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Swelling of the legs in young people

27 Jun 18

Swelling of the legs in men: hormones, injuries and alcohol - androgenic causes of the symptom

Swelling of the legs is a common phenomenon in men. Swollen legs, ankles, or feet are likely not serious life-threatening conditions, especially if caused by prolonged standing or walking. But sometimes leg swelling can be a symptom of serious health problems. Doctor Taras Nevelichuk explains why there are gender differences in this symptom.

Swelling of the legs is accompanied by excess fluid in the soft tissues or an inflammatory process in the limb.

The causes of leg swelling associated with fluid accumulation lie in the following diseases:

  • kidney;
  • liver;
  • vascular bed;
  • hearts;
  • endocrine glands;
  • lymphatic system, elephantiasis;
  • May be associated with taking certain medications (for example, for diabetes and high blood pressure), prolonged standing or sitting (for example, while flying or sitting at a computer for a long time - read about e-thrombosis in young people)

    Leg swelling associated with inflammation may have the following causes:

  • Achilles tendon rupture;
  • lower limb fractures
  • Baker's cyst;
  • infected leg wound
  • bacterial or parasitic skin infection;
  • gout;
  • bursitis of the knee joint;
  • osteoarthritis;
  • arthritis of rheumatoid etiology;
  • ankle sprain;
  • tromophlebitis
  • All of these causes of leg swelling may be present to varying degrees in men and women. But there are differences in the frequency of its development and there are edema of the lower extremities specific to males.

    Why and for what reasons do men's legs swell?

    There are differences between men and women in the occurrence of leg swelling.

    Legs swell after injuries , fractures, dislocations and sprains. Men, due to their more active lifestyle, tendency to engage in risky behavior and participate in dangerous sports, are more likely to expose their legs to injuries, including fractures, sprains and torn ligaments. Typically, swelling is observed on the side of the injury, at the site of injury. With hip fractures, the limb may swell below the level of injury due to compression of the blood and lymphatic vessels.

    Swelling of the legs due to cirrhosis and chronic liver diseases of various etiologies is more common in men. Cirrhosis is the development of scar tissue in the liver. In general, men are 2 times more likely to develop cirrhosis and chronic liver disease than women. This is due to the higher prevalence of alcohol abuse and viral hepatitis C among males. In cirrhosis, the liver's production of a protein called albumin, which keeps the liquid part of the blood (plasma) in the bloodstream, is impaired. When this protein is low, this plasma penetrates the tissues through the vessels and leads to the formation of edema. Gravity causes this fluid to accumulate in the legs, and it can also collect in the abdominal (ascites) and chest (hydrothorax) cavities.

    Leg swelling in men may be associated with the use of certain medications ( testosterone, anabolic and androgenic steroids ). Men sometimes take testosterone replacement therapy to improve their sexual performance, and predominantly male athletes use anabolic steroids. All these drugs can cause fluid retention in the body and lead to swelling of the extremities.

    Legs also swell with gout . Men are three times more likely to suffer from gout than women, since the latter are protected from this disease by their sex hormones. The basis of this disease is a violation of the metabolism of uric acid, its deposition in various organs. Swelling is most often located around the affected joints - on the foot, on the ankles.

    Swelling of the legs due to prostate cancer . Advanced prostate cancer can impair the drainage of lymph from the lower extremities, leading to the development of lymphedema. This is the accumulation of fluid in the fatty tissue under the skin, which leads to swelling, including in the legs. Lymphedema often develops after surgery for prostate cancer or radiation therapy because these treatments remove or damage lymph nodes.

    Swelling of the legs due to ankylosing spondylitis ( ankylosing spondylitis ): men are three times more likely to suffer from this disease than women. If ankylosing spondylitis affects the knee joints, inflammatory swelling of the soft tissues may form around them.

    Swelling of the legs with cardiomyopathy (both hypertrophic and dilated) is more observed in men than in women. Stagnation of blood and accumulation of fluid in the body lead to the formation of edema in the lower extremities.

    Varicose veins are rarely the cause of swelling of the ankles and feet in men, but swelling associated with hypokinesia and prolonged work at the computer is typical for young people, the name of this disease is e-thrombosis .

    Of course, the most common reasons why feet, ankles and legs swell are the same in men and women. These are cardiovascular diseases and kidney diseases.

    What to do if your legs are swollen?

    The presence of edema of the lower extremities is not a reason to panic. If your legs swell at the end of the working day, and this extends only to the feet and ankles, most likely the cause is prolonged standing or sitting. After a night's rest this problem goes away. Try to limit your salt intake and excess fluid intake, exercise regularly, and reduce weight - all of this can prevent the formation of such edema.

    You should consult a doctor for swelling that:

  • don't go away overnight;
  • appear for no apparent reason;
  • associated with falls, sports injuries, accidents
  • If swelling in the legs is suddenly accompanied by any of the following symptoms or signs, this may indicate pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition:

  • chest pain;
  • dyspnea;
  • loss of consciousness or dizziness;
  • confusion
  • In this situation, you should immediately seek emergency medical help.

    Author: Taras Nevelichuk, resuscitator

    How to reduce swelling without taking medications, watch the video

    Swelling of the legs: causes and treatment

    Edema is fluid that the body accumulates in the wrong place on the body. What is the cause of swelling in the legs? Typically, the entire volume of waste fluid (located in the intercellular space) is removed using the smallest capillaries. The body transports this raw material through the venous system.

