Varicose dermatitis of the lower extremities develops as a result of impaired blood flow in peripheral vessels, which leads to difficult tissue nutrition. Most often, dermatitis is a complication of varicose veins, which occurs in almost every person. However, it can also occur due to traumatic injuries, excess weight, pregnancy and other pathologies of the cardiovascular system.
The very first symptoms that the patient notices are the appearance of slight itching and redness of the skin in the lower third of the leg. The skin becomes smooth and shiny. Sometimes small bubbles may appear, which disappear on their own after a while.
If left untreated, the disease begins to progress. The itching is constant. The skin first acquires a red and then a brown tint and becomes coarser. The bubbles become larger and do not disappear on their own. They may burst, causing clear liquid to ooze out. After this, crusts form in their place.
The most severe symptoms of the disease occur in the absence of treatment and include the occurrence of trophic ulcers. The patient's general health deteriorates greatly: sleep is disturbed, he becomes emotionally labile. Since the wounds are constantly open, there is a high risk of secondary infection.
Treatment of varicose dermatitis should begin at the first signs of the disease. Under no circumstances should we allow the deterioration and formation of trophic ulcers, which are very difficult to treat.
Treatment of the disease should be comprehensive, depending on the degree of peripheral circulatory impairment and the severity of symptoms. The goal of treatment is to restore and improve blood circulation in small blood vessels, strengthen the walls of veins, ensure sufficient lymphatic drainage, and prevent the formation of blood clots.
That is why, first of all, it is necessary to treat the concomitant pathology that caused the occurrence of varicose dermatitis.
To improve the elasticity of blood vessels and reduce their fragility, venotonics are used - Detralex, Phlebodia, Venozol, etc.
Ointments based on heparin or horse chestnut will help relieve swelling and improve microcirculation of peripheral vessels.
When blisters appear, trophic ulcers and other external manifestations of the disease occur, ointments based on glucocorticosteroids are used - Advantan, Akriderm, Celestoderm, etc. In the case of secondary bacterial or fungal infection, combined preparations are used, which, in addition to the hormonal component, include an antibiotic or antimycotic agent. For example, Belogent, Lotriderm, Sikorten plus, etc.
If the rash on the legs is very itchy, antihistamines - Loratadine, Diphenhydramine, Suprastin, etc. - will help relieve the discomfort. This will help prevent scratching and worsening of the condition.
Surgical treatment is used for severe forms of the disease. In this case, necrotic areas of the skin are excised, which promotes rapid healing. In addition, varicose veins are removed.
Varicose dermatitis cannot be treated only with medications. To achieve quick results, you need to reconsider your lifestyle:
Treatment of the disease with folk remedies includes the use of hirudotherapy, medicinal plants and vegetable oils.
Leeches are successfully used to relieve pain and improve the rheological properties of blood. With their help, you can improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, melt blood clots and relieve inflammation.
The most effective way to treat vascular diseases using traditional methods is the use of chestnut tincture. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effect. The tincture should be taken several times a day, 10 drops before meals.
Almond oil or wheat germ oil effectively heal wounds, have an anti-inflammatory effect, enrich the skin with vitamins and microelements, and moisturize. Before use, the oil should be slightly warmed and applied to the skin daily before bed.
Treatment of varicose dermatitis should begin with identifying the root cause of the disease and eliminating it.
Therefore, you should not self-medicate; you should definitely consult a specialist. He will refer you for additional research and prescribe comprehensive treatment that will help you recover from varicose dermatitis and prevent the development of complications.
Varicose dermatitis (lat. dermatitis varicose) is a chronic inflammation of the skin caused by insufficiency of venous circulation.
The disease is characterized by oozing reddish or scaly areas, repeated minor bleeding, and then atrophy or, conversely, hypertrophy of the skin, warty growths.
Varicose dermatitis affects almost a third of working age adults. Moreover, this diagnosis is often the same for both men and women.
The photo shows varicose dermatitis of the lower extremities
The main cause of the disease is poor circulation and nutrition of the skin of the legs. Due to disruption of blood flow and valve insufficiency, the skin receives insufficient nutrition and becomes thin and dry. Most often, varicose dermatitis occurs in people suffering from inflammation of varicose veins.
The situation is aggravated by excess weight, inactivity, poor eating habits and wearing high heels.
