swelling. Your doctor should review your treatment plan and make the necessary amendments.
- vein insufficiency: an ultrasound scan of the leg veins will diagnose failing vein valves.
- heart failure: an ultrasound of the heart (echo) is important to diagnose heart-related problems of this nature. Exertional dyspnea may accompany this disorder.
Until the cause is determined you can try to keep the legs elevated whenever swelling develops. Try to avoid too much salt in your food. Standing may worsen the symptoms. Sitting for too long may promote swelling. If you have to sit for long you can try to get up and walk for a couple of minutes every so often (at least once every hour).
Please contact me again, if you have more questions about this situation.
Kind regards,
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis,
Internal Medicine Specialist


walking usually helps
Detailed Answer:
Walking usually helps as the contracting muscles promote blood flow. The 24h urine test has been ordered to detect abnormal levels of protein in the urine.
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no
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome!
No, it does not provide any clue about the cause. If you had unilateral swelling the ultrasound scan would have been more urgent (suspicion of thrombosis). Since it's bilateral the cause is probably related to other causes.


great!
Detailed Answer:
I'm glad it helped. Walking surely helps. You shouldn't do more than your body and feet can take to avoid injuries. Short walks seem to me like a better idea.


you're welcome
Detailed Answer:
You're welcome,
Take care!

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