    The ability of capillaries to function properly depends on the following factors:

  • Blood pressure inside peripheral vessels
  • Permeability of vascular walls
  • The volume of protein and sodium contained in the blood.
  • If one of the above points fails, excess fluid stagnates inside the body. Visually, this disorder is noted in the form of edema.

    Edema, depending on the cause of formation, has its own classification. So puffiness is usually divided into:

  • Cachectic. They are a consequence of cardiovascular diseases, exhaustion of the body
  • Hydremic. This type is associated with excess fluid retention as kidney disease progresses.
  • Medicinal. Appear as a result of taking such drugs: antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory
  • Stagnant. Their formation is influenced by pressure inside the capillaries, vascular permeability, and a decrease in the amount of protein albumin in the blood.
  • Allergic. They are also called Quincke's edema. The cause is an allergic reaction of the body. There is a rapid development and rapid disappearance with a suitable course of treatment
  • Neuropathic. The reason for their formation is the presence of diseases such as diabetes, alcoholism
  • Mechanical. The main cause of formation is trauma, the presence of tumors, pregnancy.
  • Causes of swelling in the legs and body

    Swelling can occur in both sick people and healthy people. The reasons may be:

  • Vein inflammation
  • Varicose veins
  • Thrombosis
  • Heart diseases that are accompanied by heart failure
  • Stagnation of lymph in the tissues of the extremities (lymphedema)
  • Kidney diseases
  • Diabetes
  • Inflammation of the thyroid gland
  • Preeclampsia (a severe complication that occurs during pregnancy)
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Drinking large amounts of fluid as a result of eating very salty foods
  • Heat. At elevated ambient temperatures, the body turns on protective mechanisms against overheating. Peripheral vasodilation acts as one such effect. The result of this protective mechanism is a decrease in pressure inside these vessels, a disruption of microcirculatory processes. Excess water accumulates inside tissues
  • Prolonged stay in a standing position, as well as uncomfortable sitting, which increases the pressure inside the veins (leg to leg). Constricted vessels are unable to function fully
  • 2nd half of pregnancy. During this period, placental hormones activate vasodilation. Under their influence, sodium is retained inside the mother's body
  • Wearing uncomfortable shoes, high heels. Thus, the load on the legs increases. It is the cause of disruption of microcirculation in tissues
  • Stagnation of excess fluid in the lower extremities is very easy to notice. Vivid signs of swelling of the legs are: Symptoms

  • Formation of minor marks on the shins from the elastic bands of socks
  • Manifestation of a feeling of discomfort when wearing familiar, worn-in shoes
  • Change in the shape of the lower extremities.
  • Physiological swelling of the legs usually appears in the evening. If you abuse fluids and stay in the heat, symptoms are visible throughout the day. The normal location is in the area below the shin.

    Pathological swelling appears regardless of the time of day. Each disease of the body has a certain feature:

  • Varicose veins It is characterized by asymmetrical swelling of the legs. In addition to its appearance, there is pain, heaviness of the limbs
  • Thrombophlebitis. Characterized by swelling exclusively of the affected leg. The patient experiences a burning sensation. There is redness in the area of ​​skin located above the inflamed vein
  • Heart failure. It causes swelling of both legs. After pressing on the tissue, pits remain that slowly disappear over time
  • Kidney related diseases. Swelling is initially noted in the eyes. As the disease progresses, it spreads to the lower extremities, their skin becomes pale.
  • Thyroid diseases. The elasticity of body edema is noted. After pressing on them there are no marks
  • Swelling of the legs often occurs in women. This is explained by the characteristics of the hormonal cycle. The reason for this phenomenon is quite varied:

  • During menstruation, swelling of the legs occurs as a result of decreased progesterone levels.
  • During menopause and postmenopause, idiopathic edema occurs. They are characterized by retention of excess moisture on the face, upper and lower extremities. Swelling is accompanied by an increase in body weight, manifestation of depressive syndrome
  • After childbirth, swelling may occur as a result of venous insufficiency. It may also indicate the presence of phlebothrombosis, thrombophlebitis
  • Swelling of the body may occur due to thyroid deficiency. Hypothyroidism can occur in both young and old people. Swelling affects the legs, face and shoulders. After pressing, no traces remain on the body
  • The main cause of swelling of the legs in men is considered to be venous insufficiency, which has become chronic.

    Also, swelling of the legs can be caused by prolonged static load, heavy physical work. When performing these activities, the body loses a large amount of fluid, which comes out through sweat.

    In summer, swelling occurs with prolonged exercise, not drinking enough fluid, or wearing uncomfortable shoes.

    Swelling of the legs in older people

    In older people, swelling of the legs and body appears as a result of natural changes in the body. Their internal organs do not function as smoothly as those of young people. Therefore, body tissues retain more fluid. Swelling can affect the arms, legs, and face.

    Swelling in older people can be a sign of serious illness. Edema can be the result of disease progression:

  • Kidney
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Cardiovascular system disorders
  • Heart failure
  • Thrombosis.
  • Swelling of the body in older women may occur with Parhon's disease. The legs, stomach, mammary glands, face, hands swell. The disease most often occurs in women over 30 years of age. Often seen in older people.

    Treatment of swelling depends on its type, cause and condition of the body. To remove swelling from healthy legs, it is enough to perform special exercises, give the lower extremities rest, and use a remedy to relieve fatigue and swelling.

    Medicines are also used to eliminate edema.

    Before using the products, you must consult a specialist. It is not recommended to make a diagnosis yourself. The therapist must examine the patient.

    In some cases, the patient will need consultation with specialized specialists:

    There are many medications to relieve swelling of the legs:

  • Heparin ointment. Used to improve blood circulation, dissolve minor blood clots, and relieve inflammation
  • Troxevasin. Helps strengthen vascular walls, cools, relieves pain
  • Essaven gel. Restores blood circulation, fights micro blood clots, strengthens the walls of blood vessels
  • Venitan. Used to strengthen vascular walls.
  • In addition to using ointments, compression hosiery is used for treatment, diuretics and herbal preparations are taken. Some people do hardware lymphatic drainage massage. And of course, physical activity (sports, walks) is required.

    Why does swelling of the legs occur in diabetes mellitus and how to treat it?

    Diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by many pronounced symptoms. But an increase in blood sugar levels is not as dangerous as the consequences of this phenomenon.

    First of all, due to the course of the disease, it is the lower extremities that suffer. The most dangerous foot disease is diabetic foot.

    We should not forget about another unpleasant symptom - swelling, which also requires qualified treatment. At the moment, there are many factors that provoke the accumulation of fluid in tissues.

    These include some diseases and phenomena, such as heart failure, varicose veins, pregnancy, and hormonal imbalance. Wearing tight shoes also causes swelling.

    It is important to note that in type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, the main cause of swelling is nephropathy and damage to the integrity of arteries, veins, capillaries, and nerve endings.

    Since the kidneys, due to significant damage, are not able to fully remove all accumulated fluid from the body, there is a deterioration in protein metabolism.

    As a result, excess water settles in the areas most distant from the myocardium - the legs.

    If this symptom appears, you should immediately consult your personal doctor. He will explain what to do in such a situation.

    In this article you can find out what swelling of the legs is in diabetes, what are its symptoms and causes, as well as how to get rid of this disease.

    Can legs swell with type 1 and type 2 diabetes?

    The answer is: yes, they can. As noted earlier, the whole reason lies in nephropathy.

    It represents all sorts of pathological processes, which are distinguished by bilateral kidney damage and renal failure of varying degrees.

    These ailments appear against the background of other diseases. In this case we are talking about diabetes mellitus.

    The main reasons why diabetics' feet swell

    Swelling of the lower extremities due to carbohydrate metabolism disorders is considered one of the complex and most undesirable problems of the disease in question.

    It should be noted that this phenomenon often develops equally in representatives of both sexes.

    To completely eliminate the accumulation of fluid in the legs and improve the general condition of a diabetic, you need to contact an appropriate specialist who will prescribe a rehabilitation course and help determine the causes of this condition.

    Swelling in both types of diabetes is a fairly common phenomenon. It is associated with several conditions. First of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the development of nephrotic syndrome. Its elimination must begin as early as possible.

    It is caused exclusively by the prolonged course of the underlying disease. The factor that provokes the accumulation of fluid in the lower extremities is the receipt of certain injuries that specifically affect the arteries, veins and capillaries in the first type of disease.

    This does not happen so often in people with the first type of diabetes. This complication is explained by the aggravated blood circulation algorithm in the lower extremities. Especially if proper treatment has not been carried out before.

    You need to understand that all of the above factors can have a very negative impact on the blood circulation process.

    Unfortunately, this is precisely what affects the long-term healing of any wounds. Please note that they are very difficult to treat.

    It should be noted that swelling never goes away without any pronounced signs. It is for this reason that you should familiarize yourself with all the clinical manifestations associated with the occurrence of swelling in the presence of diabetes mellitus.

    Swelling of the legs and feet in the elderly

    In this case, the cause of this phenomenon is explained by a significant impairment of the functionality of internal organs. If you additionally provide a certain amount of physical activity, this can even worsen an already serious condition.

    The main causes of swelling include the following: diseases of the excretory system, diseases of the cardiovascular system, and liver.

    As a rule, impaired metabolism can also affect fluid retention in the body. After eighty years, the patient’s body is quite worn out. An elderly person cannot remain healthy and full of strength at such an honorable age.

    This happens very rarely. There are still certain diseases that occur in a chronic form. They most often affect individual organs and systems. Dangerous illnesses can cause poor health. It is because of them that swelling in the legs occurs.

    Diabetic macular edema

    This phenomenon is considered the result of another complication of pancreatic dysfunction. We are talking about diabetic retinopathy, in the presence of which the blood vessels of the eye are damaged. There are two main types of such swelling: local and diffuse.

    The severity of the pathological condition depends on many factors:

  • level of diabetic retinopathy;
  • duration of diabetes mellitus in the patient;
  • type of disease;
  • presence of high blood pressure;
  • water retention in the body;
  • hypoalbuminemia;
  • an increase in the concentration of lipids in the blood plasma.
  • Brain swelling in diabetics

    Cerebral edema is an extremely rare and dangerous complication of diabetes.

    This condition can be triggered by the introduction of pancreatic hormone into the body in very large volumes. Appears mainly in people who have carbohydrate metabolism disorders.

    Possible consequences

    All internal processes occurring in the human body can be reflected in appearance.

    A completely healthy individual looks quite harmonious, the skin glows, the hair shines, the nails do not break. Also, he does not experience unpleasant and unwanted swelling.

    Serious diseases that cause swelling of the legs pose a danger to every body. Particular attention should be paid to diabetes mellitus, heart and kidney failure. These diseases require timely treatment. These diseases are very dangerous.

    When wearing tight shoes, places where additional fluid accumulates become areas of increased mechanical stress.

    This can cause unwanted wounds that take a very long time to heal. Subsequently, the patient will develop a disease such as diabetic foot.

    Drug therapy

    The rehabilitation course for the diabetic leg injury in question should be as comprehensive as possible and carried out on an ongoing basis.

    Its main goal is not just to relieve swelling, but to maintain the health of the body at an optimal level.

    The patient must constantly monitor his own blood sugar concentration, avoiding its uncontrolled increase. Regarding the use of certain medications, many doctors always prescribe diuretics.

    Folk remedies for swollen limbs

    You can use alternative medicine, which is prepared on the basis of oats, St. John's wort, evening primrose and cayenne pepper.

    Experts also advise using gymnosperms, burdock, as well as hydrastis and ginseng.

    Separately, it is worth considering the effectiveness of cayenne pepper. The whole point is that the plant in question has the ability to restore damaged nerve endings and blood vessels.

    Of course, you can’t do without nutritional correction. If a person suffers from type 2 diabetes, then he should definitely limit the consumption of easily digestible carbohydrates and fats of animal origin.

    As you know, they are the ones that have the most undesirable effect on the condition of blood vessels.

    These substances have the ability to stimulate the formation of edema.

    Moderate physical activity can be an excellent way to combat congestion. They help get rid of swelling of the lower extremities. Improving blood circulation helps to significantly increase the tone of even the smallest vessels.

    Why do your legs swell with diabetes, and what can you do about it? Answers in the video:

    Fluid accumulation in the lower extremities is an unpleasant and dangerous symptom that may result from the effects of hyperglycemia. But, nevertheless, you can get rid of it.

    The most important thing here is to correctly determine the cause of this phenomenon in order to begin to eliminate it. To do this, you definitely need to make an appointment with a good specialist.

    • Stabilizes sugar levels for a long time
    • Restores insulin production by the pancreas

    Causes of leg swelling in men

    Swelling in the legs is a common disorder that affects men and women throughout life. Moreover, it applies not only to those with serious chronic pathologies, but also to healthy people. Pregnant women suffer especially hard because they are unable to get rid of this problem before giving birth. No one is immune from swelling - damage can occur even in young people.

    The accumulation of fluid, stagnation in the wrong place in the body are signs of swelling of the limbs. The smallest capillaries do not perform their natural function - removing excess fluid from the intercellular space; water continues to move along the veins. The performance of small vessels is influenced by many factors - from the permeability of the wall to the sodium content - if one of many does not correspond to the norm, edema forms.

    Medical treatment for swelling of the legs is not always required: the disorder has different degrees of severity - from subtle to noticeable, causing discomfort. The first situation is caused by a completely normal reaction of the body adapting to the environment; treatment by a doctor is not necessary. The second often signals the initial stage of development of the disease, becoming an integral symptom.

    Treating swelling is not difficult. However, you should not proceed without first consulting an experienced doctor. Firstly, the decision is fraught with complications of serious diseases, the signs of which are swelling. Secondly, incorrectly selected methods can complicate, slow down treatment, and harm health.

    In a healthy person, the legs swell due to physiological processes:

  • Consumption of excessive amounts of salt and at the same time a considerable amount of liquid contributes to stagnation of water in the body, which is extremely noticeable after 40 years;
  • Staying in extreme heat leads to a similar result; high temperatures cause vasodilation, a drop in pressure occurs, slowing down microcirculation;
  • In the final stages of pregnancy, the legs often swell - the reason is the dilation of blood vessels, the retention of excess sodium in the blood, which is facilitated by a certain hormone in the placenta;
  • Edema is formed as a result of prolonged stay in an unnatural, uncomfortable position - for example, sitting in a cross-legged position - the position stimulates an increase in venous pressure, the vessels begin to function worse;
  • The main reason is long-term wearing of uncomfortable shoes, high-heeled shoes, which leads to increased stress on the legs, complicating the circulation of substances in the tissues.
  • Diseases and pathologies of the body that cause swelling

