Differential Diagnosis for Swelling in the Feet and Legs
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Dependent Edema: This is the most common cause of swelling in the feet and legs, often due to gravity causing fluid to accumulate in the lower extremities, especially in individuals who are sedentary or have poor circulation. It can also be a sign of more serious conditions but is frequently seen in otherwise healthy individuals.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Heart Failure: Swelling in the feet and legs can be a sign of right-sided heart failure, where the heart is not pumping efficiently, leading to fluid buildup.
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency: This condition occurs when the veins have problems returning blood from the legs to the heart due to issues like valve problems, leading to swelling.
- Lymphedema: A condition characterized by the abnormal collection of protein-rich fluid in the interstitial tissue, leading to swelling of one or more extremities.
- Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can cause swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in a deep vein, typically in the legs, which can cause swelling, pain, and discoloration.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pulmonary Embolism: While not directly causing swelling, DVT can lead to a pulmonary embolism if the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs, which is life-threatening.
- Nephrotic Syndrome: A collection of symptoms indicating kidney damage, specifically to the glomeruli, leading to severe swelling (edema) in the legs and feet among other symptoms.
- Liver Cirrhosis: Can lead to fluid buildup in the body, including the legs, due to decreased liver function and subsequent hypoalbuminemia.
Rare Diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: A disease characterized by the growth of granulomas (inflammatory cells) in various parts of the body, which can lead to swelling in the legs if it affects the lymph nodes or other tissues in the lower extremities.
- Fabry Disease: A rare genetic disorder that can lead to the accumulation of a particular type of fat in the body's cells, affecting many parts of the body and potentially causing swelling in the feet and legs.
- Erythromelalgia: A rare disorder characterized by burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet, which can also include swelling as a symptom.