0 Causes and Treatment of Leg Swelling

When you have swollen legs, it can be uncomfortable and concerning. There are many possible causes, some of which require medical intervention or lifestyle changes to ease the swelling. Port Saint Lucie leg swelling is the buildup of excess fluid in the soft tissues and cavities in the lower legs.

The condition is all about fluid balance. When the body accumulates too much fluid or cannot get rid of it quickly enough, swelling can result. You need to get a diagnosis from a doctor to determine the cause of your leg swelling. The diagnosis process will likely involve a physical examination and blood tests.

Symptoms of leg swelling include tightness, aching, and tenderness in the lower part of one or both legs. Depending on the cause, other symptoms, such as shortness of breath and coughing, may also be present.

Causes of leg swelling

These are some of the causes:

Congestive heart failure

This can happen when your heart cannot pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. This results in fluid retention in your lower extremities and swelling. Water pills or diuretics can be used to treat this condition.

Venous insufficiency

This occurs when the veins in your legs don’t circulate blood properly. This can lead to an accumulation of fluid and cause swelling. Treating this condition may involve compression stockings, lifestyle changes, or surgery.

Kidney disease

Kidney disease can lead to fluid retention in your legs which causes swelling. Treating this condition may involve diet modifications, medications, or dialysis.

Lymphedema

This occurs when the lymphatic system is impaired, leading to fluid buildup in the arms and legs. Treatment options include compression stockings, physical therapy, and surgery.

Treating leg swelling

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body can retain extra fluid, which causes swelling. Treatment may include resting with your legs elevated and wearing compression stockings. Once your doctor determines the cause of your leg swelling, they can recommend an appropriate treatment plan. The treatment for leg swelling depends on the underlying cause; some of the options include the following:

Changes to your diet

Did you know that sodium can contribute to fluid retention? Reducing your intake of salty foods and increasing the amount of water you drink can help reduce swelling. You must also ensure you are getting enough calcium, vitamin C, and iron.

Exercise

Exercising the lower limbs can help reduce swelling by increasing circulation in the legs. This can be done through swimming, walking, or biking.

Medications

Certain medications can help reduce leg swelling, such as diuretics or water pills. Others may be used to address the underlying cause, such as blood pressure medications for congestive heart failure.

Compression stockings

Compression stockings can help reduce swelling by applying pressure to your lower legs. This helps push fluid back into your circulatory system to eliminate it from the body.

Surgery

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying cause of leg swelling. This is often recommended for individuals with lymphedema or venous insufficiency.

If you are experiencing leg swelling, getting a diagnosis from your doctor at TLC Medical Group Inc is advisable.