Leg swelling can occur even in healthy people. But if healthy legs need only a few hours of rest to remove the tumor, then in case of illness this problem remains relevant for a very long time.
If your leg is suddenly swollen, there may be several reasons for this:
- Heart failure. This disease is very serious and is manifested not only by swelling of the legs, but also accompanied by a huge number of other symptoms. With this disease, the legs are often cold, swelling appears after sleep or in the late afternoon and is located on both legs. If a person lies for a long time, then the lower back can also swell.
The development of the disease also provokes swelling of the hands, shortness of breath with light physical exertion, the appearance of excess weight. If you have diagnosed yourself with such symptoms, then you must urgently consult a doctor, or the outcome will be very sad.
1. Varicose veins. This pathology provokes a violation in the outflow of blood from the vessels of the legs. The liquid contained in the vessels penetrates the soft tissues, which is why edema appears. Such a problem occurs gradually, so the patient will not be able to say specifically when his leg is swollen.
Unlike heart failure, varicose veins act asymmetrically on the lower extremities. As a rule, after sleep, swelling decreases. Among other things, dilated veins or trophic ulcers can be seen on the legs, sometimes it comes to minor hemorrhages. The cause of this disease is a violation in the nutrition of tissues and blood circulation.
2. Vascular thrombosis or phlebitis. This condition is extremely dangerous, since a blood clot forms in the lumen of the vessels, clogging it. Due to this pathology, the liquid part of the blood penetrates and lingers in the soft tissues. This disease can be called acute inflammation of the legs, which can lead to dire consequences.
If you suspect that your leg is swollen due to phlebitis or thrombophlebitis, then also pay attention to the presence of injuries, infections or impaired renal function, because all this can cause the disease. Edema is constantly hot, dense and painful, regardless of physical activity and time of day.
Pain is felt in the legs and it is localized in the place of the thrombus. The intensity of pain directly depends on the degree of blockage of the vessel.
3. Cachexia and starvation. Edema in this case occurs due to a violation of protein metabolism during the abuse of mono-diets and fasting days, as well as due to the introduction of vegetarianism into the lifestyle. In this case, a sign may be not only that the legs are swollen, but also a violation of water exchange throughout the body.
4. Diseases of the liver. With such pathologies, liver cells begin to die, and it does not cope with all the functions assigned to it. Metabolism is impaired, fluid is retained in the body due to a violation of albumin production. In a large circle of blood circulation, stagnation occurs and the abdomen begins to swell. This edema compresses the inferior vena cava and provokes an increase in edema of the lower extremities.
5. Hypotheriosis. This disease occurs as a result of impaired thyroid function and decreased hormone production. This diagnosis can be confirmed if you have a swollen leg in the ankle area, and the skin becomes like wax and no fossa appears in the swollen area due to pressure.
6. Taking medication. If you often use hormonal drugs, antidepressants, beta-blockers, local edema in the lower extremities may occur. You can avoid problems when using the drug strictly in accordance with the instructions. In case of problems, you should immediately consult a doctor who will replace your medication.
Anyway, if you notice that your leg is swollen, then you should not look for the causes yourself and try to remove the swelling yourself, it is better to immediately consult a doctor and cure the very cause of their appearance.