Why does the lower leg swell and how to treat it?
More and more patients are seeking medical help for leg swelling. Both older people and young people, regardless of gender, suffer from the discomfort caused by pathology. The causes of this phenomenon are varied, so each case requires appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of leg swelling
As a result of the load that falls on the lower leg due to the vertical position of the body, fluid accumulates in the intercellular space of the tissues of the lower legs. Swelling can be a reaction of the body that helps to adapt to certain conditions, or it can indicate the presence of any diseases.
Swelling is recognized by its characteristic symptoms.
Pasty. On the surface of the ankle joint of both limbs, penetration of the subcutaneous tissue is detected. After pressing with your fingers, marks remain on the skin. Pain, cramps, and a feeling of heaviness in the legs are possible.
Local swelling. It appears in the ankle joint, ankle of one leg or both.
Severe swelling. It can occupy a considerable surface area, up to the knee joint. Pressure leaves a deep mark that does not disappear for a long time.
Trophic skin damage. Observed with severe swelling. Cracks form on the skin through which fluid is released. Over time, they degenerate into erosions and trophic ulcers.
The progression of symptoms indicates pathological mechanisms of edema, when the basis for their appearance may be a dangerous disease. Timely diagnosis and well-chosen treatment will help avoid serious health problems.
Edema is a consequence of exposure to adverse factors or signals problems within the body. You can find out the true reasons only with the help of a specialist. It is best to do this at the initial stage of the development of edema in order to avoid its transition to a state requiring surgical intervention.
Received injuries to the lower extremities.
The presence of inflammatory processes.
A diet that includes foods that retain water in the body.
Taking certain medications.
Wearing tight, uncomfortable shoes.
Allergic reactions.
Hormonal disbalance.
Pregnancy.
The presence of diseases of internal organs and systems.
Edema can appear as a result of prolonged bed rest, obesity, or after childbirth.
Diseases that cause swelling
The cause of swelling is often various pathologies.
Cardiovascular diseases (myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, heart disease). Causes symmetrical swelling that persists for a long time. They are accompanied by shortness of breath, wheezing, arrhythmia, and chest pain. The swelling increases gradually from bottom to top, usually increasing in the evening.
Kidney diseases. In addition to swelling, the problem is indicated by circles under the eyes, dark color of urine, and a decrease in its amount due to fluid retention in the body.
Phlebeurysm. As a result of stagnation of blood in the vessels, fluid accumulates in the tissues. Swelling appears towards the end of the day, disappearing by morning. It is asymmetrical and usually occurs on one leg, accompanied by pain and sometimes cramps.
Liver diseases. In case of cirrhosis, it is necessary to find out its origins. In advanced cases, a donor organ transplant may be required.
Thyroid gland dysfunction. Edema is distinguished by a dense structure and the absence of pits when pressed. In hypothyroidism, they occur on the front of the lower leg. At the same time, swelling is observed on the tongue and on the shoulders.
Inflammation. In diseases such as phlegmon, erysipelas, and abscess, swelling is characterized by blurred outlines, redness, and soreness. Any inflammation is accompanied by an increase in temperature.
Disruption of lymph flow. In advanced cases, it leads to amputation, so you should not delay your visit to the doctor. Lymphangitis affects one or both limbs. The swelling can be hard, lumpy, and so pronounced that it is called “elephantiasis.”
Depending on the cause, the appropriate course of therapy is selected in each specific case.
Video - Causes of unilateral swelling of the lower leg
Elimination of a symptom does not guarantee recovery. Therefore, efforts should be aimed at getting rid of the disease that caused the swelling. The accumulation of fluid that occurs against the background of pathology of the cardiovascular system and caused by liver disease requires a different approach to treatment. In any case, it must be comprehensive. The exception is edema that is physiological in nature.
Drug therapy
Prescribed according to the identified disease. For example, for edema of venous origin, phlebotonic drugs are used. By strengthening the walls of blood vessels and improving blood microcirculation, they also have an anti-edematous effect. Doctors recommend some of them for severe pastiness, even in the absence of varicose veins.
Swelling is noticeably reduced when taking blood thinners. They promote better fluid outflow, which leads to the elimination of swelling.
Ointments and gels intended for external use are effective. They help with venous circulation disorders and swelling caused by overexertion and fatigue of the legs.
Diuretic drugs called diuretics are often used in decongestant therapy. They are divided into several classes, differing in duration of action,
Taking loop diuretics must be combined with drugs such as Asparkam, Panangin. This helps restore potassium ions excreted in the urine.
You can get rid of the discomfort caused by minor swelling without resorting to medications.
Exercises that improve blood circulation - rotating the feet in different directions, walking on tiptoes, squeezing and unclenching the toes.
Self-massage. Performed several times during the day, duration – at least 10 minutes. All movements are made in the direction from bottom to top.
Warm baths with sea salt.
Cooling. A light massage is done with pieces of ice made from water or a decoction of medicinal plants.
Rubbing. Dilute castor oil with turpentine in a ratio of 2:1 and rub the resulting mixture on your shins in the evening.
Rest. After a working day, it is recommended to lie down for 15 minutes with your legs elevated.
