What causes edema in lower legs?
Edema can occur as a result of gravity, especially from sitting or standing in one place for too long. Water naturally gets pulled down into your legs and feet. Edema can happen from a weakening in the valves of the veins in the legs (a condition called venous insufficiency).
What causes bilateral lower leg swelling?
Swelling of the legs may be either unilateral or bilateral: Bilateral swelling is usually due to systemic conditions (eg, cardiac failure) and unilateral is often due to local trauma, venous disease or lymphatic disease. Unilateral leg swelling is more often due to local causes (eg, deep vein thrombosis or cellulitis).
How is lower extremity edema treated?
Treatment of edema includes several components: treatment of the underlying cause (if possible), reducing the amount of salt (sodium) in your diet, and, in many cases, use of a medication called a diuretic to eliminate excess fluid. Using compression stockings and elevating the legs may also be recommended.
What is a ble edema?
Lower limb edema is a common and challenging diagnostic problem often with a significant impact. It is defined as swelling caused by an increase in interstitial fluid that exceeds the capacity of physiologic lymphatic drainage.
What is bilateral leg edema?
Distribution of edema: unilateral leg edema is generally due to a local cause such as deep vein thrombosis, venous insufficiency, or lymphedema. Bilateral edema can be due to a local cause or systemic disease, such as heart failure or kidney disease. Generalized edema is due to systemic disease.
Is leg swelling a symptom of heart failure?
If you have congestive heart failure, one or both of your heart’s lower chambers lose their ability to pump blood effectively. As a result, blood can back up in your legs, ankles and feet, causing edema. Congestive heart failure can also cause swelling in your abdomen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_vFa5BKfJk