Nad123 is correct. DVT causes major swelling (edema) in the legs.
Also-- because people with paralysis have lack of movement, there is a tendency for fluids to simply "pool". This is particularly true in cases where the paralyzed person sits in a wheelchair for lengths of time. Gravity pulls fluids down. Movements we take for granted... Walking, crossing-uncrossing legs, tapping feet, wiggling toes, etc all cause contractions of muscles--with the tightening aiding in muscle contractions thereby forcing the fluids back in through the tiny capillaries, to the veins, back into the bloodstream--- where it can be taken through the kidneys and eliminated.
Elevation of the legs can help immensely (using 'reverse gravity'). In many cases a drug, such as "Lasix" ( a diuretic) will be used to "force the elimination" of fluids.
**If this happening to you, or someone you know--- by all means--- get seen by a doctor. It can be progressive. Meaning, it continues to get worse without treatment. Possibly a simple pill, such as Lasix can hold it at bay. Left untreated, it possibly can progress where the fluid finds its way to the lungs/heart... Resulting in CHF (Congestive Heart Failure). CHF 'can' be fairly well 'managed'.... Yet it can be fatal if untreated.
Also-- because people with paralysis have lack of movement, there is a tendency for fluids to simply "pool". This is particularly true in cases where the paralyzed person sits in a wheelchair for lengths of time. Gravity pulls fluids down. Movements we take for granted... Walking, crossing-uncrossing legs, tapping feet, wiggling toes, etc all cause contractions of muscles--with the tightening aiding in muscle contractions thereby forcing the fluids back in through the tiny capillaries, to the veins, back into the bloodstream--- where it can be taken through the kidneys and eliminated.
Elevation of the legs can help immensely (using 'reverse gravity'). In many cases a drug, such as "Lasix" ( a diuretic) will be used to "force the elimination" of fluids.
**If this happening to you, or someone you know--- by all means--- get seen by a doctor. It can be progressive. Meaning, it continues to get worse without treatment. Possibly a simple pill, such as Lasix can hold it at bay. Left untreated, it possibly can progress where the fluid finds its way to the lungs/heart... Resulting in CHF (Congestive Heart Failure). CHF 'can' be fairly well 'managed'.... Yet it can be fatal if untreated.
