Swollen Feet and Urinary Discomfort: Prostate Health Insights

Q: Swollen Feet and Urinary Discomfort: Prostate Health Insights

Hello： 1) If there is noticeable edema, there could be many causes. <br>Kidney function should be checked, and blood sugar and blood pressure should also be monitored. <br>It is recommended to consult a family medicine department at a hospital to identify the cause. <br>2) Regard

Swelling in the legs, discomfort from not urinating, and leg pain?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions.
My father is currently 61 years old and about a month or two ago, he discovered that he has swelling in his legs.
At that time, he mentioned that he felt discomfort while urinating.
He visited both the urology and nephrology departments at the hospital.
The urologist conducted blood tests and a urinalysis, but the results were normal.
He was prescribed medication, and after taking it, the discomfort during urination improved.
However, later on, he started to feel discomfort when he wasn't urinating, which has continued to this day.
When he saw the nephrologist, the leg swelling had subsided, so the doctor said there was no issue and did not prescribe any medication.
Later, the swelling in his legs returned, and he occasionally feels pain in his legs.
Recently, I came across news about benign prostatic hyperplasia and searched for information about the prostate, finding that some symptoms are somewhat similar to my father's, except he does not have frequent urination or difficulty urinating.
However, I read that swelling can be related to prostate enlargement, so I would like to ask the doctor if my father's symptoms are related to benign prostatic hyperplasia, and whether he should see a urologist, nephrologist, or another specialist?

Seuta Wu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/11/24

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: 1) If there is noticeable edema, there could be many causes.
Kidney function should be checked, and blood sugar and blood pressure should also be monitored.
It is recommended to consult a family medicine department at a hospital to identify the cause.
2) Regarding urinary symptoms, at the age of 61, prostate issues are most likely.
It is also advisable to see a urology department at a hospital for medication evaluation, post-void residual measurement, and prostate cancer screening, all of which are necessary.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2019/11/24

More Info

Swollen feet and urinary discomfort can indeed be interconnected, particularly in the context of prostate health. Your father's symptoms, including the recent onset of swollen feet and discomfort during urination, warrant a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying causes.
Firstly, it is essential to understand that the prostate gland, located just below the bladder, plays a significant role in urinary function. As men age, the prostate can enlarge, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This enlargement can lead to various urinary symptoms, including difficulty urinating, a weak urine stream, and discomfort during urination. While your father does not report frequent urination or difficulty in starting urination, the discomfort he experiences could still be related to prostate issues, especially if there is any degree of inflammation or irritation present.

The connection between swollen feet and urinary issues can be multifaceted. Swelling in the feet, or peripheral edema, can occur for several reasons, including heart, kidney, or liver problems. In some cases, urinary retention or difficulty in urination can lead to fluid retention in the body, which may manifest as swelling in the lower extremities. However, since your father has seen a nephrologist and was told that his kidney function is normal, it may be less likely that his edema is directly related to kidney dysfunction.

Given that your father has already consulted with both urology and nephrology, it may be beneficial for him to revisit a urologist for further evaluation of his prostate health. A urologist can perform additional tests, such as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, digital rectal examination (DRE), or even imaging studies to assess the prostate's size and condition. These tests can help rule out any significant prostate issues, including prostatitis or BPH, which could be contributing to his urinary discomfort.

Additionally, it is essential to consider other potential causes of his symptoms. For instance, certain medications can lead to urinary discomfort or contribute to fluid retention. If your father is taking any medications, it would be wise to review these with his healthcare provider. Lifestyle factors, such as diet, hydration, and physical activity, can also influence both urinary health and fluid retention.

In summary, while your father's symptoms could be related to prostate health, particularly if there is an underlying issue such as BPH or prostatitis, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive evaluation to rule out other potential causes. I recommend that he return to a urologist for further assessment and possibly a more detailed examination of his prostate health. Additionally, if the swelling in his feet persists or worsens, a follow-up with a nephrologist or a cardiologist may be warranted to explore other potential causes of edema.
Encouraging your father to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate hydration, can also support his overall health and potentially alleviate some of his symptoms. It is essential to keep an open line of communication with his healthcare providers to ensure that all aspects of his health are being addressed.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Prostate Swelling: When to Seek Medical Advice

Hello, doctor. I sometimes feel a sensation of fullness and slight itching in my prostate. Could this be prostatitis? However, I do not experience frequent urination, and my bathroom visits are normal without pain or interruptions. Should I see a doctor for this?

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: If prostate swelling occurs daily, you should seek medical attention. If it happens occasionally, just pay attention to your diet. Drink plenty of plain water, and avoid alcohol and spicy or irritating foods. Walking for half an hour each day and avoiding prolonged sitting...

Understanding Urinary Issues: Pain and Discomfort Explained

Recently, I have been experiencing redness, swelling, and pain around the urethra, groin pain, and pain in my back, thighs, and inner thighs. Occasionally, my testicles also hurt, and I feel generally weak. In the morning, when I urinate, there is some stickiness at the urethral ...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: If there has been no unsafe sexual behavior, the symptoms of redness, swelling, and pain around the urethra, groin pain, pain in the back of the thighs and inner thighs, occasional testicular pain, and some stickiness at the urethral opening causing painful urination may i...

Understanding Prostate Inflammation: Symptoms and Treatment Insights

Hello Doctor: For the past three months, I have been experiencing swelling and pain in the right groin, right lower abdomen, right flank, right lower back, and right inner thigh. After ejaculation, there is also pain extending from the right pelvis to the outer thigh. Since I was...

Dr. Liu Jiaju reply Urology
The symptoms you mentioned and the prostate fluid analysis indeed align with the diagnosis of prostatitis. It is recommended to undergo a complete treatment course, and then have a physician evaluate the situation. If there is no improvement, the physician should arrange for a co...

Understanding Urination Issues and Prostate Health Concerns

Hello Doctor, 1. When I wake up in the morning, I have a strong urge to urinate. Although I have a lot of urine, I do not experience morning erections, and my urination is intermittent. I even have to exert effort to urinate. I am unsure if there is a problem. 2. I read online...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: 1) If your symptoms are persistent, it is advisable to seek medical attention (if they occur occasionally, there is no need to worry). 2) Prostatitis does not cause knee pain. 3) A medical examination is recommended. Wishing you good health.