Lymphostasis is usually called a violation of the outflow of lymph in the lower extremities. The disease can be hereditary and occur against the background of other diseases. Due to a failure in the process of outflow of the lymphatic fluid component, the legs begin to swell greatly.
Lymphedema is also called lymphedema. Based on statistical data, this disease is observed in ten percent of the world's population. If treated incorrectly or untimely, the disease can progress, leading to elephantiasis, which, in turn, causes not only psychological and physical suffering, but also often causes disability.
The development of lymphostasis of the lower extremities is influenced by many factors. The drainage of lymph may be impaired due to problems with the heart, kidneys, or as a result of hypoproteinemia. These diseases lead to a narrowing of the lymphatic vessels, as a result of which they poorly pass lymph and it lingers in the tissues, causing swelling.
Lymph can be retained in the legs due to venous insufficiency in the chronic stage, which appears with decompression varicose veins, arteriovenous fistulas and postthrombophlebic syndrome. When a large amount of fluid is removed, the vascular lymphatic network expands, resulting in decreased tone, and the valves responsible for distributing fluid throughout the lymphatic system do not work well.
Lymphostasis can be observed with congenital defects of the lymphatic system due to obstruction of the lymphatic vascular network, which is formed as a result of mechanical damage, compression or inflammation narrowing the lumen in the vessels.
The loss of tone of the vessels of the lymphatic system, observed with lymphadenitis, leads to the fact that they expand and the normal functioning of the valves of other vessels is disrupted. As a result, lymph stagnation occurs and severe swelling appears.
For breast cancer, mastectomy is often performed, which, in turn, is complicated by lymphedema of the upper and lower extremities. Often, a mastectomy is performed on the armpit. Surgeons remove lymph nodes affected by cancer cells and, due to the fact that now there is “no one to control” the lymph flow, the fluid stagnates and the hands begin to swell. If metastases are found in the groin area, the lymph nodes will be removed there, resulting in lymphedema of the lower extremities.
Stagnation of lymph can also cause prostate cancer, in which the inguinal nodes are removed and radiation therapy is performed, leading to problems in the lymphatic system.
Lymphatic drainage may be impaired due to streptococcal lymphangitis, which is recurrent in nature and as a result of infection with parasitic infectious diseases.
In tropical countries, problems with the lymphatic system can be caused by mosquitoes that carry lymphatic filariasis, which affects and leads to enlarged lymph nodes, fever, severe pain and widespread swelling.
Depending on the causes of lymphedema, it can be primary or secondary.
In the primary type, the disease can be either congenital or acquired. In the case of a congenital anomaly, the disease may manifest itself in infancy or adolescence.
In the secondary type, the development of the disease can be influenced by the following factors:
Lymphostasis has three stages of development:
Common symptoms of lymphedema include:
Ultrasound examination of veins
If the patient has symptoms characteristic of the disease, then in order to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor prescribes an ultrasound of the venous network of the lower extremities. In addition, an ultrasound of the peritoneum and pelvis may be prescribed so that changes in organs and diseases that can cause lymphedema can be detected.
The patient also needs to undergo X-ray lymphography and lymphoscintigraphy and undergo general blood and urine tests. The first two studies allow you to see how good the vessels are, and where the lymphatic block is located. In addition, they allow you to determine whether there are any vascular changes, examine their area of tortuosity and view them for valvular insufficiency and lymphangiectasia.
The surgeon can conduct differential studies to determine whether there is deep vein thrombosis and post-phlebic syndrome, since these are the ones that cause unilateral lymphedema, with the presence of mild swelling, pigmentation, eczema and varicose veins in the legs. To exclude venous pathology, ultrasound examination of the venous network of the extremities is prescribed.
If necessary, the surgeon may prescribe examination of other organs in order to reduce relapses of the disease after it is eliminated.
Treatment of swelling is aimed at gradually restoring the outflow of lymph from diseased limbs. Often such treatment is presented:
In addition, with edema, patients should:
Drug therapy includes drugs:
If the limbs begin to become covered with wounds and trophic ulcers, therapy to eliminate them is also carried out along with the main treatment. When a diagnosis of lymphedema is made, it is necessary to carefully care for the feet in order to prevent lymphangitis. For this purpose, you should contact a podiatrist to periodically carry out a medical hardware pedicure with special therapeutic agents.
If conservative methods do not produce favorable results and the disease continues to progress, there are extensive ulcers and deforming lymph sacs, urgent surgery is necessary. It is aimed at microsurgical expansion of vascular lumens and liposuction.
In case of primary lymphedema, the patient is prescribed a lymphoid tissue transplant. If the patient has obvious elephantiasis, then radical surgical interventions are not performed. He is shown tunneling the affected tissues in order to drain the lymph into healthy tissue areas. Resection may also be used.
In order not to start the disease at its first signs, you need to immediately consult a doctor in order to prevent complications and get rid of the disease faster.
Edema of the lower extremities is an unpleasant condition that affects women and men. The appearance of swelling of the legs indicates pathological changes in the body; in a healthy person, a similar nuisance is not excluded. Pregnant women often suffer from swelling; the condition becomes a real torment for expectant mothers.
Edema refers to the accumulation of fluid that is unnecessary for the body in tissues. Small capillaries located throughout the body absorb processed excess fluid and transport it through the vessels of the venous system for further use or removal from the body. The following factors can disrupt the natural course of the process:
When the described mechanism fails, swelling appears on the feet and other parts of the body.
Edema of the lower extremities affects people with health problems and the healthy part of the population in whom the appearance of edema is associated with physiological reasons:
These reasons provoke the occurrence of swelling of the legs in people who do not have health problems. But there is a category of the population that is susceptible to swelling due to the development of pathologies of blood vessels and veins (inflammation, thrombosis or varicose veins), diseases of the cardiovascular system, kidneys, liver, and lymph stagnation in the lower extremities. Swelling of the feet and parts of the body are constant companions of gestosis, problems with the thyroid gland and diabetes.
The first signs of stagnation in the tissues appear in the form of marks from the elastic of socks, a feeling of discomfort when wearing shoes that were previously perceived as convenient and comfortable.
A change in the shape of the foot is a sure sign of swelling. If regular swelling of the legs is caused by physiological reasons, symptoms appear at the end of a busy day. This condition is caused by eating food that contributes to the accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues, and prolonged exposure to the street during the heat. Such swelling will not spread above the level of the shin; after resting in a horizontal position, it will gradually disappear. Doctors recommend lying down more often with your legs above body level, placing a pillow or small ottoman under your limbs.
Edema caused by pathologies and developing diseases is not easy to relieve without the use of medications.
Each type of disease has an individual type of edema:
To determine the cause of swelling, consult a doctor. It is impossible to cure swelling without treating the underlying disease; deal with problems related to fluid stagnation in the tissues. After the examination, the doctor will prescribe a diuretic medicine, in the form of tablets, injections or droppers, selected for a specific case.
The steps described below will help you improve your well-being, reduce or completely eliminate swelling of your legs at home.
Diuretic infusions of birch buds, horsetail or knotweed, decoctions of flaxseed and elderberries taken at night help in the fight against swelling. An effective folk medicine made from black radish juice with the addition of bee honey. Parsley (greens and roots) has a healing effect.
The products are safe for health. However, before using, consult your doctor about the consequences of folk remedies!
By following simple tips to prevent the appearance of edema, a person will protect his legs from unpleasant and painful sensations.
Do not limit your fluid intake unless your doctor recommends otherwise. Depriving the body of the usual volume of fluid sometimes leads to greater accumulation in the tissues, and the body begins to stock up for future use. It is recommended for an adult to consume 1.5 - 2 liters of fluid per day, the volume can be increased if desired.
An excessive amount of fluid that accumulates in the internal organs and intercellular space of the body is called edema. In most cases, women are affected by pathological changes and the formation of edema, however, the problem does not bypass the male half either. At its core, swelling of the legs is not a disease, but it is a symptom that indicates various disorders and malfunctions in the patient’s body. If a person does not receive qualified help for edema, he is at risk of developing serious complications. Let's look at the main points: why your legs hurt and swell and how to remove swelling from your legs.
Clinically, swelling of the legs can be manifested by redness of the skin, pain, discomfort, increased volume of the lower extremities, decreased flexibility, and weakness. Swelling can affect either one or both lower extremities at the same time. A one-sided phenomenon, when, for example, the left lower limb swells, can be caused by congenital or acquired weakness of blood vessels and veins.
Thus, there is no definite answer to the question “Why does the left leg swell?” The swelling can be caused by an inflammatory process or injury. Treatment and determination of the causes of swelling of the left leg are no different from the diagnosis and therapy of the right lower limb.
The causes of swelling of the legs during pregnancy may vary, so it makes sense to consider all the reasons and causes of swelling separately. The causes of leg swelling in women can be different. Most of them are associated with hormonal levels, so the exclusively “ladylike” reasons why edema occurs in women can be the beginning of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and the postpartum period.
Swelling of the legs is possible after a cesarean section; such causes in women can be caused by health problems during pregnancy and the prenatal period, the manifestation of postpartum thrombophlebitis, and a hereditary factor. Natural childbirth can also be accompanied by swelling of the mother’s legs; in addition, due to pathology of intrauterine development, birth trauma, or prematurity, the baby’s leg also swells.
High-heeled shoes can cause swelling.
Other common reasons why women's legs swell include high-heeled shoes, prolonged sitting with crossed limbs, and fasting.
Men's legs swell due to heavy loads on the lower extremities (professional sports, heavy physical labor), and tight shoes. Previous trauma in men (mechanical damage) and taking medications also contribute to edema.
Swelling of the legs is possible, the causes of which lie in diseases. Similar pathologies can occur in both sexes.
Any disease accompanied by swelling of the lower extremities requires examination, correct diagnosis and treatment. The sooner a patient seeks help for edema, the greater his chances of success.
The sooner a patient seeks help for edema, the greater his chances of success.
Edema can also occur in adulthood, after 50 years. Leg diseases in older people are primarily caused by age-related changes and poor functioning of internal organs. Also, in older women and men, the causes of edema can be chronic diseases, varicose veins, ruptured blood vessels, and excess weight.
It makes sense to separately highlight such a cause as esophageal varicose veins (EVV). This is one of the signs of advanced hypertension. The disease may not manifest itself for a long time, however, swelling of the lower extremities is possible due to protein deficiency. Bleeding from varicose veins of the esophagus poses a great danger to human health, which often leads to death. The disease is considered incurable, however, life can be extended by regular examinations and following the recommendations of a specialist.
Swelling of the legs during oncology may indicate the formation of malignant tumors in the lower part of the body. The appearance of edema is possible both during treatment and after its completion. We must not forget that prolonged sitting on a chair or low upholstered furniture, excessive drinking, prolonged standing, sedentary lifestyle, frequent flights, low hemoglobin in the blood, flat feet are also causes of pathological changes and the formation of edema. Now that the causes of swelling of the legs in women, men, and the elderly are clear, it makes sense to consider the means and methods of treating pathological changes.
Drug treatment, traditional medicine and properly selected physical exercises will help get rid of excess fluid and swelling. All treatment for leg swelling is aimed at eliminating the cause, removing excess fluid from the body and normalizing blood circulation. Each method in the fight against edema requires prior consultation and agreement with your doctor.
Diuretics (diuretics) and medications will help remove swelling. Treatment of small edema can be carried out at home; if there are no positive results, the patient is sent to a hospital for treatment of edema.
Now you know how to relieve swelling in the legs with the help of medications, then we will consider other methods that also have a positive effect on the lower extremities.
The use of alternative medicine for edema as an additional treatment will be effective, even if the legs are severely swollen. After reading the presented recipes, you will learn how to relieve swelling from your legs. You can get rid of swelling with the help of the astragalus plant. A decoction is prepared from it, which should be taken for 14 days in a row. To eliminate swelling, just take 10-15 grams of raw material and pour boiling water over it. Once cooled and the leaves removed, it can be taken as a therapy for edema.
If your legs are swollen, you can take a bath with added sea salt, accompanied by a light tingling massage. If your feet are swollen, you can knead them with a small ball, or you can also take a contrast bath to eliminate swelling, alternating hot and cold water.
Swelling of the leg below the knee will be eliminated by a potato compress. The peeled vegetable is grated on a fine grater, the pulp is wrapped in cloth and applied to the swelling, on the swollen joint. This is how you can treat a bruised leg.
If your legs are swollen, you can start drinking a decoction of cherry stems. The latter have anti-inflammatory properties, diuretics, improve the condition of joints, veins, capillaries, and eliminate swelling. The raw materials are poured with boiling water, infused and filtered. The course of treatment to eliminate swelling is a month.
If a new mother's legs are swollen after childbirth, she needs to regularly massage her lower extremities, and when going to bed, elevate them with a blanket. Swelling of the legs after childbirth is a common occurrence, so do not be afraid to consult a doctor first, he will prescribe effective remedies to eliminate swelling.
If a new mother's legs are swollen after childbirth, she needs to regularly massage her lower extremities.
The pastyness of the lower extremities is treated well with therapeutic wraps; this is a good remedy for swelling of the legs. They can be carried out either independently at home, or you can go to specialized salons where they will help you fight swelling. Ice cubes will help get rid of swelling of the legs; you need to wipe tired limbs with the product. Now you know how to get rid of swelling in your legs using traditional medicine.
If your legs hurt after a hard day at work and swelling appears, it will be useful to do simple exercises. You can remove swelling and restore blood circulation in the lower extremities by standing on one limb at a time. For the next exercise, it is advisable to take off your shoes; if your feet swell and hurt, walking on your toes will help. You can jump several times, not at full capacity, on your fingers. Rolling from toes to heels helps eliminate swelling and is also best done barefoot.
You can cope with swelling by rotating your feet clockwise, then changing direction. Sitting at a computer for a long time is another reason why your legs swell; the following exercise can be done even in the office. To eliminate swelling, you need to clench and unclench your fingers for a minute. Gymnastics helps to quickly remove swelling in the legs.
Knowing what causes pathological changes, why legs swell, how to treat edema, what remedies and measures to take, you will slow down the progression of edema even before seeing a doctor. The latter must be done at the first opportunity. Timely treatment is the best way to get rid of swelling and the causes that cause it.
Edema of the legs is an overflow of the cells and intercellular space of the muscle tissue of the legs with fluid. Such pathological changes most often affect the distal segments of the lower extremities - the lower leg and foot. This phenomenon is associated with the highest functional load that is performed by a person’s feet and legs during life, and their lowest position in relation to the central parts of the body when in an upright position.
All fluid in the body is located in the vascular and intercellular spaces. The possibility and degree of swelling growth depends on the balance between them.
In this self-regulating mechanism, the key links belong to:
Hydrostatic pressure of blood on the vascular wall;
Hydrodynamic characteristics of blood flow;
Indicators of osmotic and oncotic activity of plasma and intercellular space.
Leg swelling can have varying degrees of severity, but they are always evidence of an imbalance between the actual capabilities of the physiological mechanisms for regulating fluid exchange and the load on the intercellular space. Swelling of the legs can be either an adaptive normal reaction of the body to environmental conditions or the first manifestation of serious diseases.
You can understand and suspect the presence of swelling of the legs based on certain symptoms. They can have varying degrees of severity, and at the same time they can remain at a stable level or progress. In the first case, they talk about the physiological mechanisms of the appearance of edema syndrome. In the second, it’s definitely about pathology. Therefore, when considering such issues, one cannot ignore any manifestations of edema, which may indicate a dangerous disease.
The following symptoms may be considered alarming:
Pasty. It is a diffuse light penetration of the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the legs in the lower third and the ankle joint area along the entire circumference on both limbs. Its presence is evidenced by light marks remaining after strong pressure on the skin of the anterior surface of the leg in the projection of the tibia. The same diagnostic value belongs to marks from socks;
Local swelling. As a rule, it is located on one or both limbs in the ankle area or around the circumference of the ankle joint;
Severe swelling of one or both legs or feet. In this case, it extends to the level of the knee joint or even higher. After pressing on the skin, a large depression remains, which does not straighten out for a long time;
Trophic skin disorders caused by edema. They occur exclusively with severe swelling, causing overstretching of the skin. Against this background, increased fluid leakage from the surface of the skin develops and cracks appear, which transform into erosions, wounds, trophic ulcers and dermatitis.
Leg swelling is not a separate disease, but a symptom that must be correctly interpreted in order to determine the possible cause of its occurrence. There are several groups of diseases manifested by swelling of the legs. All these diseases and the main differential diagnostic criteria are given in the table:
Group of causative diseases
What does swelling look like?
Swelling of the legs in healthy people, caused by overload of the lower extremities and the hydrostatic effect on the vessels of the microvasculature during a long stay in an upright position.
Both legs and feet swell to the same extent. The edema is represented by pastiness in the lower third along the entire circumference of the legs. Appears in the evening after standing or physically hard work. After rest, such swelling goes away.
Swelling of the legs as a sign of heart failure
With heart diseases accompanied by circulatory failure, constant congestion occurs in the veins. This is manifested by swelling of varying density and distribution: from mild and insignificant in the initial stages, to dense and widespread up to the knee joint during decompensation. Both limbs swell. In the morning, swelling may decrease slightly.
Swelling of the legs due to renal pathologies
The legs and feet swell most often in nephritic syndrome and severe renal failure. Equal expression on both limbs is required. Unlike cardiac edema, these edema are more pronounced in the morning and decrease in the evening. Swelling of the face is more common than that of the lower extremities.
Swelling of the legs due to diseases of the venous system of the extremities (varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, postthrombophlebitis syndrome)
Swelling is always one-sided, and if bilateral, then it primarily affects one of the legs. Such swelling is very persistent and dense. They sharply intensify after being in a vertical position, especially stationary. The swelling of the peri-ankle region is most pronounced. After staying in a horizontal position, the swelling decreases.
Swelling of the legs due to diseases of the lymphatic system of the extremities (erysipelas and its consequences, lymphovenous insufficiency, lymphedema)
Like venous edema, edema is located predominantly on one side. They are characterized by particularly high density and durability. Rarely decrease from any manipulations or actions. A characteristic manifestation of edema of lymphatic origin is localization on the dorsum of the foot in the form of a pillow.
Swelling of the legs due to pathology of the osteoarticular system
Almost always unilateral, limited, localized in the area of the affected joint or bone, accompanied by pain and impairment of the functions of support and walking.
Swelling of the legs with inflammatory and purulent-infiltrative diseases of the skin and soft tissues, with injuries of the extremities
The swelling is limited. Expression may vary. With bites and injuries, swelling spreads around the lesion. With deep ulcers, the entire affected segment increases in volume.
For fractures, local swelling at the fracture site is more typical; for ligament ruptures and sprains, widespread swelling similar to a hematoma is more typical.
Other causes of leg swelling:
Myxedema and hypothyroidism;
Premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy;
Hyperaldosteronism and adrenal hyperfunction;
Nutritional malnutrition and cachexia of other origins;
Neuroparalytic vascular disorders against the background of pathology of the nervous system.
The swelling is soft, uniform, located on both limbs. The exception is cases of diseases of the nervous system accompanied by unilateral paralysis.
In such a situation, the swelling is localized on the affected limb. This swelling is relatively stable throughout the day, but may intensify in the evening. They do not reach great severity, except in cases of decompensation of diseases and worsening of the general condition due to the addition of other causes of increased swelling.
When determining the possible causes of leg swelling, the general condition and accompanying symptoms must be taken into account. If there are any, this is definitely pathological edema that requires medical intervention!
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Treating leg swelling is not always the right and rewarding thing to do. After all, eliminating a symptom cannot rid a person of the disease. Therefore, it is more correct to treat not edema, but the disease that led to its appearance. The exception is cases of hydrostatic edema in healthy people due to overexertion of the legs.
Differentiated treatment tactics for swelling of the legs can be as follows:
Hydrostatic edema in persons without pathology:
Limiting physical activity on the legs;
Periodic unloading for the calf muscles in the form of their elevated position, gymnastics and massage;
The use of compression hosiery (stockings, stockings, tights), which help retain fluid in the vascular space by compressing soft tissues;
Specialized measures are not required due to the physiological origin of edema. It is acceptable to use ointments and gels described in the section “treatment of edema of venous origin.”
Cardiac and renal edema:
Diuretics. Various loop (furosemide, Lasix, Trifas), thiazide (indapamide, hypothiazide) and potassium-sparing (veroshpiron, spironolactone) diuretics are used. The frequency of administration, dosage form and duration of treatment depend on the degree of heart failure. Severe edema is treated with injectable loop diuretics with a gradual transition to tablets of identical drugs or drugs from a different group. For long-term decongestant therapy, thiazide diuretics in combination with veroshpiron are best suited;
Potassium preparations (panangin, asparkam). They are necessarily included in drug therapy with loop diuretics. This is necessary in order to compensate for the loss of potassium ions, which are excreted in the urine when diuresis is stimulated. But such drugs are contraindicated in renal failure.
Cardioprotective agents. They do not have a direct anti-edematous effect, but strengthen the heart muscle, the weakness of which causes heart failure and swelling of the legs.
Edema of venous origin:
Compression of the legs and feet with elastic bandages or special knitwear. This event should be the first in the complex treatment of edematous syndrome, since it not only helps in the fight against swelling of the legs, but is a really good method of preventing the progression of venous insufficiency. The main thing is to follow all the rules of elastic bandaging;
Phlebotonics (escusan, troxevasin, detralex, normoven). The mechanism of the anti-edematous action of drugs in this group is to strengthen the walls of veins and microcirculatory vessels. Phlebotonics of plant origin (escusan) can be prescribed in the absence of obvious signs of varicose veins, if there is pronounced pastiness that goes beyond the usual hydrostatic edema;
Blood thinners (aspecard, cardiomagnyl, lospirin, clopidogrel). The mechanism for reducing leg swelling is associated with a decrease in blood viscosity. If it becomes more liquid, its outflow improves, and this prevents stagnation and sweating in the tissue in the form of edema;
Local preparations in the form of ointment and gel (lyoton gel, heparin ointment, troxevasin, hepatrombin, venogenepanol, aescin, venitan). Their local application is quite effective, both for venous pathology and for swelling against the background of habitual leg fatigue as a result of overexertion.
Diuretics for swelling of the legs have a common name - diuretics.
They, in turn, are divided into several classes:
Saluretics, which can be represented by: loop drugs (Bumetanide, Torsemide, Ethacrynic acid, Lasix, Furosemide), thiazide drugs (Cyclomethiazide, Hypothiazide), carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (Diacarb, Acetazolamide) and sulfonamides (Clopamide, Chlorthalidone).
Potassium-sparing diuretics, including: Spironolactone, Amiloride, Veroshpiron, Triamterene, Eplerenone.
Osmotic ones are Mannitol and Urea.
All these drugs differ in effectiveness, duration of action and speed of onset of the therapeutic effect. They have indications and contraindications and are prescribed exclusively by a doctor in accordance with the patient’s disease.
Author of the article: Yulia Valerievna Vafaeva, nephrologist
Swelling in the legs is a rather unpleasant phenomenon that can cause a person a lot of anxiety, ranging from limited physical activity to a not very pleasant aesthetic appearance. This problem especially worries female representatives, because when there is swelling in the legs, it is quite difficult to choose shoes with such an unpleasant symptom on the lower extremities.
In this article we will look at:
Edema of the legs is the filling of the tissues of the lower extremities with intercellular fluid in excess. Most often, swelling of the legs occurs in the lower leg area, as well as the feet. Why in this place? Because the greatest physical load is applied to the legs and feet. After all, throughout the day we are on our feet, moving, and applying a certain functional load. Other vital systems and internal organs of a person do not experience such a load.
It is known that our body is 80% liquid. This fluid accumulates in equal quantities in all cells of the body, therefore, normally, edema is not observed in humans. If any malfunction or disorder occurs in the body, this can lead to the occurrence of edema - both extensive and non-local (small).
Swelling in the legs can have varying degrees of severity - it all depends on the cause of the damage to the body. If the balance between the fluid content in the blood vessels and in the cells is not maintained, a pathological accumulation of excess fluid is observed. Below we look at the symptoms of swollen feet and possible causes.
You can tell that you have severe swelling in your legs by looking at some specific symptoms. As mentioned above, edema can have varying degrees of severity. Swelling that occurs after heavy physical activity, or a working day spent on your feet, usually goes away after a long rest.
Edema, which is a symptom of pathology, tends to progress and increase in size. In this case, you will definitely need to see a doctor to avoid serious consequences.
Symptom - pastiness refers to pathological manifestations in the body. Pastiness is noted when, with slight pressure on the swelling, a small amount of liquid appears on the skin - ichor.
The second symptom indicating pathology is severe large swelling that affects both legs or feet. It is characteristic that when pressure is applied to the swelling, a significant depression appears, which persists for a long period of time.
Swelling that occurs against the background of trophic skin lesions. Trophic ulcers are formed solely as a result of strong stretching of the skin and the accumulation of intercellular fluid under it. Fluid may begin to seep through cracks in the lower extremities, forming wounds, dermatitis, and erosive formations underneath.
Treatment of edema is a rather long, important and extremely responsible process. If you start treatment without first consulting a doctor, it can lead to serious consequences. After all, it is not enough to simply eliminate the symptom; you need to find the cause of the disease. And already fight precisely this pathological cause.
Treatment of swelling of the legs is not carried out only in the case of so-called hydrostatic edema, that is, those that arise as a result of prolonged physical stress.
The use of compression underwear in the form of stockings, knee socks, as well as special anti-varicose tights, massage, preventive gymnastics - all these measures are used to relieve hydrostatic edema in those who spend a lot of time on their feet or whose professional activities involve heavy physical labor.
If the functioning of the kidneys and cardiovascular system is disrupted, a person may experience cardiac or renal edema (depending on the organ that is affected by the pathological process).
For the treatment of renal edema, doctors most often prescribe various diuretic drugs in the form of Furosemide, Lasix, Trifas. Also, you will definitely need to take thiazides medications - Hypothiazide and Indapamide.
Diuretics include the medication Veroshpiron, as well as Spironolactone.
If the swelling is extremely severe, then in this case it will be necessary to use injection methods rather than a tablet form of treatment.
In case of renal failure, drugs containing potassium are prescribed - Asparkam and Panangin. They must be taken, since a large amount of fluid is removed from the body through edema.
In case of cardiovascular disorders, it is necessary to use cardioprotective agents aimed at strengthening and stabilizing the work of the heart muscle.
If swelling of the lower extremities is caused by a violation of venous blood flow, then it is urgently necessary to provide compression of the lower leg and foot (depending on where the swelling is localized). To further strengthen the walls of the veins, it is recommended to use phlebotonic drugs - Detralex, Normoven, Troxevasin, and Aescusan.
They reduce blood viscosity in varicose veins using drugs such as Cardiomagnyl, Lospirin, Clopidogrel, Aspecard.
To eliminate venous dilatation of the veins and swelling in the legs, ointments are used, as well as local gels - Heparin ointment, Troxevasin, Venogepanol, Venitan.
In the treatment of edema of the lower extremities, it is not recommended to resort to amateur activities and prescribing certain medications at your own discretion. Be sure to consult a doctor and then decide on the direction of treatment.
Swelling of the legs is a consequence of many diseases. One of the main reasons for the development of edema is a violation of the venous system (CVI, varicose veins, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis). The progression of any of the diseases of blood vessels and veins can lead to serious consequences (disability, death).
Treatment of leg swelling should begin with identifying the cause of the swelling. Since edema can be a sign of many diseases, cases of errors in prescribing treatment are not uncommon.
For example, a patient (complaining of edema) with obvious symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency is prescribed treatment to eliminate them. Meanwhile, the patient developed other pathologies that could cause swelling (kidney disease, circulatory failure). Therefore, it is very important to conduct a thorough diagnosis to establish a diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.
Isolated manifestations of edema can occur in cases of: prolonged periods without movement, heavy load on the legs, excess weight, pregnancy, uncomfortable shoes, etc.
If swelling of the lower extremities often occurs, the reasons that provoked its appearance may be:
Among the factors that contribute to the development of the disease are:
Edema of the lower extremities can be of two types:
The most common cause of leg swelling is chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Such swelling occurs due to increased pressure in the venous system, which contributes to deformation of the walls of veins and blood vessels. The venous wall becomes thinner, large molecular proteins (hemoglobin, blood elements, fibrinogen) begin to enter the fibrous connective tissue.
In the first stages of venous insufficiency, excess fluid is removed using lymphatic drainage. Such moments are clearly noticeable - swelling of the leg forms in the evening, and goes away in the morning. Subsequently, the pressure on the veins increases more strongly. The lymphatic system can no longer cope with the rapid removal of fluid. If you do not take measures for prompt treatment, you can provoke the development of a serious disease - lymphedema.
Swelling can occur on both legs or on one limb. If only one leg swells, in most cases, such swelling is a consequence of the development of diseases: chronic venous insufficiency, lymphedema, venous thrombosis, osteoarthritis. Cases of swelling of both extremities indicate problems: kidneys, liver, heart. Cases of swelling of both legs due to medications (for example, hormonal) are not uncommon.
In the initial stages of venous insufficiency, patients complain of swelling in the lower extremities, which is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the legs, numbness of the calf muscles, and general weakness. As the disease progresses, in addition to swelling, severe pain, discoloration of the skin on the legs, and the appearance of trophic ulcers may occur.
With kidney disease, swelling can appear in the anterior abdominal cavity, on the face and even on the genitals. From alcohol or vitamin deficiencies, swelling occurs in the foot and lower leg. At the same time, the face becomes swollen.
With heart disease, swelling increases gradually. Diagnosis reveals an enlarged liver. Thickening of the veins in the neck appears.
If swelling of the lower extremities does not appear in isolated cases, it is time to visit a doctor. If there are signs of CVI, you need to visit a phlebologist. The doctor will conduct a visual examination and prescribe a diagnostic examination (duplex scanning of veins, X-ray contrast venography, tomography, etc.).
It is important to measure venous pressure in case of edema. In addition, the doctor visually analyzes the affected areas and takes a medical history.
If, in addition to the legs, swelling appears on the face or lower back, you need to contact a nephrologist.
Treatment of leg swelling in chronic venous insufficiency should begin with the patient limiting long-term stress on the lower extremities.
With severe swelling, the patient needs complete rest. He is recommended to lie down more, with his legs elevated. You can place a bolster under your feet.
After examination, patients are prescribed compression therapy, which consists of wearing compression stockings or bandages. Compression garments are selected individually for each patient. In addition, swelling is relieved using hardware pneumocompression (20 procedures of 40 minutes each).
An addition to the treatment of edema of the lower extremities is the use of phlebotropic drugs (Phlebodia 600, Anistax, Detralex). Such drugs improve venous tone, strengthen vascular walls, and relieve inflammatory processes. Also, phlebotonics improves lymphatic drainage, reduces the distensibility of veins, and eliminates venous congestion. To get rid of heaviness in the legs and restore skin function, ointments, creams and gels are used.
Surgical interventions for edema depend on the form and stage of the disease. For example, surgery is prescribed when conservative treatment does not have a positive effect and swelling continues to increase. Trophic ulcers on the skin begin to appear. The choice of surgery in such cases depends on the general condition of the patient and the cause of the disease. Most often, the affected veins are removed.
If swelling occurs due to the progression of varicose veins, then the patient is prescribed a 3-month course of conservative treatment (therapeutic knitwear, medications, pneumocompression). Only after conservative treatment, which eliminates swelling, are operations (phlebectomy, laser coagulation) performed to remove varicose veins.