OBSERVATION OF THE LEGS
Observation of legs includes both observation of the legs themselves and also of the gait.
The symptoms and signs related to the legs are in Chapter 66 of Part 5.
LEG SIGNS
Oedema
Observation, Chapter 18; Interrogation, Chapter 39; Symptoms and Signs, Chapters 64, 66, 68
Oedema is generally caused by Yang deficiency of the Lung, Spleen or Kidneys or by retention of Dampness. When oedema affects the legs, it is due either to a Spleen-Yang deficiency, a Kidney-Yang deficiency or a combination of the two. In some cases, oedema may also be due to an accumulation of Dampness in the legs, which prevents the proper transformation of fluids; in this case, besides showing oedema, the legs will look generally puffy. Oedema caused by deficiency of Yang or Dampness shows pitting, that is, the skin pits on pressure. In a few cases, oedema may be due to stagnation of Qi and Blood in the legs, in which case it is non-pitting (Fig. 19.1).
Fig. 19.1 Causes of oedema of the legs
Case history 19.1 illustrates a pattern of Spleen- and Kidney-Yang deficiency underlying leg oedema.
