title: Approach to Lower Extremity Edema.
abstract: Lower extremity edema is extremely common among patients seen across multiple specialties. The differential diagnosis is broad and ranges from simple dependent edema to more complex conditions such as chronic venous disease and lymphedema. Several key features from the history and physical exam can assist with the diagnosis. Imaging is rarely necessary at the initial visit unless venous thromboembolism is suspected. Treatment is specific to the etiology of the edema, but compression stockings, elevation, exercise, and weight loss remain the cornerstone in most cases.
authors.affiliation: Johns Hopkins Center for Vascular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. evr@jhmi.edu.
authors.forename: Elizabeth V
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Ratchford
authors.affiliation: Section of Vascular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Natalie S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Evans
keywords: Edema; Lipedema; Lymphedema; Swelling; Venous Insufficiency