Swollen Leg

[Biccylova]

My OH has had a badly swollen leg for months now, its very painful he's had a scan that ruled out blood clots and a Doppler test that showed good blood flow, apparently its something that some old people get, and there is nothing to be done except resting the leg and taking water tablets, what I want to know is does this ever get better on its own? and what actually causes it to happen in the first place? he could have asked the Doctor but didn't so I hope you good folks have the answers.

[Sqad]

I presume that this is just one swollen leg and not both?
In which case, as blood flow and clots have been ruled out, this only realistically leaves a condition called Lymphoedema, which is a blockage of the lymphatic channels. Cause is unknown but gland involvement in the groin and in the pelvis must be excluded by a scan.
Difficult to treat and "water tablets are of little or no use in the treatment.
It doesn't get better and the important thing is to massage the leg with E45 cream to maintain the condition of the skin.
Often seen in obese patients.

[Biccylova]

OK thanks quad. I will make him another Doctors appointment and go in with him to talk further about it I think, yes its only one leg. he's already getting fed up with sitting about, but he is 81 after all, its about time for taking it easy.

[Rockrose]

Try wearing flight socks for the compression effect

[237SJ]

^Flight socks won't make any difference.

[ducksie]

If it's lymphodema he may as RR said need flight socks or even have his leg bandaged regularly with the likes of Actico dressings or whatever, he could be shown how to do Manual Lymph Drainage, that would help, it's so important if it is lymphodema to elevate the legs at times during the day and protect it from infection (cellulitis/ulcers) do this by keeping leg moist with the e45 of any other emolients (I see sqad mentioned that already) he really should see a vascular surgeon if he has lymphodema as it has so many more complications - the water tablets are useless for this as it is a different type of fluid-it's to do with the lymphatic drainage - who ever prescribed them needs to get back to their text books

[Rockrose]

Flight socks will help by compression of the swollen leg in the absence of proper compression garments

[Biccylova]

Thanks for all your opinions and advise.