If a limb is affected by chronic venous insufficiency, the skin on it is damaged with all the ensuing consequences, including disruption of the protective barrier.
This creates all the conditions for the possibility of developing varicose dermatitis. Another very important stimulus for the formation of the disease are wounds on the legs and ulcers of the extremities associated with severe chronic venous insufficiency.
Also, medications used for topical therapy can lead to increased skin sensitivity.
Varicose dermatitis has characteristic symptoms:
Symptoms of the disease depend on the severity:
Currently, there are no specific diagnostic methods or general signs or symptoms that can be used to identify this disease. Diagnosis is based on history and physical examination.
Each patient has a unique set of symptoms and severity of the disease, and signs may change over time.
A medical examination is required to establish a diagnosis. Sometimes there is a need for additional laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis and a comparative analysis of symptoms.
If symptoms of an allergic reaction are present, a skin allergy test is performed that can identify everyday products that may be allergens.
Treatment of varicose dermatitis of the lower extremities is aimed at improving blood circulation, moisturizing and softening the skin surface and removing inflammation and swelling.
The most popular treatment methods:
It is necessary to prevent skin drying and ulcers. It is carried out by applying special creams available at the pharmacy to the affected areas. But remember that the use of some creams and ointments requires prior consultation with a doctor in order to prevent allergies.
Special moisturizing preparations reduce the outflow of water from the skin and prevent infection by forming a protective film on its surface.
Treatment of varicose dermatitis with steroid ointments, as a rule, has a good effect. However, these drugs should not be used without consulting a specialist in order to prevent allergic reactions.
Special clothing is designed to maintain optimal blood circulation. Therapeutic underwear should be worn throughout the day and removed only when swimming.
During rest, it is better to keep your legs slightly elevated.
This prevents the accumulation of fluid and, consequently, the occurrence of edema.
In addition, if there are no weeping wounds, the doctor may recommend a special bandage soaked in zinc oxide.
This method is used for the most severe forms of dermatitis, when other means do not help. Before its use, the main problem and the general condition of the venous system are determined using ultrasound.
This method is designed to improve blood circulation, move lymph and reduce swelling.
As alternative methods, the most popular and those showing the maximum effect in the treatment of varicose dermatitis are herbal preparations and treatment with leeches.
The second method has an antithrombotic, analgesic effect, and is used at all stages of the disease. In addition, you can make compresses from cabbage leaves, which are applied to the affected area overnight.
This alternative treatment method has been known since ancient times. Varicose dermatitis and other skin lesions that lead to cracks and ulcers are treated based on the special properties of leech saliva.
It has a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect, and has a mild analgesic effect.
Hirudotherapy supports lymphatic and venous drainage.
Treatment of varicose dermatitis with folk remedies is possible using the following recipes:
As already mentioned, varicose dermatitis occurs due to blood stagnation, which is why prevention of varicose dermatitis is as follows:
In this case, we are not talking about complications of the disease itself, but complications that arise in the case of uncontrolled self-medication.
In the photo there is a trophic ulcer of the leg, as a complication of varicose dermatitis
Doctors have mixed opinions regarding the treatment of venous dermatitis with unconventional methods; they do not speak out categorically against it, but be careful - all these processes should only become the basis for further or maintenance therapy.
Often the consequences of self-treatment lead to permanent disability. All treatment methods in this case, as with any other diagnosis, should be recommended by an expert. Be sure to consult a dermatologist before using folk remedies!
Modern medicine does not exclude the advisability of using, in the treatment of venous dermatitis, methods and recipes that have been tested for many centuries. But, comparing the average life expectancy of a modern person and an ancestor who lived 100 years ago, it is hardly possible to deny its achievements.
As a rule, varicose dermatitis occurs against the background of varicose veins of the legs. This is a complex disease. Its cause, as a rule, is stagnation of blood in the vessels and improper nutrition of the skin.
Varicose dermatitis has its own symptoms and treatment methods, which will be discussed below.
This disease mainly affects older people. It is often diagnosed in women. Typically, illness of the lower extremities is associated with improper nutrition of the skin of the leg. Insufficient blood flow can develop due to malfunction of the valves of varicose veins, and because of this, the skin begins to dry out and itch. Excess weight and varicose veins increase the likelihood of developing varicose dermatitis.
Venous deficiency in the dilated veins causes blood to be retained in the legs (part of the legs), the walls of the vessels become thinner, and the damaged area is swollen. Increased permeability of veins is favorable conditions for the penetration of blood components into the subcutaneous layer, resulting in an inflammatory process.
As was said at the beginning, the main reason why varicose dermatitis occurs is thrombosis of the superficial and deep veins, as well as other simultaneously occurring pathologies. Such pathologies include diabetes mellitus, diseases of the cardiovascular system, excess weight, infectious skin diseases, injuries, and pregnancy. An accompanying symptom is swelling of the legs, which is a suitable condition for skin irritation.
There are other factors that predispose to lower extremity disease:
Dermatitis with varicose veins can be contact and allergic.
The main signs that indicate the initial stage of the disease include:
There are other symptoms based on which a doctor can make a diagnosis:
Long-term progression of the disease can cause ulceration. With complications, trophic and intractable ulcers may occur. In particularly difficult cases, similar signs can be found not only in the lower extremities, but also on the neck, face, and groin. But often such manifestations are diagnosed in children.
If there is no treatment for the underlying disease, then treatment for dermatitis will not be effective. In order for the skin to be in order and the disease to be curable, it is worth stabilizing the functioning of the veins in the legs. Therefore, treatment of the disease should be carried out under the supervision of a surgeon and a dermatologist. Eliminated venous insufficiency will be the key to curing dermatitis on the legs.
The following principles are the basis for the treatment of varicose dermatitis:
With chronic dermatitis, it is important to treat the main ailment and take care of your feet every day. Do not allow your feet to dry out, become infected, or re-irritate:
Immediately before treatment with such drugs, it is important to ask your doctor for recommendations, since some types of creams may be contraindicated in your case and will only complicate the disease (for example, if the skin has been infected).
Often, the doctor prescribes compression hosiery, which stimulates blood circulation. This treatment involves constantly wearing stockings (except in the shower or bath), which many people do not like.
It is very important to eliminate blood stagnation. The following methods will help with this:
Untimely therapy can provoke trophic ulcers, and they are difficult to heal, tend to worsen and are generally dangerous. When varicose dermatitis is at an early stage, such complications can be prevented.
Using alternative medicine, you can also effectively overcome ailments of the lower extremities.
Prevention of the disease should include careful care of the skin of the feet and prevention of drying out.
In the spring, as soon as dandelions begin to appear, you can prepare salads from the leaves of the flower, the use of which will help strengthen the walls of the veins, stabilize metabolic processes and prevent the appearance of varicose dermatitis.
2. Journal “Concilium Medicum” - http://con-med.ru/;
3. Magazine “Attending Physician” - http://www.lvrach.ru/;
4. Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry named after. S. S. Korsakova;
Peripheral lower edema is a problem that worries a large number of people on our planet, especially women. Sometimes the problem can arise due to fatigue and is associated with physiology; in other cases, swelling indicates the presence of a serious pathology that requires urgent and competent treatment.
If a patient's foot swells, it is imperative to seek help from a general practitioner, who will prescribe the necessary tests. If a symptom occurs day after day, then you should not experiment with your health and self-medicate, this can lead to serious consequences.
Peripheral edema occurs due to stagnation of fluid in the cells and intercellular space. More often, the legs swell for a simple reason; they bear the heaviest load, in particular the entire weight of the person’s body.
Reasons why legs swell:
Any causes of swelling of the lower extremities indicate that you need to see a doctor and get treatment, otherwise the condition will only get worse. Edema is not a cosmetic problem, but a serious disruption of the body, the consequences of which can be tragic.
Almost every pregnant woman faces this problem; they are interested in why their legs swell, especially in the last weeks of pregnancy. In this case, peripheral edema can be physiological and pathological. Depending on the cause of the symptom, a woman may be indicated for different treatments.
Physiological edema occurs most often; they are not associated with any disease, but arise due to the body’s ability to retain fluid. During pregnancy, the load on the legs increases greatly, hormonal changes occur, and salt consumption aggravates the condition.
Usually, in this case, no special treatment is required; the woman is advised to follow a diet, not drink a lot of water at night, and rest for a sufficient amount of time. Symptoms go away after childbirth and the body recovers completely, so there is no need to worry.
