Bilateral Leg Swelling Causes
It can be caused by a problem with the venous circulation system the lymphatic system or the kidneys.
Bilateral leg swelling causes. Unilateral means that the swelling appears only on one leg while bilateral means that both legs are swollen. In some cases of bilateral leg swelling one leg might appear bigger than the other one thus looking like unilateral leg swelling. Heart failure hf is the most common cause of hospitalization in patients over the age of unfortunately as a clinical diagnosis it is not always apparent. But it usually happens when you re hospitalized with other problems.
An injury to the foot or ankle could cause swelling in the ankle and lower leg. In nephrotic syndrome the kidneys lose. Various kidney diseases are associated with bilateral leg edema. What are the causes of bilateral leg edema.
Leg swelling isn t always a sign of a heart or circulation problem. Edema can occur as a result of gravity especially from sitting or standing in one place for too long. The heart takes blood from the body pumps it to the lungs takes it back to the heart and returns it to. Sometimes it is actually very hard to tell one from the other.
Edema has many possible causes. Examination of the lower limbs revealed pitting oedema bilaterally up to the groin but no erythema tenderness or warmth. Injury to the foot or ankle. Water naturally gets pulled down into your legs and feet.
He also reported vague abdominal discomfort and tiredness. The patient was otherwise systemically well with normal heart sounds and a clear chest examination. Below are eight potential causes of swollen legs and ankles. A 65 year old man described swelling in both legs which had worsened over six weeks.
Acute kidney failure when your kidneys suddenly stop working can also cause swollen legs ankles and feet. Edema can happen from a weakening in the valves of the veins in the legs a condition called venous insufficiency. Early hf or right sided heart failure can cause lower extremity swelling so it is prudent to consider hf even in cases of isolated lower extremity edema.