Unexplained Leg Swelling: Seeking Medical Guidance

Swelling of both feet?

Hello Dr.
Liao: I am Mr.
Sun, living in Taitung.
My mother is experiencing unexplained swelling in both feet, accompanied by severe pain upon touch (without any visible wounds)! The hospital in Taitung was unable to determine the cause, and blood tests showed no abnormal results.
I would like to take my mother to a larger hospital for further evaluation (such as in Kaohsiung), but I am unsure which department to consult.
Could you please provide me with some guidance? I apologize for the intrusion and thank you for your assistance.

Sun Shiheng, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/11/14

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, there are many reasons for swelling in both legs, which could be due to edema, inflammation, or infection, and a differential diagnosis is necessary.
It is still recommended to consult your family physician for an initial evaluation, and based on the situation, a referral to a specialist may be needed.
Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide accurate diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2017/11/14

More Info

Hello Mr. Sun,
I understand your concern regarding your mother's unexplained leg swelling and pain. It can be quite distressing when a loved one experiences such symptoms without a clear diagnosis. Given the situation you've described, it's essential to approach this matter systematically to ensure your mother receives the appropriate care.

Firstly, unexplained leg swelling can arise from various causes, including but not limited to venous insufficiency, heart failure, kidney issues, infections, or even certain medications. Since your mother is experiencing significant pain without any visible wounds, it is crucial to rule out serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to complications if not treated promptly.

In terms of seeking medical guidance, I recommend that you consider taking your mother to a larger hospital where specialists can provide a more comprehensive evaluation. In this case, the following departments would be particularly relevant:
1. Internal Medicine: This department can help assess systemic issues that might be causing the swelling, such as heart or kidney problems. They can conduct a thorough examination and order necessary tests.

2. Vascular Surgery: If there is a suspicion of vascular issues, such as DVT or chronic venous insufficiency, a vascular surgeon can perform specialized tests like Doppler ultrasound to evaluate blood flow in the legs.

3. Rheumatology: If there is a possibility of an autoimmune condition causing the swelling and pain, a rheumatologist can provide insights and further testing.

4. Orthopedics: If there are concerns about joint issues or soft tissue problems, an orthopedic specialist can evaluate the musculoskeletal system.

Before your visit, it may be helpful to gather any relevant medical history, including medications your mother is taking, previous medical conditions, and any other symptoms she may have experienced. This information can assist the healthcare providers in making a more accurate diagnosis.

In the meantime, here are some general recommendations for managing her symptoms until you can get her to a specialist:
- Elevation: Encourage your mother to elevate her legs when sitting or lying down to help reduce swelling.

- Compression: If there is no contraindication, using compression stockings may help improve circulation and reduce swelling.

- Rest: Limiting activities that require prolonged standing or walking can help alleviate discomfort.

- Ice: Applying ice packs to the swollen areas may provide temporary relief from pain and swelling.

Lastly, if her condition worsens or if she experiences additional symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe pain in the leg, seek immediate medical attention, as these could be signs of a more serious condition.

I hope this information helps guide you in seeking the appropriate care for your mother. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have further questions or need additional assistance. Wishing your mother a swift recovery.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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