Pathological edema indicates the onset of gestosis - late toxicosis. This condition requires diagnosis and competent and timely treatment, otherwise the child may suffer. With gestosis, fetal hypoxia often occurs, which is life-threatening. To avoid sad consequences, if edema appears during pregnancy, you should immediately consult a doctor and get tested, and begin treatment, if necessary.
The following types of edema are distinguished, depending on the cause of their occurrence:
Allergic is also called Quincke's edema; it is associated with a violent reaction of the body to some allergen. Such allergies can also be cumulative in nature, that is, a person uses a product for a long time or is exposed to a substance, then swelling suddenly appears.
When hydremic, kidney function is disrupted. In mechanical cases, the symptom occurs due to injury, soft tissues swell or blood vessels are compressed, as a result of which fluid exchange is disrupted. Also, the cause of such swelling can be a large tumor. Congestion occurs when vascular permeability is impaired.
Neuropathic edema occurs exclusively in people with diabetes or alcoholics. It is impossible to name the exact cause of this pathology; it may be due to several factors. The diagnosis is made by a doctor, excluding other types of pathology, after testing.
Swelling of the legs is always accompanied by a number of symptoms. It is worth noting that the symptoms can be expressed to a greater or lesser extent; in some cases the swelling is stable, while in others it is constantly increasing. In any case, you can talk about the presence of pathology only after examination by a doctor.
The following symptoms are characteristic of pathological edema:
In all of the above cases, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. This situation indicates serious disorders in the body, which can even lead to death.
It is not difficult to detect swelling; just press your finger on the skin. If the skin has not changed, then there is no swelling, but if a white spot appears that does not disappear for several seconds, then the problem is definitely present. In this case, you need to make an appointment with a therapist.
The doctor will examine the patient, conduct a survey and listen to complaints, and prescribe general blood and urine tests. If there is a suspicion of pathology, the patient may be sent to specialized specialists, for example, a neurologist, nephrologist, cardiologist, endocrinologist and other doctors.
The doctor usually pays attention to an enlarged liver, changes in the color of the skin of the legs, fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity and enlarged veins. Such symptoms may indicate serious pathologies that do not require delay, then the doctor can refer the patient to a hospital, where he will receive prompt assistance and undergo further examination.
Patients are interested in how to relieve swelling quickly. Treatment of pathology begins with identifying its cause, and therapy will depend on it. So, if the functioning of the kidneys is impaired, it is necessary first of all to treat them, and if there are problems with the heart, to normalize the contraction of the heart muscle. For varicose veins and allergies, the treatment will be completely different.
That is why you should not treat leg swelling on your own by taking diuretics, hormonal drugs and other medications. Uncontrolled use of medications usually only worsens the condition, although at first the patient sees the result, but over time it will only get worse.
The following recommendations may temporarily alleviate the condition:
For kidney problems, the following treatment is prescribed:
For problems with blood vessels, the following treatment is prescribed:
In all cases, nutritional adjustments, unloading of the limbs, therapeutic exercises, physiotherapy and massage have a beneficial effect.
It is important to know how to alleviate the condition and how to relieve mild swelling, especially after a hard day at work. If swelling appears every day, it is not recommended to treat yourself with folk remedies and medications; you should definitely consult a specialist.
How to relieve swelling of the legs with folk recipes:
It is important to know how to get rid of edema with the help of diet; this method is quite effective even in the complex treatment of serious pathologies. If you are worried about swelling in your legs, you need to follow the following rules when eating:
If the cause of the symptom is an allergic reaction, then therapeutic fasting will most likely be required, and after the symptoms are relieved, the patient is prescribed a special hypoallergenic diet. Only the attending physician can give exact recommendations on what you can eat in this case. As a rule, it is forbidden to eat red vegetables and fruits, starchy foods, sweets, foods with dyes and preservatives, fried, smoked, spicy and fatty foods.
To avoid the appearance of edema at the end of the working day and in the morning, you need to follow the following recommendations:
If the methods described above are ineffective and swelling still appears every day, and even increases over time, then we can talk about the presence of serious problems. In this case, you should not postpone visiting a specialist; the doctor will conduct an examination and recommend how to quickly relieve swelling of the legs.
Swelling of the legs and the treatment of this problem in one way or another affects almost every young lady living in a metropolis. Residents of big cities work too much (including on their feet), and often ignore the daily rest that is necessary, especially if they are prone to swelling of the legs.
Different leg swelling requires different treatments, this is obvious. However, in any case, it’s a good idea to reduce fluid retention and switch to a salt-free diet, drink less, and monitor your weight. It’s good to lie down with one or two pillows under your shins so that your legs are higher than your heart. However, don't just place pillows under your knees. Don't sit or stand for long periods of time; if you can't walk, move your feet and toes. Hot baths are contraindicated, especially if varicose veins are suspected. But contrast baths are great for helping with tired legs, heaviness and swelling. You should keep your feet alternately in hot (5 minutes) and cold water (10 seconds), with the addition of herbs and sea salt. Massage has a beneficial effect on the legs. You should massage your feet daily with a hard towel from your toes up. The foot can be massaged strongly, but the knees and hips - less. After the massage, you need to lubricate the skin with a special foot cream. To make your legs less tired, you can strengthen them with gymnastics: balance first on one leg, then on the other. This exercise restores blood circulation in the legs well. In order to find out how to treat swelling of the legs caused by mechanical damage, varicose veins or dysfunction of internal organs, you should visit a doctor, he will prescribe medications. But you can also take note of some traditional medicine recipes.
Most often, swelling of the legs signals us about the first stages of varicose veins. It’s worth remembering very well - if you have thrombophlebitis and varicose veins, rubbing and steaming your legs is harmful!
What is possible?
For other causes of leg swelling, you can remember the following:
It is important not to forget that you can hardly cure the disease with folk remedies alone, and therefore going to the doctor should be the first step to treating leg swelling.
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Edema of the legs is the accumulation of excess fluid in the subcutaneous tissues of the legs. Depending on the reasons, there are certain types of them.
People over 50 years of age often suffer from swelling of the legs. Edema occurs due to the fact that aging leads to metabolic disorders, and then to a malfunction of organ systems. In women, swelling occurs more often. Although men can also suffer from this phenomenon.
In order to prevent or reduce swelling, it is necessary to know the main causes and methods of treating leg swelling.
Symptoms include:
The photo shows what swelling of the legs looks like.
Causes of leg swelling in older people
The main reasons are unbalanced diet and lifestyle. In addition, some diseases also cause swelling of the legs. The legs of older people swell due to the following reasons:
Serious illnesses as causes:
With the above diseases, edema also appears in men. Swelling with diabetes mellitus worsens.
Their treatment depends on the causes of swelling. To relieve edema that is caused by certain diseases, it is necessary to first eliminate the underlying pathology, because edema is only a symptom. With proper treatment, swelling goes away soon.
Therefore, complex treatment is prescribed. The optimal method is a combination of treatment with medications and traditional recipes.
People who suffer from this type of leg problem are usually prescribed:
Treatment for local effects on the legs:
Treatment of legs for internal use:
In addition, to develop the muscle groups of the leg in order to expel excess fluid from the tissue, exercise therapy and professional massage are included in the treatment of the legs.
In case of cardiovascular failure, cardioprotectors are prescribed. To treat kidney diseases, medications that have diuretic properties are taken. Drugs that thin the blood and agents for external use are prescribed for the treatment of venous insufficiency (for example, Venitan, Troxevasin, Lyoton).
After determining the causes of leg swelling, specialists determine a specific therapeutic complex.
For swelling of the feet, the following folk methods are effective:
1. Rubbing for the elderly:
Among folk remedies, phytocompresses help the most. They can be made from:
You can also apply elderberry leaves to the swelling site. Before this, they should be steamed.
3. Foot baths
In treatment, this is another effective folk remedy. To do this, you need to add the following to the water intended for baths:
An excellent remedy is to pour chopped parsley roots (1 cup) into 0.5 liters of boiling water. Infuse in a thermos, pour in lemon juice. Drink throughout the day. Use for 2 days with a break of 3 days.
An excellent option for relieving puffiness are contrast baths, preferably with the addition of herbs.
4. Treatment of feet with diuretic decoctions
Medicinal herbs are used for treatment:
A drink made from dried apricots perfectly removes excess fluid from the body. You can drink radish decoction. Treating your feet with flax seeds also helps (4 tablespoons of seeds per liter of water, lemon juice, honey).
5. Healthy foods for the elderly
Such foods and drinks have the ability to remove accumulated fluid from tissues. A third of the juice of these vegetables is equivalent to one tablet with a diuretic effect.
6. Self-massage as a treatment for older people
It must be carried out regularly - to knead the swelling with movements from bottom to top and vice versa. Self-massage improves blood circulation and promotes the removal of fluids.
7. Correct sleeping position for older people
When swelling begins to bother you, you can sleep with your legs elevated above head level.
To prevent leg swelling in older people, you need to know what preventive methods can be used.
Basic rules for prevention:
Leg swelling is a natural occurrence as we age. But in order to avoid the danger of certain diseases, you should undergo regular examination in medical institutions.
The administration of the portal categorically does not recommend self-medication and advises consulting a doctor at the first symptoms of the disease. Our portal presents the best medical specialists with whom you can make an appointment online or by phone. You can choose a suitable doctor yourself or we will select one for you absolutely free . Also, only when you make an appointment through us, the price for a consultation will be lower than in the clinic itself. This is our little gift for our visitors. Be healthy!
The female body experiences stress during the period of bearing a baby. Physiological edema is associated with a peculiarity of the body and does not pose a danger to the pregnant woman and the fetus, unlike pathological edema, which must be treated.
During pregnancy, every woman's body undergoes temporary changes affecting all organs and systems. As a result, health problems are often observed. One of the most common is swelling of the legs.
After conception, a woman’s hormonal background changes dramatically. The level of progesterone (pregnancy hormone) increases almost 10 times. This hormone retains fluid in the body, resulting in an imbalance of water-salt balance. There is a change in lymphatic drainage and blood movement through the vessels, the legs swell. Typically, swelling does not appear from the beginning of pregnancy. This problem is mainly observed in late pregnant women.
Do not confuse weight gain with swollen legs. To check, you need to lightly press on the shin in front of the leg; if there is a hole left that does not straighten out right away, the legs are swollen. In general, swelling is normal, but requires the attention of your doctor.
They are caused by the body’s ability to retain water and sodium in the body during pregnancy. Legs swell, usually after physical activity, eating a lot of pickles, due to weight gain and in the heat. Such swelling is a natural phenomenon and does not pose a health hazard.
To get rid of physiological edema, you should:
Such swelling in pregnant women indicates existing diseases, such as:
During pregnancy, the volume of circulating fluid increases. This mechanism is designed to provide adequate nutrition to the baby, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. Over time, the child activates his own hematopoiesis, which also increases the total volume of intravascular fluid.
During pregnancy, intra-abdominal pressure increases. This is due to the gradual growth of the pregnant uterus, which pushes the internal organs to the sides. High blood pressure, especially in late pregnancy, does not allow enough blood from the legs to travel to the heart. Increasing pressure under the diaphragm reduces the volume of the chest, which further increases the risk of edema, since full inspiration cannot occur, which, thanks to the negative pressure in the chest, draws blood from the legs to the heart.
During pregnancy, due to the action of various hormones and mediators, the vessels of the microvasculature are in a relaxed state, which allows fluid to pass between the cells of the inner layer of capillaries. This leads to swelling.
This is a characteristic syndrome for late pregnant women. The occurrence of this phenomenon is associated with compression of the inferior vena cava between the enlarged uterus and the spine. This occurs when a woman lies on her back or right side. As a result, a sharp decrease in brain blood flow may occur, which is manifested by dizziness, paleness of the face, and severe weakness. But if compression of the vein does not occur suddenly, during night sleep, when the blood circulation in the brain remains at the proper level, and the blood does not completely flow from the legs, then swelling occurs in the morning.
This complication of pregnancy develops in its later stages. The reasons for this pathological phenomenon are not fully understood; it is assumed that an allergic reaction and inflammatory phenomena in the microvascular bed play a key role. Not only edema is the main symptom of gestosis, but also increased blood pressure and loss of protein in the urine. Legs swell during pregnancy at different levels, which depends on the severity of gestosis. If severe gestosis develops, the swelling may spread to the anterior abdominal wall.
If the expectant mother had problems with the urinary system before conception, then these problems may appear with the onset of pregnancy. Swelling in the legs occurs due to insufficient functional activity of the kidneys, which can occur with an exacerbation of renal pathology. Water does not leave the body, but is retained in the tissues. This cause is characterized by swelling not only in the legs, but also in the area around the eyes (bags under the eyes), on the arms, and torso. Lower back pain may occur.
During pregnancy, the load on the heart increases greatly (by 30% or more). A healthy heart can easily compensate for this load without any visible complications. In cases where heart disease was noted before pregnancy, these diseases appear again during pregnancy. This occurs as a result of a breakdown of the compensatory mechanisms of the cardiovascular system. Without exception, all pregnant women with this pathology are taken under special control in order to begin treatment on time. In addition to swelling of the legs, internal edema can form, which is more dangerous. Symptoms of heart failure come to the fore in such a situation. May be noted:
Pregnant women have an increased risk of angioedema. Especially if women noted the presence of any allergies before pregnancy. With the Quincke reaction, the legs in the feet, hands, cheeks, eyes, lips, and mucous membranes swell. Swelling of the larynx may occur. Such an allergic reaction can disappear on its own, even if nothing is done. This pathology requires calling a doctor.
As a rule, they try to treat hypothyroidism before pregnancy. But even pregnant women may experience thyroid dysfunction. This condition is also called mucous edema and expresses an extreme lack of hormones. It is rare to encounter such a pathology in modern pregnant women.
Insufficiency of the venous system of the legs is the inability of the valve apparatus to resist the reverse flow of blood. Unlike edema due to other causes, venous edema may be accompanied by pain. The right and left legs swell asymmetrically, or only one leg swells. Leg pain will intensify during pregnancy as venous insufficiency progresses.
Often women may not notice, or notice too late, pathological changes in their body. Some women prefer to attribute any symptoms to pregnancy, even when only one leg is swollen.
The patient’s complaints about:
Swelling can be determined by visual inspection and palpation, when pressing on the skin leaves a fingerprint.
The following diagnostic measures are also prescribed:
Treatment of swelling and pain in the legs during pregnancy should be carried out taking into account all possible risks for the woman and the fetus. It is very important that medications do not enter the baby's bloodstream. If the edema is severely developed, then treatment in a hospital is necessary.
Depending on the cause, treatment may vary. To relieve minor swelling not associated with chronic diseases, you can do a foot massage, cold baths, or a contrast shower for the feet. You can also use external agents to strengthen the vascular wall (Essaven gel, Lyoton, Troxevasin).
If swelling in the legs during pregnancy is associated with gestosis, then treatment should include:
Swelling of the legs during pregnancy associated with exacerbation of chronic non-obstetric pathology is treated in a hospital.
Edema in pregnant women should be treated only after the cause of its occurrence has been determined. Treatment of physiological edema is not necessary. You just need to slightly adjust your lifestyle and your legs will stop swelling, and after childbirth the swelling will go away on its own.
Sometimes the hands and face swell. If not only the legs are swollen, but the general condition of the pregnant woman has worsened, then treatment should be started immediately. For this purpose, pregnant women are placed in a hospital.
Treatment of edema due to gestosis should be entrusted to an experienced doctor. He will monitor your weight, adjust your diet, prescribe diuretics, infusion therapy and IVs. With gestosis, blood thickening occurs, droppers improve blood circulation. Preeclampsia is incurable, you can only slightly reduce its manifestation.
Self-treatment with diuretics and herbs during pregnancy is strictly prohibited!
From the very beginning of pregnancy, you must follow all doctor's recommendations. Due to the body's increased need for fluid, thirst appears. It should be quenched with clean water or weak green tea; juice or carbonated drinks will increase thirst. It is better to drink in small sips, but more often. Pregnant women should not be limited in water, because it is necessary for the pregnant woman’s body.
Salt absorbs water, reducing its consumption will reduce swelling.
A growing fetus needs protein. It is found in meat, liver, cottage cheese, and fish. Therefore, pregnant women’s menus need to include these products in sufficient quantities. If there is insufficient supply of amino acids to the body, the fetus will have to take them from the mother’s blood. The amount of protein in the blood will decrease, and this is a common factor in the appearance of edema during pregnancy.
To prevent legs from swelling, doctors sometimes resort to traditional medicine. The doctor may prescribe bearberry or lingonberry leaf. Why is it prohibited to take stronger diuretics during pregnancy? The use of such drugs helps to remove not only water, but also minerals.