What Causes Swollen Calves,feet,hands And Face?

Posted on Fri, 11 Jul 2014

Question: I have been experiencing swollen calves, feet, hands and face for over a week. In addition my right thumb has been twitching. 2 days ago I felt excessively puffy around my face and eyes and had blurry vision. Last night I had a slight fainting spell. At first I thought I had heat exhaustion b/c I spent the day on the beach and had a couple of beers. However now I'm linking all the symptoms of the entire week??

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
?? Idiopathic edema most likely, need to confirm

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and shall try my best to help you as much as I can.

I should rightfully start by saying that your symptoms are quite vague, although not negligible. Based on your symptoms, history and age; I shall prepare a list of some of the most plausible causes that could cause such a presentation. They are:

-Idiopathic edema: In my opinion, the most likely cause
-Allergic reaction
-Congestive heart failure
-Infections (bone, sinus, etc.
-Liver abnormalities
-Renal abnormalities
-Venous insufficiency
and a few others.

I would start by requesting you to get a general examination and tests, with extra emphasis paid on your heart, kidneys and liver. If at all all reports return normal (you may write to me with the results, I shall help interpret them for you ma'am), then this points towards Idiopathic edema.

Let me explain idiopathic edema briefly for you. It is a condition in which edema develops due to an unknown cause primarily in pre-menstrual women, who have been investigated to be otherwise healthy (heart, kidney, and liver). The condition starts off with swelling/edema seen just before menstruation, but this can later change as well.

Individuals with this condition are usually treated with diuretics which is the wrong practice, as diuretics do help to expel the accumulated fluid but also results in dependence which is not advised. Please meet your doctor ma'am, an accurate diagnosis by an experienced doctor will be required who should be able to adequately treat your symptoms/condition.

I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications, I would be more than happy to help you ma'am.

Best wishes.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj