Swollen Legs: What Are the Causes and Treatments?

There are several reasons that can lead to inflammation and swelling in the legs. While this condition is not always a serious concern, it’s better to analyze the causes of swollen legs and check for signs of any underlying health problem.

Here are some of the causes and treatment of swollen legs:

❖Foot or Ankle Injury

As a natural response to an injury caused to the ankle or foot, there can be inflammation or swelling in the lower leg. This will most likely be due to swollen and irritated tissues, wear and tear in a tendon or ligament, or a sprained ankle. 

There are various ways to treat common foot or ankle injuries. These include:

• Ample rest to prevent further harm to your foot. 
• Application of ice packs to reduce the swelling and numb the pain. 
• Elevate the foot/ankle above the heart level to reduce swelling.

❖Edema (Fluid Buildup)

Edema is a condition that may occur when excess fluid gets accumulated in the tissues or blood vessels of your legs. This can happen if you have been sitting for too long or have been on your feet all day. It can also be a side-effect of obesity, pregnancy, premenstrual symptoms, or high intake of salt.

Treatment: Although mild edema usually subsides on its own without any medication, some treatment options include massaging the lymph nodes, gentle exercises, and bandaging the affected region.

❖Kidney Disease

If kidneys are unable to filter out water and waste products from the blood, it can lead to the build-up of fluids in the ankles and lower legs. You may also experience other symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath, frequent urination, bleeding, and hypertension. 

Treatment:Kidney disease can be treated based on its underlying cause, using medications prescribed by your doctor. However, serious kidney disease can lead to kidney failure, which may further need dialysis or a kidney transplant. 

❖Congestive Heart Failure

This is a chronic condition that affects your heart’s ability to pump enough blood volume to your body. It can eventually lead to blood and other fluids to build up in your abdomen, lungs, liver, and especially your legs and lower body.

Treatment: Explain all your symptoms to your doctor, who may then refer you to a cardiologist or a heart specialist. Depending on the progress of your condition and overall health, different treatment options may be considered.

❖Varicose Veins

Also termed as venous insufficiency, this condition occurs when the veins are unable to pump adequate blood to the body. This ultimately results in the blood leaking down the vessels and pooling in the legs, causing them to swell.

Treatment: Mild cases of varicose veins will not require you to see a doctor and can be relieved with basic home remedies and alternative medicines. Superficial varicose veins can be comforted by using compression stockings or over-the-counter medicines, as recommended by your doctor. 

If you notice any symptoms like the skin over your varicose veins becoming discolored, flaky, or prone to bleeding, or if you have injured your varicose vein, consult your doctor immediately.

As leg swelling can be a sign of a serious health condition, visit your vascular doctor right away. They will be able to diagnose the problem and let you know the treatment that may be required.

If you want an effective treatment for swollen legs, contact us to schedule an appointment.