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Suggest Treatment For Edema In Both Legs

Posted on Thu, 25 Sep 2014

Question: I'm a 32 year old male. I have edema in both my legs.. they are both swollen. how can I treat it. and what's the cause?

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Few questions

Detailed Answer:
Good day,
Noted your concern.
There are number of causes for the edema in legs. First of all I would like to know does the edema extend until knees or beyond or just confined to ankles. Do you have diabetes or neuropathy?
Any kidney or liver diseases?
Does the edema get any worse on standing or sitting for long ?
What happens when you sleep at night and in the early mornings?
Are you taking any medicines for any disease?
Alcohol intake?
Any frothing of urine?
Any heart problems or recent breathing trouble? Any shortness of breath on lying down?
Any thyroid swelling?
What is your height, and weight

All the above are relevant questions and that help doctors to assess you further. I would appreciate a reply.
Based on this I can advice you further

Regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (10 minutes later)

so the swelling is confined to ankles.I don't have diabetes. nor liver or kidney damage.. while I stand it does get a little worse. nothing happens when I sleep at night. nor in the mornings. I'm currently not taking any medication. I don't drink. no frothing of urine.no thyroid swelling I've been sweating slot. I'm 6ft1 and about 200 lbs.

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Suggested blood and urine works

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the reply. Got the attached photos as well. Yes, I do agree that there is significant edema in your legs. After going through your answers, many major diseases can be rule out. However, I would suggest following tests.
1) Urine Protein'
2) CBC, Liver function test, Creatinine, Urea
3) Free T4 and TSH
4) Fasting blood glucose
5)Serum sodium and potassium

If the above tests are negative, and if you have purplish stretch marks in tummy, we may need additional hormone tests and an ultrasound scan of abdomen and pelvis and a venous Doppler of leg veins

Regards
Binu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (11 minutes later)

can the cause of swelling be from drug use? like methamphetamine while doing it intreveinously?

Answered by Dr. Binu Parameswaran Pillai (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hi

Detailed Answer:
It can cause peripheral neuropathy and neuropathy related edema. There are many oter drugs which can cause leg swelling

Regards
Binu

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar