The newspaper (reporter Yang Fengli) reader Mr. Liu recently asked the newspaper for help, his father, 55 years old, had a sudden cerebral hemorrhage in July last year, and then did rehabilitation training. But now the old man from the knee to the surface of the foot are edema is very strong, morning up is lighter, in the afternoon and evening swelling more powerful. The old man’s blood sugar and blood pressure were normal. In this regard, Du Jubao of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at Xuanwu Hospital reminded the elderly to avoid standing for long periods of time and to take medication to prevent it if necessary. Du Jubao, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University Du Jubao pointed out that there are many reasons for swelling of the lower limbs on the hemiplegic side after stroke, but the most common is that the patient is bedridden for a long time due to lower limb paralysis and low muscle tone. The swelling of this nature is generally characterized as “heavy at night and light in the morning”. It is usually caused by the relative elevation of the affected limb after the patient goes to sleep, which improves the venous return and therefore causes the symptoms to be lighter when the patient wakes up. During the day, patients sit and stand more often, and the venous return to the lower extremities is slow, so the swelling is usually heavier in the afternoon and evening. In this case, patients are advised to avoid sitting in chairs or beside the bed for a long time, to avoid standing quietly for a long time, and to elevate the lower limbs when walking or sitting appropriately. Highly elastic stockings can be worn and some patients need to take drugs such as Bactrim to promote and improve circulation. In addition, stroke patients who are malnourished may also show lower limb edema in the early stage; poor heart, liver and kidney function can also cause edema in the limbs. Patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension for many years may also have swelling of the lower limbs due to damage to the nerves and blood vessels of the limbs, which may also appear as “light in the morning and heavy at night”. It is recommended to consult a doctor in time for a clear diagnosis and proper treatment.
Beijing Times (July 1, 2009, page C02)