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As functional venous valves are required to provide for efficient blood return from the lower extremities, this condition typically affects the legs. If the impaired vein function causes significant symptoms, such as swelling and ulcer formation, it is referred to as chronic venous disease. [3]
Peripheral edema is edema (accumulation of fluid causing swelling) in tissues perfused by the peripheral vascular system, usually in the lower limbs. In the most dependent parts of the body (those hanging distally ), it may be called dependent edema.
Edema may be described as pitting edema, or non-pitting edema. [32] Pitting edema is when, after pressure is applied to a small area, the indentation persists after the release of the pressure. Peripheral pitting edema, as shown in the illustration, is the more common type, resulting from water retention.
Lymphedema can occur in both the upper and lower extremities, and in some cases, the head and neck. Assessment of the extremities first begins with a visual inspection; color, presence of hair, visible veins, size and any sores or ulcerations are noted. Lack of hair may indicate an arterial circulation problem. [34]
Patients present with an acute onset of swelling, pain, erythema, prominent tenderness, warmness and limited range of motion in both ankles. [1] [2] Lower legs and heels may also be involved, however the distal parts of feet and toes are usually spared. Patients may also experience high-graded fever, pitting edema and hypotension.
Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) (literally: 'painful blue inflammation'), not to be confused with preceding phlegmasia alba dolens, is an uncommon severe form of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) that obstructs blood outflow from a vein. Upper extremity PCD is less common, occurring in under 10% of all cases. [1]
Because of its similarities to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), May–Thurner syndrome is rarely diagnosed amongst the general population. In this condition, the right iliac artery sequesters and compresses the left common iliac vein against the lumbar section of the spine, [5] resulting in swelling of the legs and ankles, pain, tingling, and/or numbness in the legs and feet. [6]
Aching, heavy legs [10] [11] Appearance of spider veins (telangiectasia) in the affected leg; Ankle swelling [10] [11] A brownish-yellow shiny skin discoloration near the affected veins; Redness, dryness, and itchiness of areas of skin, termed stasis dermatitis or venous eczema [11] Muscle cramps when making sudden movements, such as standing ...