Leg Swelling

Leg swelling usually occurs due to an excessive accumulation of fluids in the feet, ankles and legs called peripheral edema. Pitting edema occurs when an indentation in the swollen part of the leg remains after pressure is applied. Swelling of the legs, feet and ankles is a common problem among older people. A slight bloating of the lower legs can be common in healthy people under the following situations: airplane flights or long car and bus rides, being overweight, prolonged standing and during menstrual periods for women.

The exact cause of leg swelling can be hard to pinpoint. This is why a doctor should be consulted for a diagnosis and an appropriate treatment. Serious complications such as kidney, liver or heart failure can be at the origin of leg swelling. Sceleroderma and eosinophilic fasciitis, where layers of the skin actually become thicker, have been known to cause leg expansion. With these diseases a non-pitting edema occurs. Other mainsprings for leg swelling include nephrotic syndrome, phlebitis, baker cysts, leg vein obstruction or abnormalities in the veins and lymphatic systems, salt retention and cellulitis.

In pregnant women, severe swelling of the legs could be a sign of pre-esclampsia or toxemia. This is a serious condition that implies high blood pressure; if suspected a doctor should be consulted.

Idiopathic edema can also be a cause of leg swelling. With Idiopathic edema, however, the cause of swelling is unkown. Leg infections, blood clots, burns (this includes sunburns), insect bites and malnutrition are also possible causes of leg inflation. Traumas and injuries- including contusion and hematoma- can also be at the root of leg swelling.

Medications can also provoke a slight expansion of leg tissues. Hormones (estrogen in birth control pills and testosterone), blood pressure lowering drugs, antidepressants and steriods can all cause a bloating of the legs. Diabetes medications (thiazolidinediones) have also been known to cause leg swelling as a side effect in some patients.

An effective way to treat leg swelling is to elevate your legs. Lie down and place your legs in a position above your heart, this will help increase blood flow into your body from your feet and lower legs. Exercise also helps pump blood from your legs back to your upper body and is highly recommended. Since the retention of fluids is a common cause of leg swelling, reducing salt in your diet can help decrease the swelling.

If your legs are swollen and you feel chest pain or shortness of breath call 911 immediately. If you are not in the United States, contact the most accessible emergency medical service immediately. And if you have a fever, history of liver disease or an immediate decrease in urine, call a doctor. You should also consult a physician if you are pregnant and have more than just mild swelling.

In conclusion, swelling in the legs can be the product of a variety of possible conditions, ranging in seriousness. Benign causes include standing too long or taking a long plane flight. In such cases, simply elevating the legs or doing a bit of exercise are likely to relieve the swelling. On the other hand, leg swelling could be a sign of a very serious disease such as liver failure, heart trouble or even a side effect of a certain medication. In such cases a doctor or paramedic should always be consulted in order to make a proper diagnosis and guide the patient towards recovery.