What causes swelling in the limbs?
Sep 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Cong
Introduction
In general, swelling in the limbs may be related to prolonged sitting or standing, hypothyroidism, cerebral infarction, rheumatic heart valve disease, chronic renal failure, and other factors. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, such swelling may also be associated with conditions such as hepatic ascites and liver cancer. If patients experience any discomfort, they should promptly seek medical attention at a hospital to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Under normal circumstances, limb edema may be associated with prolonged sitting or standing, hypothyroidism, cerebral infarction, rheumatic heart valve disease, chronic renal failure, and other factors. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Prolonged Sitting or Standing
If a patient frequently sits or stands for long periods, it may lead to poor blood circulation, thereby causing limb edema. This can be alleviated through appropriate physical activity and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing.
2. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism may result from autoimmune abnormalities, thyroid surgery, or insufficient iodine intake. Due to inadequate thyroid hormone secretion, protein metabolism in the body becomes impaired, leading to myxedema. This condition may cause symptoms such as swelling, joint pain, and weight gain, including edema in the limbs. Patients may take medications such as levothyroxine sodium tablets or thyroid tablets as directed by a physician.
3. Cerebral Infarction
Cerebral infarction can easily cause peripheral nerve nutritional disorders in limbs. Poor vascular circulation leads to slow venous return, resulting in limb edema. Patients may be treated with medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets or clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate tablets as prescribed.
4. Rheumatic Heart Valve Disease
Due to reduced or failed cardiac function, weakened myocardial contraction and relaxation, and decreased cardiac output, peripheral circulation is impaired, leading to limb edema. Treatment should follow medical advice using cardiotonic and diuretic drugs, such as digoxin tablets or furosemide tablets.
5. Chronic Renal Failure
A decreased glomerular filtration rate leads to water and sodium retention, reduced urine output, and fluid accumulation, resulting in limb edema. Treatment under medical guidance may include diuretics, anti-edema agents, and antihypertensive drugs, such as amlodipine besylate tablets or benazepril hydrochloride tablets.
In addition, limb edema may also be related to factors such as hepatic ascites or liver cancer. If patients experience discomfort or symptoms, they should seek timely medical evaluation to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
