Swollen feet and legs, referred to medically as edema, occur when fluid is retained in the spaces between body cells. Edema typically affects the feet, ankles and lower legs, but can also impact any area of the body, causing systemic symptoms. Causes:
Ankleâbrachial pressure index - Interpretation of results. 1  In a normal subject the pressure at the ankle is slightly higher than at the elbow (there is reflection of the pulse pressure from the vascular bed of the feet, whereas at the elbow the artery continues on some distance to the wrist).
Physical Exam: The femoral, popliteal and DPA pulses are easily palpable however the PTA is absent bilaterally. Radial pulses were equal; brachial pressure was 138 mmHg on the right and 139 mmHg on the left by Doppler. There is mild edema present bilaterally, right equals left. There are a number of spider and reticular vein clusters bilateral lower extremities as well as some small to moderate sized varicosities.