Suggest Treatment For Edema On Foot And Legs

Posted on Sun, 1 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 1 Feb 2015 Answered on

Mon, 2 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 65 yr old disabled veteran (wheelchair bound) with neuropathy- scerladerma from agent orange exposure and just started to get edema in top of left foot and leg. What can be causing this edema? My left foot is twice the size of the right one.

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Immobilisation vs Cardiac disease.Needs further evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir.

I understand your concern.

The probable cause of pedal edema in your case is prolonged immobilization and associated neuropathy.

Its extremely important to rule out underlying cardiac disease as well which can start as pedal edema.

Hence I strongly advise you to have a baseline ECG and 2 Dimensional echo.

Further management largely depends on the test results.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D