Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
How Can Swelling And Pain In The Leg Be Treated?
Hi there I am over weight my legs and feet are swollen and they do ache if I am off my feet put them up the swelling does go away until I get back on my feet I do sit a lot in my job I do a lot of driving my legs have large red areas the skin has become very rough and ulcerated I have in the past been prescribed a dieretic to lose the excess water. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate it Many thanks Andrew
Thu, 6 Oct 2016
Hello.
Even though being overweight does cause some amount of swelling of the feet, it is not severe enough to prescribe a diuretic. I am sure your doctor had suspected some other cause for the swelling and hence the prescription.
Generally, diseases of the heart and the kidneys cause swelling of the feet. If you are a long standing diabetic and poorly controlled, the chances of this being the case increases. I would suggest you to get a roitine urine test to see for any protein in the urine an also BNP i.e. brain natriuretic peptide to see for the function of the heart. These tests you can get done apart from the usual bloodwork like a complete blood count, HBA1c, serum creatinine.
Another cause for swelling of the feet alongwith ulceration is varicose veins. Even though, varicose veins are more common in people who spend a lot of time standing, it can occur due to obesity. You can examine both your legs yourself for any big and twisting blue veins. If present, please go to a surgeon for further evaluation regarding the extent of the same.
Swelling of the feet alongwith redness also suggests cellulitis, but since you donot have paon and fever, I will think it unlikely.
Your symptoms might indicate an underlying disorder which can possibly be corrected by timely intervention. Hence I suggest you visit your physician at the earliest.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr Geeta
Even though being overweight does cause some amount of swelling of the feet, it is not severe enough to prescribe a diuretic. I am sure your doctor had suspected some other cause for the swelling and hence the prescription.
Generally, diseases of the heart and the kidneys cause swelling of the feet. If you are a long standing diabetic and poorly controlled, the chances of this being the case increases. I would suggest you to get a roitine urine test to see for any protein in the urine an also BNP i.e. brain natriuretic peptide to see for the function of the heart. These tests you can get done apart from the usual bloodwork like a complete blood count, HBA1c, serum creatinine.
Another cause for swelling of the feet alongwith ulceration is varicose veins. Even though, varicose veins are more common in people who spend a lot of time standing, it can occur due to obesity. You can examine both your legs yourself for any big and twisting blue veins. If present, please go to a surgeon for further evaluation regarding the extent of the same.
Swelling of the feet alongwith redness also suggests cellulitis, but since you donot have paon and fever, I will think it unlikely.
Your symptoms might indicate an underlying disorder which can possibly be corrected by timely intervention. Hence I suggest you visit your physician at the earliest.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dr Geeta
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....