Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Weakness In Thigh Muscles And Edema In Ankles
Question: I have noticed weakness in my thigh muscles and can only walk a short distance and I have to stop and catch my breath. This morning I have noticeable edema in my ankles. It seems to be getting worse and I cannot get to my primary care doctor until October. I need some advise.
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern, and would like to explain that your clinical scenario seems to be compatible with a possible heart failure (as exertional dyspnea and edema suggest such an option).
In that point a careful differential diagnosis should be performed. A careful physical exam coupled with a resting ECG, chest X ray film could reveal the severity of systemic and pulmonary congestion, a possible cardiac arrhythmia or a cardiac valve dysfunction, etc.
If suspicions for a decreased cardiac performance are raised, then a cardiac ultrasound, and some additional tests should be done (complete blood count, thyroid, renal and liver function tests, blood electrolytes, fasting glucose, etc).
As you cannot get to your primary doctor until October, at least I recommend you to closely monitor your blood pressure values (several times daily) and avoid drinking excessive water and taking too much salty food.
But, if your clinical symptoms and signs keep persisting and even worsening, you need to go to the nearest ER and have a medical checkup (as a severe cardiac dysfunction, renal dysfunction or other chronic disorders, should be differentiated).
If heart failure option is confirmed, a diuretics regimen would be helpful in relieving your complains.
Meanwhile avoid methadone, as it may aggravate the clinical conditions.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
If you have further uncertainties, do not hesitate to ask me directly on the link below:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=69765
Best regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!
I understand your concern, and would like to explain that your clinical scenario seems to be compatible with a possible heart failure (as exertional dyspnea and edema suggest such an option).
In that point a careful differential diagnosis should be performed. A careful physical exam coupled with a resting ECG, chest X ray film could reveal the severity of systemic and pulmonary congestion, a possible cardiac arrhythmia or a cardiac valve dysfunction, etc.
If suspicions for a decreased cardiac performance are raised, then a cardiac ultrasound, and some additional tests should be done (complete blood count, thyroid, renal and liver function tests, blood electrolytes, fasting glucose, etc).
As you cannot get to your primary doctor until October, at least I recommend you to closely monitor your blood pressure values (several times daily) and avoid drinking excessive water and taking too much salty food.
But, if your clinical symptoms and signs keep persisting and even worsening, you need to go to the nearest ER and have a medical checkup (as a severe cardiac dysfunction, renal dysfunction or other chronic disorders, should be differentiated).
If heart failure option is confirmed, a diuretics regimen would be helpful in relieving your complains.
Meanwhile avoid methadone, as it may aggravate the clinical conditions.
Hope to have been helpful to you!
If you have further uncertainties, do not hesitate to ask me directly on the link below:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=69765
Best regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
