Pitting Edema

[Exhausted1984]

Hey!   I'm a 28 year old female and am probably 40 pounds overweight.  For the past couple months I have had a problem with pitting edema, mainly on my left left ankle and calf, but on my right leg a little as well.  A couple weeks ago I finally visited a doctor regarding this issue.  All she did was order blood work to check for diabetes and thyroid problems and all the labs came back good, no problems.  She prescribed Lasix (20mg) to be taken once daily for 30 days.  However, the problem still persist and some days are better than others.  I'm a college student and walking across campus sometimes makes my calf muscles and legs feel really tight, especially my left leg.  My legs feel tired a lot and the left one will have occasional tingling sensations down my leg and into my foot and toes, it feels strange.  I'm on my feet a lot; I work about 30 hours per week (give or take a few) at a job in retail where I'm on my feet 6-8 hours per shift.  I don't know if this is something to be concerned about and whether to seek further care regarding it.  It's annoying and worrisome.  What should I do?  And what could be causing this?  Thanks!

[Exhausted1984]

Hi, Bridget.  Thanks for taking time to respond.  I went to another doctor on Friday because I had a lot of fluid and swelling in my legs.  She sent me for an ultrasound to make sure there were no blood clots and there weren't.  Isn't the Lasix just treating a symptom, not the underlying cause?  Is this something to be concerned about?  My worry is that I will go through tests and nothing will be found, leaving me with a bunch of medical bills and no answers.

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Hi and thanks for using the forum.

What you have described sounds like a dependent edema.  Have you finished taking the Lasix? Did you notice any difference at all when taking it?  You could try wearing support stockings when you are at work and you know you are going to be on your feet for long periods.  This can help reduce your swelling.  Also, frequent exercise can help.  If you are still having the edema despite the Lasix, then you should follow up with your primary care doctor.  Good luck.

Bridget