DIAGNOSIS CHECKLIST
for Foot swelling

Why: to determine if acute or chronic. If acute must consider deep venous thrombosis, lymphangitis, trauma, cellulitis.

Why: foot swelling is not an uncommon symptom of later pregnancy that may be benign but may be a symptom of preeclampsia.

Why: e.g. female sex, family history of varicose veins, overweight or obese, pregnancy, increasing age, occupations which require long periods of standing, low fibre diet.

Why: e.g. prolonged bed rest, post - operation, congestive cardiac failure, varicose veins, cancer, oral contraceptive pill.

Why: may suggest foot trauma, gout, cellulitis.

Why: may suggest lymphangitis, cellulitis, thrombophlebitis, angioneurotic edema, insect bite, snake bite, gout.

Why: if swelling is generalized, this may suggest cirrhosis of the liver, constrictive pericarditis, congestive cardiac failure, nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, malnutrition or Beri-beri.

Why: may suggest congestive cardiac failure, constrictive pericarditis.

Why: may suggest varicose veins.

Why: e.g. may be symptomless. Symptoms may include swelling of feet and lower legs (usually bilateral), leg fatigue, leg heaviness and aching discomfort in legs.

Why: e.g. ache or tightness over calf, acute diffuse unilateral leg and foot swelling, increased warmth over the calf.

Why: e.g. pitting ankle and foot swelling, shortness of breath on exertion and fatigue.