Nothing's swell
Question
My lower legs and feet keep swelling really badly. I want to know if I can see a specialist about this. It's affecting me in so many ways, and I am getting fed up with covering my legs all the time.
Answer
This kind of swelling can be really uncomfortable and it must be very frustrating to have to alter your lifestyle and dress differently because of it.
If you have not been to your local doctor (GP) already you may want to book an appointment. Swelling of the legs and feet can be symptoms of a variety of conditions, each of which have different specialists and variations of treatment.
This kind of swelling can be experienced at different times. Some people find that travelling on long journeys can cause swelling. In this case you may find that wearing supportive stockings, walking around at regular intervals and exercising your legs can often help to prevent it. Some people experience swelling of the joints after exercise, which is often due to a recurring sports injury or could even be linked to arthritis. Others experience swelling regularly, particularly when they have been on their feet for a long time, if they are overweight or if they are feeling stressed. In these instances the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or a water tablet such as those used to treat water retention conditions like Oedema.
To help your doctor assess your condition properly perhaps you can keep a diary highlighting when the swelling tends to get worse and if this coincides with any changes in your lifestyle or activities.
As there are so many different conditions that can cause swelling in the legs and feet the only way you can be diagnosed is to see your GP. It is unlikely that your problem will cause any great damage to your health but the doctor may suggest blood tests to rule out any more serious conditions. Once you have done that it may then be possible to be referred to a relevant specialist.
If you have already been to your doctor then it may be worth asking for a referral to a specialist, particularly if they have diagnosed a specific condition. If you feel your doctor hasn't provided you with an accurate diagnosis then you are always entitled to a second opinion.
If it turns out that you have a particular condition then you might like to join a support group where you would be able to discuss your thoughts and feelings with other people who have been through similar experiences and treatments.
Updated: 06/06/2011
Question answered by bss
