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What Causes Swelling In The Legs And Ankles?
Hello, Doctor... My mother is 89. In the past 2-3 weeks, multiple health problems have resulted in quite a drastic decrease in her mobility. She has been sitting most of the time, and her feet, ankles, and legs have been swelling so much in the past 3 days that she has been unable to get her compression socks on. Last night she was unable to sleep due to severe pain in the lower extremities, and she had to call my brother to help her, as she was unable to sit up by herself (this is not typical for her). Do you think she needs to be evaluated for deep vein thrombosis, and if so, what would that evaluation involve? Thank you so much for your time and expertise. Mickey
Thu, 26 Apr 2018
Hello,
It is suggestive of deep vein thrombosis.
Based on the history your mother seems to have developed deep vein thrombosis. Sitting for long periods of time can result in formation of blood clots in the calves of the legs if the muscles of the legs do not move for long periods.
Since it can result in a life-threatening complication pulmonary embolism (blockade of blood vessel in the lung by a blood clot) your mother should be examined by a doctor immediately and to arrange for certain lab tests such as ultrasound and blood tests to confirm the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
It is suggestive of deep vein thrombosis.
Based on the history your mother seems to have developed deep vein thrombosis. Sitting for long periods of time can result in formation of blood clots in the calves of the legs if the muscles of the legs do not move for long periods.
Since it can result in a life-threatening complication pulmonary embolism (blockade of blood vessel in the lung by a blood clot) your mother should be examined by a doctor immediately and to arrange for certain lab tests such as ultrasound and blood tests to confirm the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali
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