What Causes Excessive Swelling In Legs And Ankles?

Posted on Sat, 7 May 2016

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

Sat, 7 May 2016 Answered on

Fri, 24 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My legs and ankles have swollen up excessively today. I broke my right leg last year and that leg swelled for about 9 months. This time both legs are involved. Blood pressure was 129/79 today.

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need work up and management accordingly.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. Swollen legs with history of leg trauma are correlated but the bilateral swelling this time needs work up to sort out other causes. Dependant edema, age related declines in cardiovascular issues, or renal compromise , reduced blood proteins like albumin etc need to be considered.

I would like you to consult a doctor, let them examine you, run some labs, do the heart functions and kidney functions evaluation and blood work up t o rule out any sinister causes for the leg swelling. It may be merely age related lymphedema or dependant edema common after traumatic injuries but there is no harm in getting evaluated.

I hope it helps. take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar