Common Reasons for Leg Swelling You Should Know

Oedema, also known as leg swelling, is often seen as a common issue. There can be various reasons for leg swelling, from a normal situation like fluid buildup to any chronic health problem. It takes place when excess water accumulates in the leg and causes fluffiness. It can occur in any one leg or both legs. It is observed that the swelling is not painful and is harmless in that aspect. Oedema mostly occurs in elderly people and is known as 'lower extremity oedema'.

It is a health condition that might occur due to several reasons. Causes like leg injury, staying in the same position for hours, and extensive physical work are some of those. Often, leg swelling can signal a more severe condition like heart illness or a clot; hence, it must be cured immediately. Let us discuss some reasons for prime leg swelling and the importance of seeking medical care.

Leg Swelling: Common Reasons

Leg swelling in individuals, mostly the elderly, can occur for several reasons. Identifying these reasons on time is necessary for proper treatment. Some of the distinct reasons are:

Swelling Related to Inflammation

• Broken foot: A broken foot might occur whenever there is an external or internal injury to the leg. It causes leg pain and leads to leg swelling. This condition needs to be treated immediately so that the severity does not worsen.
• Knee bursitis: Knee bursitis is the inflammation of small fluid-containing sacs near the knee joint. The sacs are called bursae. Bursae prevent skin damage by decreasing friction and irritation of bones.
• ACL tear: ACL tear often affects the anterior cruciate ligament. This powerful tissue links our thigh bone and leg bone. People who play sports are more prone to ACL injury.
• Cellulitis: Cellulitis is a frequent but severe bacterial infection of the skin. The skin where cellulitis occurs loses its colour and becomes swollen. Moreover, the portion gets inflamed; generally, it is soft and warm to the touch.

Swelling Related to Fluid Buildup

• Congestive heart failure: CHF is a chronic condition in which the heart cannot pump sufficient blood to meet the body's needs. It gets accommodated in a person's lungs and legs.
• Kidney problem: Chronic kidney disease or kidney failure refers to declining kidney function. Kidneys filter out waste and extra fluid in our bodies through urine. But when that fluid is not removed, it accumulates, leading to conditions like leg swelling.
• Obesity: Obesity is not just about growing fat and possession of excessive fat in the body. This condition can also lead to several other health issues and diseases. Obesity can be one of the reasons for leg swelling. Hence, people who are overweight must try to maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep fit.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy is brought about by a hormone called relaxin. This hormone causes several body changes, including leg swelling. Its function is to afford mechanisms physically built into a pregnant woman's body. Relaxin exerts its action on the bones, tendons, and ligaments.

Read more about Types of Skin Infections

When to Seek Medical Care?

Sudden oedema requires medical attention because it may be an underlying cause of any severe health conditions, such as heart problems. Moreover, it is accompanied by chest pain, trouble breathing or abdominal pain. If there is persistent oedema, even in the absence of the former symptoms, an individual must consult their doctor to determine the cause. Furthermore, if the oedema begins to significantly impair one's abilities or cause pain, consulting with a healthcare provider is beneficial so that the condition doesn't worsen.

Conclusion

Oedema might not be dangerous, but the underlying causes or repercussions might be fatal. Reasons for leg swelling might range from inflammation to fluid accumulation, and hence, it becomes necessary to consult a medical expert to avoid unforeseen circumstances. To prevent this problem or get temporary relief, patients should exercise, eat properly, and protect their legs from external injury.

BLX Max Super Speciality Hospital provides proper treatment for leg swelling that might occur due to several reasons. The specialised and expert group of doctors provide secure and effective treatment that helps significantly cure the health condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can leg swelling be related to any serious condition?

Symptoms such as leg swelling can sometimes indicate a serious disease. Hence, one should seek the attention of a doctor whenever they realise that their legs are swollen.

2. Are there any risky factors to the development of leg swelling?

There could be varieties of causes for leg swelling, such as kidney failure, heart disease, being overweight, etc. So, to be certain, it is advisable to go for a professional diagnosis to find out the actual cause.

3. What is the difference between acute and chronic leg swelling?

The leg swelling, considered acute, develops suddenly and is severe. On the other hand, chronic leg swelling happens slowly and may not be as severe as acute.

4. How are the chances of leg swelling influenced by ageing?

Blood flow to the heart is comparatively slow in aged people. Thus, blood begins to pool in the legs instead of going to the heart, and hence, leg swelling occurs.

5. What can you do to prevent leg swelling naturally?

Practising Yoga and regular walk exercises, as well as maintaining a proper lifestyle, are some of the natural methods that were recommended for treating swollen legs. One can consume green vegetables and fruits that fight leg swelling without medication.

6. Is leg swelling hereditary?

Leg swelling may sometimes be a hereditary case. Primary lymphedema is an inherited disease causing swelling of the legs.

7. Who treats leg swelling?

Swelling in the leg is mainly managed by an orthopaedic specialist. However, depending on the cause of the swelling, diverse specialists may treat it.

8. Is leg swelling more frequent in the various ethnic tribes?

Leg swelling may happen to anybody who has one of the contributing health problems to swollen legs. Thus, it's not comparable to an ailment peculiar to a specific ethnic group.