Complications of Lower Limb Edema

Abstract

Lower limb edema may resolve on its own; unmanaged edema stemming from chronic, systemic, and untreated causes can result in a variety of complications. Edema if left untreated can cause skin stretching to a point of pruritus and discomfort accompanied by painful swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Swollen areas are at increased risk of skin ulcers and infection. Cellulitis, dermatitis, superficial thrombophlebitis, and venous ulcer are the likely complications of lower limb edema which develop over time. Blood clots in deep veins, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis, are more likely when blood circulation is decreased as a result of edema. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2022.