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What Do You Suggest That I Do To Alleviate Swollen Legs And Feet With Red Patches On The Right Foot?
Question: I have swollen legs and feet with red patches on my right foot. When I press my thumb into the top of my foot, it leaves an indent. What do you suggest that I do to alleviate my situation?
Brief Answer:
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Pitting edema refers to swelling in different points of the body due to a build up of fluids, it can be demonstrated by applying pressure to an area.
There are different possible causes of pitting edema- (1) varicose veins. There are deep veins (beneath soft tissue and muscle) and superficial veins ( under the skin) in the legs.
Blood goes from the superficial to the deep veins then back up to the heart. There are valves in the deep veins that only allow blood to flow in one direction only.
These valves can sometimes not work as they should , this can occur with aging or due to a clot or due to prolonged standing etc
When this happens, blood builds up in the veins and causes swelling. In varicose veins , the dilated veins are usually easily seen under the skin
Treated by elevating the legs and wearing compression stockings.
(2)liver disease. Blood tests can determine if there is any issue with the liver. If liver function is impaired swelling occurs.
Treatment would be directed at the cause of the liver disease.
(3)kidney disease- blood and urine tests can also determine if there are any issues with the kidneys that can contribute to swelling
(4) heart disease- there may be a history of uncontrolled blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest pain or palpitations
You may want to consider visiting your doctor to find out the cause of the pitting edema.
Then treatment can be directed towards the specific cause. There are medications , diurectics, that can help get rid of excess fluids.
Eg of diurectics are furosemide, thiazides, bumetanide
Additional medication, directed at the specific cause, can be added to this.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
different possible causes
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Pitting edema refers to swelling in different points of the body due to a build up of fluids, it can be demonstrated by applying pressure to an area.
There are different possible causes of pitting edema- (1) varicose veins. There are deep veins (beneath soft tissue and muscle) and superficial veins ( under the skin) in the legs.
Blood goes from the superficial to the deep veins then back up to the heart. There are valves in the deep veins that only allow blood to flow in one direction only.
These valves can sometimes not work as they should , this can occur with aging or due to a clot or due to prolonged standing etc
When this happens, blood builds up in the veins and causes swelling. In varicose veins , the dilated veins are usually easily seen under the skin
Treated by elevating the legs and wearing compression stockings.
(2)liver disease. Blood tests can determine if there is any issue with the liver. If liver function is impaired swelling occurs.
Treatment would be directed at the cause of the liver disease.
(3)kidney disease- blood and urine tests can also determine if there are any issues with the kidneys that can contribute to swelling
(4) heart disease- there may be a history of uncontrolled blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest pain or palpitations
You may want to consider visiting your doctor to find out the cause of the pitting edema.
Then treatment can be directed towards the specific cause. There are medications , diurectics, that can help get rid of excess fluids.
Eg of diurectics are furosemide, thiazides, bumetanide
Additional medication, directed at the specific cause, can be added to this.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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