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What Causes Swelling In Legs, Calves And Feet?
Question: Hi,
I am having symptoms of extreme swelling in my legs, calves, and feet. Wondering how to make the swelling go down.
I am having symptoms of extreme swelling in my legs, calves, and feet. Wondering how to make the swelling go down.
Brief Answer:
elevation , reduction of fluids and salts, diuretics
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Swelling of the feet, calves and legs is called peripheral edema.
There are different causes and the treatment would depend on the cause somewhat.
Causes include: (1) venous disease- varicose veins
This is treated with elevating the feet whenever possible and with compression stockings.
Surgery to the veins is an option if the swelling is severe and not responding.
(2)side effect of medication
There are some meds that can cause swelling however lithium is not known to have this effect
(3)heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease- problems with any of these organs can cause fluid retention
Treatment: (1) elevating the legs as much as possible would help
(2)you may also have to adjust your fluid intake.
Reducing fluids may help as well
Reducing salt intake may also be important. Salt encourages fluid retention. If salt intake is reduced then there may be fluid loss.
(3) medication- medications such as diuretics which cause the person to pass out excess fluids may also be needed
(4)tests- your doctor may suggest blood tests to check the kidney and liver and other tests to check the heart to see if any of these is contributing to your swelling
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
elevation , reduction of fluids and salts, diuretics
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Swelling of the feet, calves and legs is called peripheral edema.
There are different causes and the treatment would depend on the cause somewhat.
Causes include: (1) venous disease- varicose veins
This is treated with elevating the feet whenever possible and with compression stockings.
Surgery to the veins is an option if the swelling is severe and not responding.
(2)side effect of medication
There are some meds that can cause swelling however lithium is not known to have this effect
(3)heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease- problems with any of these organs can cause fluid retention
Treatment: (1) elevating the legs as much as possible would help
(2)you may also have to adjust your fluid intake.
Reducing fluids may help as well
Reducing salt intake may also be important. Salt encourages fluid retention. If salt intake is reduced then there may be fluid loss.
(3) medication- medications such as diuretics which cause the person to pass out excess fluids may also be needed
(4)tests- your doctor may suggest blood tests to check the kidney and liver and other tests to check the heart to see if any of these is contributing to your swelling
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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