    1. Heart failure: edema of varying density, in the early stages - soft, exclusively in the lower parts of the limb, in the later stages - dense, rising to the knee joints. Swelling of the right and left legs at the same time. In the first half of the day there is an improvement in well-being.
    2. Renal failure: swelling increases in the evening and at night, and is more often localized on the face than on the extremities. With nephritic syndrome, the feet and legs often swell.
    3. Varicose veins: swelling in most cases is one-sided, compacted and stable, worsening in a standing position, relieved in lying down positions.
    4. Diseases of the lymphatic system: swelling is predominantly in one leg; swelling is not bilateral. Unpleasant sensations do not decrease when changing position. Symptoms and main distinguishing feature: the appearance of swelling, taking the form of a pillow, on the back of the foot.
    5. Pathology of bones or joints: only one limb swells, the spread is one-sided. Swelling can cause partial disruption of the musculoskeletal system and cause severe discomfort when walking.
    6. Purulent skin diseases, injuries: in the latter case it is localized around the damaged area, and with ulcers it swells significantly. In case of a fracture, it is located locally in the area of ​​injury; in case of ligament ruptures, it blurs and takes on an appearance resembling a hematoma.
      • Undesirable stagnation of fluid in the legs, regardless of the cause, is eloquently stated by the first sign - the formation of distinct marks from pressing on the skin with a finger, noticeable indentations from socks in the ankle area.
      • The second stage of manifestation is local swelling. Unlike the first, it is more obvious. If the legs are swollen, at this stage the person begins to experience discomfort, forcing him to pay attention to a possible health problem. Swellings are located in the calf area.
      • The third stage - the swelling becomes large-scale. Due to the increase, it rises upward, sometimes reaching the level of the knee joints. It is not uncommon for swelling to overcome the knee threshold, and the swelling continues to spread, resulting in the leg becoming completely swollen. Professional treatment in such a situation becomes mandatory.
      • The last stage is critical. Excessive stretching of the skin in the leg area occurs, causing the formation of tears, dermatitis, large cracks, and trophic ulcers. If you do not seek medical help during this period, treatment will inevitably become difficult and lengthy.
      • When starting self-medication, it is worth finding out the causes of the defect. It is recommended to consult a doctor; it is better to undergo a comprehensive medical examination. To get rid of disturbing sensations in the legs, you need to eradicate the causes of their occurrence, and not just smooth out and destroy the symptoms.

        The exception is cases when it is obvious that the leg is swollen due to physical overstrain of the limbs - such situations are not dangerous and are not fraught with complications, which cannot be said about the first case.

        To get rid of edema caused by overwork, a number of effective recommendations have been developed:

      • It is worth limiting physical activity on the legs until visible signs of swelling disappear completely - especially for men;
      • It is useful to do regular short warm-ups for the calf muscle: this can be done through massage, gymnastics, or simply by giving the limbs an elevated position;
      • It is recommended to wear compression garments, depending on the location of the swelling - on the left, on the right, or on both legs at the same time;
      • A simple method is treatment with medications, creams and ointments, which can be found in any pharmacy in the city without a doctor’s prescription;
      • It is useful to make medicinal foot baths: dissolve a few teaspoons of sea vitamin salt in a sufficient amount of medium-temperature water;
      • For hundreds of years, alternative medicine has preferred to eliminate the symptoms of edema with the help of diuretic decoctions of birch buds, flaxseeds, elderberry or parsley, a drink made from honey and radish - the products are natural and safe, unlike some pharmaceutical drugs.
      • To prevent swelling and further unpleasant treatment, you should follow simple rules:

      • If possible, take breaks from work, give your feet a rest, wear comfortable, appropriately sized shoes: shoes with a small, stable heel are what women lack to prevent swelling. Most ladies of different years prefer shoes either with high heels or with completely flat soles;

    The appearance of edema in the stronger sex

    The causes of leg swelling in men should be considered separately; the anatomical structure of men and women differs. The above also applies to the structure of body tissues. In men, muscle tissue predominates over fat tissue. There is rapid circulation of blood and lymph than in the fairer sex. Why, despite the facts of differences, do men's legs swell?

    First of all, the violation is associated with a high degree of injury. Regardless of a man’s age, the risk of minor bodily injury (which is enough to cause swelling) is many times higher than in women. Men experience significant physical activity, much of which is on their legs. With age, the circulation of substances in the body slows down; after 40 years, a man’s resistance to the formation of edema decreases.

    Often representatives of the stronger sex do not pay due attention to the swelling that has already formed, and treatment is postponed until the last minute. Men regard swelling as an insignificant detail. Often the first signs of swelling, manifesting mainly in the form of deep sock marks near the ankles, are discovered by a woman in her husband. It is imperative to force your husband to see a doctor regularly.

    Facts like these will be the main answer to why men are susceptible to edema. To prevent such cases, it is recommended to be careful about your own health. If your legs are swollen, you should immediately, without delaying treatment, seek medical help.

    Swelling of the legs: causes and treatment

    Swelling of the legs - causes

    If swelling of the legs is not a sign of any serious illness, then, often, it is enough to change some of your habits or take preventive measures to eliminate the problem. The main causes of leg swelling:

    • Uncomfortable shoes. In one episode of House MD, a brilliant diagnostician refused to hire a brilliant female doctor with good recommendations only because, while saying goodbye to her, he noticed that she had very beautiful, but at the same time very uncomfortable shoes. He argued his refusal by saying that he did not want to work with a woman who was ready to hurt herself just to impress others. Alas, almost all modern women do the same thing, thinking that the beauty of their shoes requires such sacrifices as health. This is how swelling, pain and fatigue appear in the legs and, finally, varicose veins develop.

  • Low physical activity, sedentary work. Modern people spend most of their time in offices, and when they return home, they sit down at their computers. All this not only does not contribute to good blood circulation, but also vice versa. Exercising and even a small preventive set of exercises can help significantly reduce swelling of the legs, or even get rid of it. People whose professions involve standing on their feet for a long time are also at risk of leg swelling - doctors, flight attendants, salespeople, hairdressers.

