Leg Edema

Leg Swelling (Leg Edema): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may occur together with leg swelling (“leg edema”): Leading symptom Leg swelling General accompanying symptoms Peripheral edema (water retention) Pain (dolor) Overheating (Calor) Feeling of heavy legs (tired legs), especially after long periods of sitting and standing (note: no certain relationship to the severity of the disease). Localized peripheral cyanosis … Leg Swelling (Leg Edema): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Leg Swelling (Leg Edema): Therapy

The therapy of leg swelling (“leg edema”) depends on the cause: Acute erysipelas → see below of the disease of the same name. Acute leg vein thrombosis – see below of the eponymous disease. Lymphedema – see below of the eponymous disease. U.s.w. General measures For physiological edema (caused by prolonged standing or sitting): In … Leg Swelling (Leg Edema): Therapy

Leg Swelling (Leg Edema): Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of leg swelling (“leg edema”). Travel history Recording of travel duration and foreign travel, here primarily from tropical stays, furthermore, any infections that may have occurred. Family history Is there a history of heart disease in your family? Kidney disease? Liver disease? Lung … Leg Swelling (Leg Edema): Medical History

Leg Swelling (Leg Edema): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Leg swelling occurs unilaterally: Skin and subcutaneous (L00-L99). Allergic reactions Cardiovascular system (I00-I99) Arterial embolism (occlusion of a blood vessel; The embolus originates in the heart or large arteries and causes leg swelling by occluding a leg artery). Arterial thrombosis (formation of a blood clot (thrombus) in an artery). Arterial aneurysm (pathological (pathological) outpouching of … Leg Swelling (Leg Edema): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Leg Swelling (Leg Edema): Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin (lower leg, ankle region and feet). Localization of swelling: unilateral or bilateral? → unilateral swelling: often there are disorders in the venous and lymphatic systems. … Leg Swelling (Leg Edema): Examination

Leg Swelling (Leg Edema): Test and Diagnosis

Laboratory parameters of the 1st order – obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein). D-dimers – acute diagnosis of suspected fresh venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolism (see also under “Physical examination“: Wells score for determining the clinical probability of venous thrombosis, DVT). Electrolytes (blood salts) – calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphate. Renal … Leg Swelling (Leg Edema): Test and Diagnosis

Leg Swelling (Leg Edema): Diagnostic Tests

Obligatory medical device diagnostics. Compression phlebosonography (KUS, synonym: vein compression sonography); sonography (ultrasound examination) to document and check the compressibility of the deep veins in the legs and arms) – in cases of suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT); very safe procedure especially in cases of thrombi of the femoral veins or popliteal vein [gold standard]. … Leg Swelling (Leg Edema): Diagnostic Tests