Our website uses cookies and we may collect or process personal information about you. You can read our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy by clicking here where we explain to you how we use cookies and how we may use your personal information. If both legs are affected it may suggest a more generalised cause such as fluid retention in the body. Kidney, liver and heart function can influence this. It may also be a side effect of medications. A long period of immobility with the legs dependent below heart level can lead to a build up of fluid, since we rely on the movement of the muscles in the leg to move the blood and fluid up out of the legs towards the heart.
In some illnesses the protein level in the blood stream drops and this causes fluid to move out into the tissues causing bilateral limb swelling. In some cases abnormal fat distribution leads to the appearance of limb swelling and it is mistaken for fluid. When one limb is affected it can point to a more local problem in the leg being the cause of the swelling.
There are a number of possibilities :. Investigations are therefore required to establish which of the above problems is causing the leg swelling. From the vascular perspective, it is important to establish the function of the veins. Lymphoedema is different from venous oedema, and it may be clear that the swelling is lymphoedema from examination. Sometimes specific tests are needed to be more certain.
This will be directed to the underlying cause. Compression with support stockings is often helpful. Vein treatments may be useful. Difficult lymphoedema may need more specilaised therapy. What is lymphoedema? We all have a small amount of fluid lymph in our body tissues. This fluid leaves our blood system to provide water and nourishment to the tissues. Most of this fluid is collected by a system of drainage tubes, similar to blood vessels, called the lymphatic system.
Lymphoedema is swelling which is due to a build up of lymph in the limbs if the fluid is not draining out properly. To start with, the swelling is often noticeable at the end of the day and goes down at night. However, unless the swelling is treated properly, the fluid becomes fixed in the leg permanently.
What causes lymphoedema? Congestive heart failure, kidney disease and liver disease can all cause edema. If you have any of these conditions and notice new or persistent swelling in your legs, mention it to your doctor.
Plenty of other conditions can also make legs swell, including infections, injuries and diseases such as arthritis. Learn about some of the causes here. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter. Your legs are looking like they belong on the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. What could be going on? Related Articles. Swollen Feet and Ankles: Treatments to Try.
Trending Topics. Painless swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem, especially among older people. Foot, leg, and ankle swelling is common when the person also: Is overweight Has a blood clot in the leg Is older Has a leg infection Has veins in the legs that cannot properly pump blood back to the heart called venous insufficiency, most often due to varicose veins Injury or surgery involving the leg, ankle, or foot can also cause swelling.
Certain medicines may also cause your legs to swell. Some of these are: Antidepressants, including MAO inhibitors and tricyclics Blood pressure medicines called calcium channel blockers Hormones, such as estrogen in birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy and testosterone Steroids. Some tips that may help reduce swelling: Put your legs on pillows to raise them above your heart while lying down.
Exercise your legs. This helps pump fluid from your legs back to your heart. Follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid buildup and swelling. Wear support stockings sold at most drugstores and medical supply stores.
When traveling, take breaks often to stand up and move around. Avoid wearing tight clothing or garters around your thighs. Lose weight if you need to. When to Contact a Medical Professional. Call or the local emergency number if: You feel short of breath. You have chest pain, especially if it feels like pressure or tightness. Call your provider right away if: You have heart disease or kidney disease and the swelling gets worse. You have a history of liver disease and now have swelling in your legs or abdomen.
Your swollen foot or leg is red or warm to the touch. You have a fever. You are pregnant and have more than just mild swelling or have a sudden increase in swelling. Also call your provider if self-care measures do not help or swelling gets worse. What to Expect at Your Office Visit.
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