  • Poor nutrition. Salty, spicy, smoked, fried and sweet foods, alcohol - all this contributes to fluid retention in the body. Switch to a healthy and balanced diet, drink at least two liters of still water a day and soon you will be able to forget about swelling in your legs.
  • Treatment of leg swelling

    Doctors call kidney problems one of the most serious reasons why legs swell. Also, swelling of the legs can signal the development of a disease such as varicose veins. In this case, most of your methods to combat swelling may simply be useless (if not harmful). You should consult not only a phlebologist - swelling of the legs can be a serious sign of problems with the kidneys, heart, and thyroid function. Swelling of the legs is also caused by a lack of protein in the blood.

    If swelling of the feet is caused only by a sedentary lifestyle, then it is usually enough to change your shoes to comfortable ones and start preventive exercises. It’s even useful to simply, when you come home, lie down on your bed with your feet on the wall for 10-20 minutes. A contrast shower with alternating cold and hot water also relieves leg swelling. In pharmacies and cosmetics stores today you can also buy a lot of creams and ointments that help relieve swelling and at the same time care for the skin of your feet. In general, you need to pamper your feet - salt baths, baths with essential oils of lavender, oregano, and mint. This will not only restore beauty and lightness to your legs, but will also have a beneficial effect on your overall well-being.

    If swelling of the legs bothers you too often and is severe, and the swelling does not go away after you come home and rest, it’s time to consult a doctor - they will determine the true cause of your swelling and you can fight this problem with more effective means.

    Consequences of varicose veins: the disease does not go away without a trace

    Why do women's legs swell and what to do?

    Many women are familiar with the problem when their legs look great in the morning, but in the evening there is a feeling of discomfort, fatigue in the legs and a swollen, unattractive appearance. Such symptoms can be harbingers of serious illnesses. Therefore, if you notice that your legs have changed in appearance, quickly figure out why women’s legs swell and decide what to do.

    A light, relaxed gait is one of the main signs of a woman’s youth. But almost every lady knows the feeling when at the end of the working day it hurts to take a step in your favorite shoes. Previously, it was believed that the problem of swelling of the legs was typical for mature women even after 50 years, but now more and more young representatives of the fair sex are facing it.

    In a healthy body, processes self-regulate, and fluid is eliminated on its own without forming edema. Having identified the cause of swelling of the legs, it will be possible to determine the method of treatment. In some cases, treatment will not be needed.

    Stagnation of fluid in the legs and, therefore, swelling can be caused by staying in a static position for a long time, for example, an air flight, a long car or bus ride. In such cases, the swelling will go away after rest; treatment is not necessary. If swelling occurs periodically and persists for a long time, this is a signal to consult a doctor.

    Causes of swelling of the lower extremities in women

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  • Heart diseases. Edema associated with heart disease occurs in the evening and disappears after sleep. They are usually symmetrical, spreading to the ankles, lower legs and parts of the thigh. The skin at the site of swelling is pale, tight and cold. Swelling may be accompanied by pain in the right hypochondrium, muscle weakness and shortness of breath. With such symptoms, you should urgently visit a cardiologist.
  • Kidney diseases. In case of kidney diseases, swelling of the legs is accompanied by swelling in the face, lower back pain, and changes in the color of urine. If these symptoms are detected, you should not postpone a visit to the nephrologist.
  • Impaired lymphatic drainage. Swelling due to impaired lymphatic drainage or lymphedema spreads to the ankle joint and lower leg, sometimes the knee is affected. Dense swelling appears in the evening and does not disappear. As a rule, one leg swells, after a while the other leg swells, but the swelling is less pronounced on it. In this case, only treatment by a phlebologist will help.
  • Disturbances of venous outflow. In this case, the swelling is loose, often soft, and appears in the elastic band of socks and stockings. Constant swelling and spider veins on the legs indicate the development of varicose veins. Competent treatment prescribed by a phlebologist can prevent the progression of the disease.
  • PMS (premenstrual syndrome). Swelling of the feet and legs is possible in the second half of the menstrual cycle. They are caused by hormonal imbalance. As a rule, such swelling is insignificant and disappears after the end of the critical days. If swelling causes concern, you should make an appointment with a gynecologist-endocrinologist.
  • Pregnancy. Edema in late pregnancy is not uncommon. They appear on the feet and legs, then can move higher. It is much more serious when edema is accompanied by an increase in protein in the urine and arterial hypertension. Then they indicate kidney pathology in pregnant women (nephropathy). The process of determining the diagnosis and prescribing treatment should be monitored by a gynecologist.
  • to contents ^

    What to do if your legs are swollen?

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    When starting treatment, you need to understand that swelling is one of the symptoms of the disease. The problem can be completely solved only by using complex therapy developed and prescribed by a doctor. Medicine has developed a large number of methods for treating and preventing diseases that cause swelling of the legs.

