Swelling of the Extremities
Alternate Names : Peripheral Edema, Swelling of the Arms OR Legs, Swelling of the Limbs
Extremities is a term used to describe the arms and legs. Swelling may occur in the limbs for many reasons.
What is going on in the body?
Most people notice when their limbs swell. The swelling can not only be seen, but also often causes discomfort or even pain. Swelling may occur in only one limb or all of them.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Swelling in the limbs can be due to any of several problems. Some of these conditions affect only one limb, or only the legs, while others may affect all the limbs at once. Examples of causes include:
congestive heart failure
lung disorders, such as pulmonary edema
problems in the veins of the leg, such as varicose veins or blood clots, also called deep venous thrombosis
liver failure, such as cirrhosis
kidney failure, such as chronic renal failure or acute renal failure
kidney disorders, such as nephrotic syndrome
hypothyroidism
tumors or cancer
infections, such as cellulitis
pregnancy
certain medications, such as nifedipine, estrogen or corticosteroids
low protein in the blood, called hypoalbuminemia, which may be due to malnutrition, kidney disease such as glomerulonephritis, or liver disease, such as hepatitis
trauma to the lymph drainage system of a limb, such as swelling in the arm after breast cancer surgery
Other causes are also possible. Sometimes, the cause cannot be found.
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