Causes of leg swelling and countermeasures
If you thick legs it may mean you need a break, yes leg swelling can also be a sign of serious diseases be. An expert explains which ones causes behind it and what can be done about it.
“Can do a hundred different things swollen legs cause”says Dr. Francis Caputo. And these can range from no big deal to very serious, the vascular surgeon explains in a recent issue contribution der Cleveland Clinic (USA).
Signs of swollen legs
If you have trouble putting on or taking off your shoes or socks, it could be an indication that something is wrong. Or if you find it’s harder than usual, yours ankle to bend, swelling can be the cause.
“If you gently press on your lower leg and your fingerprint If you can see for more than a few seconds, you probably have excess fluid retention”, explains Dr. Caputo. Other signs of swollen legs can include:
- Indentations left on your skin when you take off your socks or pant legs.
- Legs or feet that feel heavy, numb, or itchy.
- Skin that looks swollen, stretched, or shiny.
- Skin that feels tight or painful.
Why legs can swell
For There are a variety of causes of swollen legs, repeats Dr. Caputo. Sometimes they are due to fluid buildup after a long day on your feet. In other cases, leg swelling can be a sign of a serious medical condition.
Edema
If you’ve been on your feet all day, it’s not uncommon for your legs or feet swollen are. The same applies if you have been sitting in the car or on the plane for hours.
This swelling, edema (“water in the legs‘ or ‘water retention’) occurs when fluid builds up in your feet and legs. It’s more common in people who are overweight or pregnant, but can happen to anyone.
what at fluid in the leg helps: Limit salt in your diet. When traveling, get up frequently to stretch and exercise.
proven Home remedies for water in the legs: If you have mild swelling, go for a walk or put your feet up on a pillow.
Tiefe Venenthrombose
a deep Venenthrombose (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a vein in your body, usually (but not always) in your pelvis, thigh or lower leg. Typical symptoms of DVT are:
- Dilated veins near the surface of your skin.
- pain or tenderness in your leg.
- Swelling in one leg, sometimes accompanied by red or warm skin.
DVT is not itself life-threatening. However, if a clot dissolves, it can get into your lungs and block blood flow. This can lead to a pulmonary embolism – a very serious situation.
What to do about it: If you notice signs of DVT, it’s important to get treatment right away to reduce the risk of it pulmonary embolism to reduce. Your doctor or health care professional may recommend the following:
- put your feet up
- Wearing compression stockings.
- Medication.
- surgical treatment.
Venous insufficiency
Big legs can get through too The venous disease how venous insufficiency arise. Venous insufficiency sometimes develops in people who have had a DVT in the past.
What you can do about it: If you live with venous insufficiency, your doctor can do the following recommend:
- Lifestyle changes such as exercising more and losing weight.
- wear compression stockings.
- Medication.
- surgical treatment.
lymphedema
A lymphedema occurs when your body’s lymph nodes aren’t filtering lymph fluid as well as they should. When that happens, there can be swelling of one or more limbs, ranging from mild to dramatic.
Lymphedema sometimes occurs in people who lymph nodes removed for cancer treatment. It can also affect people whose lymph nodes are damaged or not working properly for other reasons. Common treatments for lymphedema include:
- compression stockings.
- lymphatic drainage (a form of self-massage).
- surgical treatment.
Heart, kidney or liver disease
if your organs not working as well as they should, fluid can build up in your legs. Heart failure, kidney and liver disease can cause swelling in your legs.
What to do about it: If you have (or think you have) one of these conditions and you notice new or persistent swelling in your legs, talk to a doctor about them treatment these diseases.
When medical help is needed
Many other medical conditions can also cause leg swelling, including infections, injuries and conditions such as arthritis. If the swelling isn’t too dramatic and goes away within a day or so, it’s probably nothing to worry about. However, talk to a doctor if your swelling:
- Lasts longer.
- Occurs regularly.
- Affects only one leg.
- Occurs along with other symptoms.
“Swollen legs are often a sign of a bigger problem”says Dr. Caputo. “If you have leg swelling, you should see your GP to find out what is up.“ (ad)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Sources:
- Cleveland Clinic: 5 Reasons Your Legs May Be Swollen and What To Do About It, (Abruf: 24.09.2022), Cleveland Clinic
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.