    1. Venotonics. Gels and ointments that improve blood flow and strengthen the walls of blood vessels. They often contain sodium heparin. By activating tissue metabolism and helping to improve microcirculation, the products eliminate fluid stagnation. Venotics relieve swelling and fatigue caused by long trips and high temperatures, so they should be in the first aid kit if you are planning a flight or vacation in hot regions.
    2. Compression jersey. You should not neglect such an important means of treating and preventing leg diseases as compression hosiery, which is divided into preventive and therapeutic. Socks and tights will do. To use preventive compression garments, a doctor’s consultation is not required. It can be used by healthy people who have to spend a lot of time sitting or standing. Therapeutic knitwear is prescribed only by a doctor, who will consult the patient and select an individual product that matches the parameters of the leg. To avoid negative consequences, purchase any type of compression garments only at the pharmacy.
    3. Diuretic drugs, herbal preparations. These medications should be used carefully and under the supervision of a physician. Some diuretics act quickly, but remove potassium from the body, which is necessary for normal heart function. Of the side effects of some, a sharp rise in blood pressure should be noted. The best effect of diuretics is achieved at night, so they are used before bedtime and can cause insomnia. You should not constantly use herbal preparations, this can cause addiction and dehydration of the body.
    4. Lymphatic drainage massage. The procedure is becoming increasingly popular, since in addition to healing it also has a beauty effect. Another name for lymphatic drainage is leg pressotherapy. During a hardware massage, lymph flow is normalized, fluid balance is restored, and excess adipose tissue is removed. After it, swelling goes away and fatigue in the legs is relieved. Despite the advantages, there are several contraindications: the second half of pregnancy, the onset of menstruation, diabetes mellitus, skin diseases, malignant tumors and renal failure.
    5. Physical activity. An active lifestyle will help avoid many foot problems. Running, walking, skating, skiing, and cycling will help prevent swelling. The best sport for getting rid of puffiness is water aerobics. In addition to excellent physical activity when moving, water acts on the skin, exerting pressure and preventing the expansion of blood vessels, thereby preventing swelling.
    6. Folk remedies against swelling of the lower extremities in women

      In addition to the therapy prescribed by your doctor, you can use anti-edema remedies from traditional medicine.

    7. Infusion of white birch leaves. Pour 1-2 cups of crushed birch leaves with 0.5 liters of boiling water and leave for 24 hours. Drink 0.5 cups no more than 5 times a day.
    8. Drink made from fresh vegetables. You will need 0.5 cups of carrot juice, the same amount of freshly squeezed cucumber juice and one medium lemon. Mix everything and divide the drink into three parts. Drink 3 times a day adding the same portion of warm boiled water.
    9. Rubbing with garlic water. Add a head of garlic, mashed to a pulp, to 0.5 liters of hot water. Boil and leave to brew. The feet are rinsed with warm broth, and the garlic mass is rubbed into the calves and soles.
    10. Oil compress. Mix olive and camphor oils in equal quantities. Using massaging movements, the composition is rubbed into the skin of the feet from the toes to the knee joints. Wrap your legs in cotton cloth, then in a woolen scarf or shawl. The best effect is achieved if you leave the compress overnight. Repeat the procedure for 30 days.
    11. Cabbage compress. Pre-crushed white cabbage leaves are placed on the feet and ankles. The compress is fixed with a bandage or gauze and left overnight.
    12. Why do feet swell during pregnancy?

      Swelling of the legs in pregnant women is not uncommon. However, it is first necessary to understand whether this is really swelling or whether the pregnant woman has simply gained weight. The presence of edema is confirmed if the usual shoes become too small and more than 300 grams of weight are added per week. If edema is not caused by heart or kidney disease, it usually appears after the fourth week of pregnancy. This period is characterized by swelling of the face and hands.

      This should not be considered a pathology. Sodium accumulates in the body of a pregnant woman, retaining water, which leads to edema. The situation is worsened by heat and consumption of fried and salty foods. Such swelling does not pose a danger to a woman’s health. It is enough for a pregnant woman to rest, reduce the intake of salty foods, take diuretic tea, and swelling will decrease.

      If the swelling becomes too massive, the woman gains more weight than normal and the swelling does not decrease at rest, we have to talk about complications that require medical supervision.

      Why do women's legs swell after 50 years?

      Edema is the accumulation of excess fluid in tissues. Legs can swell in young, healthy people, but with age this problem becomes more acute. If swelling continues for a long time, venous nodules, dark spots, and spider veins appear on the lower leg; these are harbingers of varicose veins.

      Now this disease is “younger” and occurs in women after 30 years of age and even younger, but with age the likelihood of its development is higher. Women over 50 should pay special attention to the problems of veins and blood vessels. The vessels become weaker, the process of outflow of venous blood is disrupted, therefore any changes in the legs at this age are a reason to consult a phlebologist.

      Causes of swelling of the legs in the heat

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      To understand the causes of leg swelling, let’s remember the school anatomy course. The heart pumps blood to the lower extremities, and it returns back thanks to the valves that are in the veins and push the blood to the heart. This is the essence of peripheral circulation. At high ambient temperatures, the circulatory system tries to prevent the body from overheating. The blood vessels in the legs dilate, preventing the legs from overheating. Because of this, there is no complete outflow of blood, which is why swelling of the legs appears in the heat.

      In addition, in the heat there is profuse sweating. With sweat, the body loses the salts needed by the veins. It is the salts that “draw” blood from the tissues, and the lack of sufficient quantities of them provokes swelling of the legs. As a rule, they go away after sleep and rest. Baths with salt, dry mustard, and pine needle extract will help cope with swelling in the heat.

      Despite the variety of methods for treating leg swelling, the best way to avoid trouble is prevention at home. Controlling excess weight, reducing salt intake, avoiding fatty, sweet foods and alcohol, taking vitamins B, C, E, comfortable shoes, an active lifestyle - these simple measures will minimize the likelihood of edema.

      Leg swelling in older people: causes, treatment, possible risks

      Lifestyle and diet also play an important role, so alcohol abuse and long-term smoking can lead to the appearance of swelling of the extremities in old age.

      First, let's find out the most common reasons why leg swelling may occur in older people. These include:

    13. presence of cardiovascular diseases;
    14. disruption of the metabolic process;
    15. leg injuries;
    16. malnutrition;
    17. excessive body weight.
    18. Let's consider all of the above reasons for swelling of the legs in old people in more detail.

      Pathologies of the cardiovascular system

      Cardiac edema of the legs is most common in the elderly. If there are doubts about the causes of swelling of the lower extremities, you need to pay attention to the location of the swelling. When there are problems with the heart and blood vessels, they first appear on the ankles.

      Failure in metabolic processes

      Along with the development of cardiovascular diseases, swelling in the legs appears in an elderly person due to metabolic disorders. This failure has its own reasons: kidney disease, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, endocrine pathologies (in particular, diabetes), etc.

      In this case, swelling may form on the sole, ankle and lower leg area.

      The legs of older people may become swollen due to sprains, fractures, and dislocated joints. If the cause of swelling of the lower extremities was an injury, the patient may experience other symptoms: redness of the skin at the site of the injury, the appearance of a bruise, pain, which is especially acute when walking, etc.

      Unbalanced diet

      The body of an elderly person is rapidly losing useful substances, so he is in especially dire need of vitamins and minerals. Abuse of junk food - fatty, salty, spicy - can lead to fluid retention in the tissues. As a result, swelling may form in the ankles, legs, and even feet.

      Excessive body weight

      Severe swelling of the feet and legs in older women and men can be caused by obesity. The pressure of excessive body weight on the legs provokes disruptions in the blood circulation process, so swelling of the lower extremities in this case is inevitable.

      Other Possible Causes

      Other reasons why severe swelling of the legs may occur in older people include:

    19. pulmonary diseases;
    20. disturbances in liver function;
    21. excessive fluid intake (over 2 liters per day);
    22. thrombophlebitis.
    23. Leading a sedentary or sedentary lifestyle can also lead to severe swelling and pain in the legs. In this case, swelling will be accompanied by redness and severe fatigue of the lower extremities.

      Which doctor treats leg swelling in older people?

      Which doctor an elderly person should contact if swelling occurs depends on its cause. For the first consultation, you need to contact your family doctor or therapist. After collecting anamnesis and finding out (even indirectly) why swelling of the lower extremities occurred, the doctor may refer the patient for further examination to:

      After carrying out all the necessary diagnostic procedures, the attending physician will draw up an individual treatment plan for an elderly patient suffering from swelling of the legs.

      While it has not been possible to identify the exact cause of the anomaly, edema in older people can be treated using local agents. For this, various creams and ointments are prescribed. Moreover, they must contain either heparin or horse chestnut. These substances have anti-inflammatory properties and prevent the formation of blood clots in the veins of the lower extremities.

      Lyoton gel helps a lot, as it relieves fatigue, inflammation and pain. When applied to the skin, it causes a feeling of pleasant coolness, and the effect of its use appears quite quickly.

      In addition to Lyoton, ointments such as Troxevasin and Mama comfort are also used. They have almost the same therapeutic effect as heparin ointment, and therefore can be used as its analogues.

      Each medicine for swelling of the legs has its own contraindications for use. Therefore, before treating a pathological process, you must carefully study the instructions for the chosen remedy.

      To quickly remove excess fluid from the body, the patient may be prescribed diuretics. Furosemide tablets are highly effective. If necessary, the medicine can be prescribed in the form of a solution for intramuscular injection.

      Treatment of leg swelling in the elderly with folk remedies is based on removing excess fluid, as well as restoring metabolic processes. Decoctions of rosehip, cordate linden or lingonberry leaves cope well with this task.

      You can try taking dried apricot infusion. To prepare it, you need to soak several dried apricots in warm water for 10-15 minutes to remove dirt. Then finely chop the dried apricots and pour boiling water over them. Leave overnight to allow the product to infuse well. In the morning, strain the medicine and drink throughout the day. The duration of therapy depends on the situation - for some, the infusion helps get rid of swelling in a few days, for others - within 2-3 weeks.

      The use of baths or compresses using ice cubes every night also perfectly relieves swelling of the lower extremities in older people.

      Since any disease is much easier to prevent than to treat, the issue of preventing edema must be addressed before it appears. To do this you need:

    24. include fruits, vegetables and berries in your daily diet;
    25. give up coffee and strong tea;
    26. move more;
    27. regularly perform light physical exercises for your legs;
    28. massage your feet from time to time.
    29. If swelling occurs due to venous insufficiency, you need to lie on your back several times a day and raise your legs slightly up. This simple technique will help distribute the liquid evenly throughout the tissues, and even if swelling is already beginning to appear, it will go away quite quickly.

      There are many different products that can help combat swelling of the lower extremities. In particular, this applies to special pillows that are placed between the legs while sleeping.

      Prevention of swelling of the legs should be done from a young age. Then, in old age, you will not have to undergo a long and tedious course of treatment and suffer from such an unpleasant anomaly as swelling of the legs.

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