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Suggest Treatment For Fluid Accumulation In The Legs

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Posted on Mon, 20 Oct 2014
Question: Fluid accumulation in the legs
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
different possible causes

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Fluid build up in the legs can be due to different causes such as:
(1) trauma to the limbs- in this case, normally only one limb is affected unless both legs were injured

(2)venous disease
There are 2 types of veins in the legs. Those just under the skin are called the superficial veins and then there are the deep veins.
Blood goes from the superficial veins to the deep veins then up to the heart.

There are valves that normally only allow the blood to flow from the superficial to the deep veins so that it does not build up in the leg.

With aging, these valves may not work as they should and as a result blood builds.

It tends to worse with prolonged standing or sitting. Normally there is no swelling in the morning.

(3)side effects of medications. Amlodipine, a blood pressure medication has this effect

(4)liver, kidney or heart disease can also cause swelling

To determine the cause, your doctor will need to take a careful history and would also examine the abdomen (for kidneys and liver) and chest (heart and check for fluid build up in the lungs).

IN addition bloods may be needed depending on examination findings. Bloods may include assessment of liver and kidneys

If history and examination show any problems with the heart then investigations such as ECG and echo may be needed.

If it is related to venous disease then there are special stockings that can be used. Used for both males and females.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Fluid Accumulation In The Legs

Brief Answer: different possible causes Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Fluid build up in the legs can be due to different causes such as: (1) trauma to the limbs- in this case, normally only one limb is affected unless both legs were injured (2)venous disease There are 2 types of veins in the legs. Those just under the skin are called the superficial veins and then there are the deep veins. Blood goes from the superficial veins to the deep veins then up to the heart. There are valves that normally only allow the blood to flow from the superficial to the deep veins so that it does not build up in the leg. With aging, these valves may not work as they should and as a result blood builds. It tends to worse with prolonged standing or sitting. Normally there is no swelling in the morning. (3)side effects of medications. Amlodipine, a blood pressure medication has this effect (4)liver, kidney or heart disease can also cause swelling To determine the cause, your doctor will need to take a careful history and would also examine the abdomen (for kidneys and liver) and chest (heart and check for fluid build up in the lungs). IN addition bloods may be needed depending on examination findings. Bloods may include assessment of liver and kidneys If history and examination show any problems with the heart then investigations such as ECG and echo may be needed. If it is related to venous disease then there are special stockings that can be used. Used for both males and females. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions