Swelling of the legs: causes, treatment and consequences

A symptom such as swelling of the legs can occur with various diseases. To successfully treat this condition, it is extremely important to find out the cause of its occurrence. The apparent swelling of the lower extremities and a noticeable increase in their circumference are often accompanied by other clinical signs. Swelling can be one-sided and bilateral, have different localization and severity. Now let's try to understand why the legs swell, on the basis of what additional symptoms the diagnosis is made and whether there are effective ways to deal with this manifestation.

Classification of edema

Depending on the cause of the uncomfortable swelling of the lower extremities, the following varieties are distinguished:

• Neuropathic - such edema accompanies the course of diabetes and alcoholism.
• Cachectal - indicate a depletion of the body or diseases of the cardiovascular system.
• Mechanical - develop due to trauma, increased load on the legs.
• Hydremic - swelling on the legs is provoked by diseases of the excretory system and the accumulation of excess fluid in the body.
• Stagnant - swelling is formed as a result of increased vascular permeability and increased capillary pressure.
• Allergic - arise as a reaction of the body to an irritant (insect bite, chemicals, contact with an allergenic plant, etc.).

This violation can occur both on one of the limbs, and simultaneously on both, there is swelling of the legs in the ankle, foot, lower leg, and thigh.

What provokes swelling of the limbs

Drug therapy, procedures, baths will not bring any result if you do not identify the cause of edema. Legs can swell in both men and women. More often this symptom occurs when:

• pathologies of the kidneys;
• endocrine system disorders;
• chronic cardiovascular failure;
• thrombosis, varicose veins and inflammation of the veins;
• stagnation of lymphatic fluid in the limbs;
• diabetes mellitus;
• cirrhosis.

Sometimes the cause of leg edema in women is pregnancy - the kidneys can hardly cope with the increased load. In this case, the patient should reconsider her drinking regimen, limit fluid intake. After childbirth, swelling of the lower extremities disappears without medical intervention.

Often, swelling of the legs in the ankle cause relatively harmless reasons:

• excessive salt intake, which interferes with the normal excretion of fluid from the body;
• walking, fatigue due to prolonged standing;
• drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially before bedtime;
• uncomfortable, tight shoes, uncomfortable heel height.

It can be difficult to determine right away why fluid accumulates and stagnates in the tissues of the lower extremities. To identify the real cause of leg swelling, you will have to take tests, undergo an ultrasound scan or resort to other diagnostic methods.

Most often, the problem disappears by itself as soon as the patient rests. It is much worse if swelling is constantly present, accompanied by pain, cyanosis or hyperemia of the skin. All of these symptoms may indicate one of the diseases described below.

Heart failure

Unlike non-pathological edema, changes in the lower extremities caused by weak heart function have characteristic features. Swelling occurs more often on the shins of the right and left legs. Edema, which affects men older than 45 years, in almost half of the cases caused by heart failure. The legs do not hurt, but when pressed, there are unpleasant sensations. In patients with heart problems, the epidermis in the swollen areas acquires a darkish bluish tint, remaining cold and motionless, the limbs go numb and freeze. Swelling increases in the afternoon or after sleep.

With the appearance of edema, you need to pay attention to other symptoms. Arrhythmia, chest pain, shortness of breath can indicate heart failure. Swelling of the legs in men can serve as a harbinger of such a dangerous disease as a heart attack.

Rheumatic pathology

With rheumatism, leg edema is symmetrical. Concomitant symptoms are similar to those that occur with heart failure. In addition, swelling and joint pain, which negatively affect the patient's motor activity, are added to these manifestations.

The development of rheumatic diseases is most often preceded by a streptococcal infection, which primarily affects the lungs and upper respiratory tract. Upon confirmation of the diagnosis, the patient is hospitalized. Ignoring the symptoms of rheumatism is extremely dangerous, since in the absence of therapy, the disease can become chronic.

Diseases of the veins of the lower extremities

There are many pathologies that occur against the background of venous insufficiency. These include thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins. Patients with these diseases constantly swell and sore legs. The integuments over the places of swelling become red and hot, the swelling itself is firm and firm to the touch, just do not push it with a finger. All patients with venous insufficiency typically describe their feelings:

• it seems as though the legs are “burning”;
• throughout the day haunted by a feeling of heaviness in the legs;
• veins flow through the skin, resembling coarse uneven threads with convex knots;
• puffiness appears on the ankles and calves.

Varicose diseases of the lower extremities require immediate treatment. The cause of leg edema in the fairer sex over 30 years of age in the predominant number of cases is venous insufficiency, which can lead to hemorrhage and the appearance of trophic ulcers on the lower extremities. To get rid of this problem, women have to take special medications and wear compression underwear for several months. In advanced cases, the patient can only be helped surgically.

Leg swelling as an allergic reaction

In response to taking medication, contact with a plant, or an insect bite, some people swell limbs. Swelling looks like a dense tissue lesion, while there are no traces on the skin when pressed. The epidermis can turn red, become covered with a small rash and itch. Patients complain of a burning sensation of the affected limb, which increases with prolonged sitting, being in the same position. Before treating leg swelling caused by an allergen, it is necessary to clarify what caused the irritant and eliminate it. In order for the swelling to disappear faster and the itching disappear, the patient is prescribed antihistamines.

Kidney Disorders

The slightest malfunction in the excretory system leads to stagnation of fluid in the tissues. Leg swelling caused by kidney disease is usually located on the upper part of the foot. The swelling is symmetrical, it feels soft to the touch. In patients with a history of renal failure, a sudden swelling of the lower extremities from the lower legs to the ankle is possible.

The cause of leg swelling is excessive fluid intake. In parallel with changes in the limbs, the patient may experience other signs indicating the presence of renal impairment:

• "Bags" under the eyes;
• changes in the daily volume of urine;
• aching and pulling pain in the lumbar region.

Thyroid problems

Swelling of the legs may indicate a deficiency of hormones that are produced by the endocrine system. Often, the swelling resembles a pillow, because when pressed with fingers, deep fossae remain on it. If the pathology progresses, myxedema can develop - a dangerous condition, which is characterized by an increased concentration of fluid in all body tissues. The epidermis in such patients seems puffy, its surface quickly peels, coarsens, has a gray-yellow tint.

Liver disease

Leg edema in elderly patients often occurs against the background of a severe gland lesion. This condition is possible with cirrhosis, malignant neoplasms, portal hypertension. The cause of swelling of the extremities is the cessation of the production of albumin, a substance whose deficiency leads to metabolic disturbances and stagnation of blood. The result of this malfunction is often the formation of dense swelling of the ankles.

Against the background of liver diseases, yellowing of the skin, redness of the palms, gynecomastia in men is possible, in severe cases ascites develops.

Injuries

Almost any damage to the lower limb is accompanied by the appearance of swelling. Around the fracture, the bruise, sprain, sprains of the epidermis becomes cyanotic. Depending on the severity of the injury, the limb's motor ability is reduced, which hurts a lot with the slightest stirring. The leg swells instantly, and a few days after the injury, a hematoma appears.

To relieve puffiness, it is advisable to first determine the nature of the damage. To do this, you need to contact the emergency room as soon as possible and take an x-ray. Based on the diagnostic results, the doctor will prescribe treatment.

Lymphostasis

Violation of the outflow of lymphatic fluid accumulating in the tissues can be caused by a hereditary predisposition. Lymphostasis, as the cause of leg edema in women, can be a secondary ailment against the background of focal lesions of the inguinal lymph nodes in malignant tumors and metastasis of the uterus, rectum, ovaries, and in men with prostate cancer. The people call this disease elephantiasis. Often it develops due to metabolic disorders, increased loads on the lower extremities. Most often, elephantiasis is observed only on one, right or left leg. Edema is a noticeable accumulation of fluid under the skin over the entire surface.

As the disease that caused lymphostasis progresses, swelling can be accompanied by convulsions and critical fatigue. In the absence of data on the causes of leg edema and treatment of lymphostasis, the limb can swell to incredible sizes and cease to function. With a huge leg poured, it becomes difficult for the patient to get up, to move independently. In addition to the immobility of one of the limbs (right or left leg), edema can be accompanied by weakness, malaise, joint pain, low-grade fever and other symptoms specific to a specific causative disease.

Unbalanced diet

The process of removing fluid from the body is in a strong relationship with protein metabolism. Conscious or forced refusal of protein often leads to stagnation of fluid and the appearance of swelling of the legs. Such a violation most often occurs due to a sharp change in food preferences and eating style (vegetarianism, observing strict mono-diets, starvation, fasting days, etc.). If an unbalanced diet is the answer to the question “why do legs swell?”, You need to abandon self-compilation of the daily menu and seek help from a professional nutritionist.

Causes of swelling in women

According to statistics, ladies are more likely to complain of swelling of the lower extremities. In addition to the pathological causes of leg edema, in women, natural factors associated with the characteristics of their reproductive system are capable of provoking this phenomenon. So, for example, edema can be one of the manifestations of premenstrual syndrome. A swelling usually occurs a few days before the onset of menstruation. In addition to swelling of the lower extremities, some women may swell the face, stomach, possibly a slight increase in body weight. Often feet and legs are swollen during pregnancy, which is a consequence of an increase in blood plasma and uterine growth.

Drug treatment

Having learned about the probable causes of such an unpleasant symptom, we turn to the consideration of ways to treat leg swelling. First of all, as already mentioned, it is necessary to eliminate the provoking factor, i.e., to engage in the therapy of the underlying disease. To stop swelling, symptomatic therapy is performed. It is important to understand that in the absence of treatment for the main disease, the use of drugs to relieve edema will give a short-term effect. The list of drugs that are prescribed for patients with severe swelling of the legs includes:

Some of these drugs are used externally, another part - orally. Use of these drugs is possible only by agreement with the attending physician, since most of the medicines have contraindications and side effects.

If the cause of edema of the lower extremities was varicose veins, gymnastics will be an excellent addition to drug therapy - the implementation of simple physical exercises is aimed at improving the outflow of fluid. In cases where the cause of swelling was heart failure, on the contrary, it is desirable to limit the load. Slow and leisurely walking, swimming are allowed.

Folk therapy

The methods of traditional medicine in the treatment of leg edema are used as often as pharmaceutical drugs, especially if swelling of the lower extremities is caused by the influence of non-pathological factors. In addition, folk remedies are safer to use, since they practically have no contraindications and have a minimum of side effects. But still, before using herbal formulations, it is necessary to consult with your doctor.

Alternative home recipes are conditionally divided into two groups. Decoctions, infusions belong to one category, compresses and foot baths to the other.

For oral administration

If the legs swell, the treatment will be the use of herbs and products with a diuretic effect. In the people, such means are used to remove fluid from the body:

• Peppermint infusion. To cook it, you need 20 g of dry plant material and two glasses of boiling water. Drink instead of regular tea several times during the day. You can’t sweeten the drink, be sure to strain before taking.
• Pumpkin. You can use it in any form - baked or boiled, in the form of porridge or juice. Eating 100 g of this vegetable regularly, the patient will feel a general improvement in well-being. Pumpkin helps with diseases of the kidneys, heart, bladder.
• Carrot and cucumber juice. Vegetables for making juice are taken in equal proportions. To 50 ml of the resulting concentrate you need to add a teaspoon of lemon juice. Drink three times a day for a month.
• Flaxseed infusion. For one glass of boiling water, you need to take one tablespoon of grains, put the mixture on fire and simmer for about half an hour. Take a cold drink every three hours.
• Alcoholic elderberry tincture. 3-4 tbsp are poured into the prepared container. l plant materials and pour 500 ml of vodka. The tool is insisted in a dark cool place for 2 weeks. Once the medicine is ready, it must be filtered. The course of treatment is 10 days. Take the drug three times a day, 10 drops before meals.

Foot baths and compresses

To enhance the effect of taking systemic drugs, decoctions and infusions, you can use therapeutic baths and compresses. According to patients, the simplest and most effective formulations:

• Salt foot bath. In a container with water prepared for the procedure, pour one glass of sea salt (if it is absent, you can use table salt), lower your legs there for 15-20 minutes. Water temperature should not exceed +37 ° C. After the procedure, it is advisable to lie on your back with your legs raised.
• Chamomile foot bath. A liter of boiling water is poured into 100 g of phyto-collection, which is a mixture of chamomile flowers and mint leaves in the same proportion. Next, the mixture should be infused. After a couple of hours, the healing composition is poured into a container for the legs, warm water is added and legs are lowered for 15-20 minutes. The course of treatment is 2 weeks. It is necessary to carry out procedures with a one-day break.

• Potato compress. Raw root vegetables are rubbed on a fine grater, the resulting slurry is applied to the edema site and wrapped with cling film, and on top of it - with a cotton cloth for tight fixation of the compress. It is important that the potato mass act on the tissue for 10-12 hours, so most often the compress is set at night.

Power Features

A person who at least once in his life has encountered the problem of severe swelling of the legs, regardless of the causes of their occurrence, must understand that his body is prone to accumulate fluid. To minimize the likelihood of puffiness, even in the presence of adverse factors, it is necessary to make adjustments to the diet. First of all, it is important to exclude from the diet all foods that cause thirst:

• pickles and pickles;
• canned food and smoked meats;
• fried foods;
• mustard and vinegar;
• flour and sweets;
• fatty meat and fish;
• whole milk.

In addition, you need to follow the universal recommendations of specialists aimed at preventing edema of any physiology:

• reduce salt intake (up to 2 mg per day);
• do not limit physical activity (in the absence of contraindications from the cardiovascular system);
• do not start a disease that caused swelling on the legs;
• Wear compression knitted underwear.

Effective treatment of edema will become only if their main cause is identified. An effective therapeutic plan should be made by the attending physician after the results of the diagnosis.