Bilateral leg swelling: Difference between revisions
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==Management== | ==Management== | ||
* | *Treatment is based on addressing underlying disease process | ||
*Solitary pedal edema need not to be treated with diuretics | **Solitary pedal edema need not to be treated with diuretics | ||
==Disposition== | ==Disposition== | ||
Revision as of 11:17, 4 December 2016
Background
- Definition: existence of the excess fluid in the lower extremity resulting in swelling of the feet and extending upward
- Further classified as pitting (depress-able) and non-pitting
Causes
- Increased hydrostatic pressure
- Decreased oncotic pressure
- Increased capillary permeability
- Lymphatic obstruction
Clinical Features
- Pedal edema
Differential Diagnosis
- Gravitational
- Venous insufufficiency/thrombophlebitis
- Drugs
- CHF
- Lymphedema
- Pretibial myxedema
Evaluation
Management
- Treatment is based on addressing underlying disease process
- Solitary pedal edema need not to be treated with diuretics
Disposition
- Most patients may be safely discharged home.
- Patients should be followed up in medical clinic for further investigation and care.