Vein Conditions
Leg Swelling
Causes & Treatments
Leg swelling, or oedema, occurs when fluid accumulates in the tissues of the leg, often manifesting as swollen ankles, lower legs, or feet. This condition may cause the skin to appear shiny, and indentations might remain after removing socks.
Several factors can lead to leg swelling, including varicose veins, as well as underlying issues like liver, kidney, or heart failure. If left untreated, this swelling can result in pain, stiffness, itchiness, skin infections, scarring, and difficulty walking.
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What Causes Leg Swelling?
Swelling in the legs occurs when blood vessels release fluid into the surrounding tissues. This excess fluid then gathers in the lower leg, ankle, or foot, leading to noticeable swelling. Various underlying factors can contribute to this leakage of fluid into the leg, such as:
Venous Insufficiency: This condition arises when the veins in the leg fail to function properly, redirecting blood flow downwards into the lower leg rather than upwards towards the heart, as healthy veins would. This malfunction results in blood accumulating in the veins, causing them to become varicose and prompting fluid to seep into the tissues, resulting in leg swelling.
Issues With Deep Veins in the Legs: Conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can impede the upward flow of blood towards the heart, leading to blood pooling and subsequent fluid leakage into the tissues.
Prolonged Immobility: Extended periods of sitting, standing, or lying down, such as during long flights or hospital stays, can contribute to leg swelling.
Heart Failure: When the heart is compromised and cannot pump effectively, it hinders the proper drainage of the legs, resulting in swelling.
Liver Failure (cirrhosis): The liver produces essential proteins that help retain fluid within blood vessels. A drop in these protein levels causes fluid to escape from the blood vessels and accumulate in the tissues, leading to swelling.
Kidney Failure: Similar to liver failure, kidney failure results in the loss of crucial proteins from the body, contributing to fluid buildup and leg swelling.
Lymphoedema: The lymphatic system plays a vital role in clearing excess fluid from tissues. When this system is impaired, due to lymph node removal or cancer treatment complications, fluid accumulation in the tissues ensues.
A Diet High in Salt Intake: Excessive salt in the diet can cause the body to retain fluid, leading to swelling.
As a Symptom of the Menstrual Cycle: Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can result in fluid retention and leg swelling.
Pregnancy: The increased fluid volume and pressure on blood vessels during pregnancy can cause swelling in the legs.
As a Side Effect of Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, or blood pressure medications can have side effects that include leg swelling.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Should you notice swelling in your legs for the first time, it’s generally safe to observe the condition yourself initially. If the swelling subsides within a day or two and does not recur in the subsequent weeks or months, there’s likely no cause for concern, especially if you can attribute the swelling to a specific event such as a long day of traveling.
However, persistent swelling or swelling that diminishes but then returns could indicate an underlying issue in your legs. This may stem from an injury causing inflammation or a problem with the veins.
Certain causes of leg swelling, such as deep vein thrombosis, can be life-threatening if left untreated. Therefore, consulting our medical team at Cosmetic & Veins Clinic can help you avert a more serious health problem.
In summary, you can monitor your legs for a short period, but if the swelling does not improve, it is important to schedule an appointment with us. Immediate medical attention is crucial if any of the following occur:
– The swelling appears suddenly
– Only one leg is swollen
– You experience chest pain
– You have difficulty breathing
– You feel dizzy or faint
– You cough up blood
These symptoms may signify that the leg swelling is a serious health condition requiring urgent medical care.
Determining the Cause of Leg Swelling
At Cosmetic & Veins Clinic, our team utilises an array of diagnostic tools to pinpoint the underlying causes of leg swelling.
Typically, we employ a combination of:
– Physical examinations
– Blood tests
– Vascular ultrasounds
Once we identify the source of your leg swelling, we will develop a customised treatment plan to address it and alleviate any associated discomfort.
Persistent leg swelling warrants immediate attention. To diagnose and treat the root cause of your leg swelling effectively, get in contact with the team at the Cosmetic and Veins Clinic.
Leg Swelling Treatment
There are several treatment options available, including:
- Compression stockings
- Lymphatic drainage
- Endovenous treatments
- Referrals for further specialist testing
The best treatment for you will depend on the underlying cause.