In case of severe swelling, especially caused by problems within the body, all procedures must be coordinated with a doctor.
Traditional medicine recipes should be used as a complement to traditional treatment. They are especially effective at the initial stage or as a preventive measure for those prone to swelling.
Pharmaceutical camomile. Prepare a strong decoction (12 inflorescences per glass of boiling water). After cooling, take one spoon before eating.
Cornflower. In the evening, pour a spoonful of dry raw materials with a glass of hot water. In the morning, strain and drink 2 tablespoons three times a day. The decoction is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Calendula. Add a spoonful of cornflower to two tablespoons of collected flowers, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. An excellent remedy against swelling that occurs during prolonged physical activity.
Birch leaves. Having a diuretic effect, the decoction not only promotes the removal of fluid, but also has a positive effect on the liver. A glass of boiling water requires 2 tablespoons of leaves.
Most traditional medicine has proven effective for swelling of non-pathological origin.
Avoid constantly wearing high-heeled shoes.
Avoid drinking large amounts of water after 7 p.m.
Avoid physical overload.
Reduce the number of thirst-causing foods in your diet - sweets, smoked foods, fried and pickled foods.
Eat more vegetables, berries, fruits, especially those with a diuretic effect - lingonberries, cherries, currants, watermelon, melon.
The beauty and health of your feet will be ensured by proper nutrition, an active lifestyle, and giving up bad habits. Prevention should be done without waiting for deformations, swollen veins and other pathologies. If you discover even slight swelling of the legs, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor.
What causes leg swelling in men and how to get rid of it?
Swelling of the legs is a problem that absolutely anyone can face.
For some reason, it remains generally accepted that only female representatives suffer from swelling. But this is absolutely not true. Women are more susceptible to this problem, but it can also fully affect men. This illness is accompanied by discomfort, heaviness, and unpleasant sensations, and if measures are not taken in time, the situation may worsen.
Nights swell for men
Swelling of the legs in representatives of the stronger sex is, in general, a separate story, since the anatomical structure of the female and male body has a number of differences.
Differences between the male body and the female body:
- Unlike women, in the male body muscle tissue predominates over fat tissue.
- The speed of lymph and blood movement in men is an order of magnitude higher.
- The appearance of edema in men is often associated with an increased degree of trauma.
- Men experience much greater physical stress than women. With age, this can lead to frequent swelling in the lower extremities.
- Males treat edema irresponsibly and often do not pay attention to the initial symptoms. Over time, this problem can grow exponentially and require medical intervention.
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The main places of localization of swelling of leg tissues in men
The area in which edema occurs in men always depends on the factor causing the accumulation of fluid in the body.
The main places of leg swelling in men:
- In the ankle area. The appearance of swelling in the ankle area is observed in the early stages. As a rule, this is where it all starts. Sometimes it is simply impossible to notice any changes with the naked eye. The first signs may appear after wearing socks. In the area of the elastic band, a dented mark will remain on the leg. This means that fluid accumulates in the tissues and there is strong pressure on the lower limbs.
- In the foot area. If you do not provide initial assistance, the swelling from the ankle area will gradually move to the foot area. In this case, the discomfort will be several times greater. It is already difficult for a person to put on shoes, and when wearing them, severe pain occurs. Such swelling is a sign of various diseases that occur in the body and require immediate treatment.
Diseases that can cause swelling of the legs in men
The main diseases that can lead to swelling:
- Problems with the cardiovascular system. Any deviations from the norm immediately begin to affect the functioning of the venous system. Blood begins to accumulate in the vein, and, unable to move through it, it leaks through the walls of the vessels, which leads to the accumulation of fluid in places where it is absolutely inappropriate. In such situations, swelling may appear after lying on your back for a long time.
- Presence of thrombosis. Their formation is caused by prolonged blockage of blood vessels and veins, which subsequently causes serious problems. If you have been diagnosed with this disease and you notice the sudden appearance of edema, then you need to take responsibility for your health. A sharp manifestation of edema will indicate that the vessel is completely clogged and the blood has stopped moving through it. This requires mandatory surgical intervention, otherwise the blood clot may break off and enter the respiratory tract, which can be fatal.
- Kidney disorders. In this case, the kidneys stop coping with their work and do not remove fluid from the body. This fluid accumulates and makes itself felt in the form of edema. Initially, the feet swell, then the ankles, and then swelling may appear on the hands and face.
- Diabetes. This disease is associated with metabolic disorders. Swelling may occur as a result of problems with nerve endings. During diabetes mellitus, their patency becomes significantly less and the movement of the upper and lower extremities becomes limited.
- One of the most common diseases that lead to swelling is arthritis. Due to prolonged illness, the patient may be in a supine position for a long time, which sooner or later will lead to the manifestation of edema.
We have indicated the main diseases that can cause swollen legs in men. But this list can be significantly expanded.
Environmental factors that cause leg swelling
If you are one hundred percent sure that you do not have any diseases, but at the same time you suffer from regular swelling, then there may be hidden reasons of a different nature.
External causes of leg swelling in men:
- You lead a monotonous lifestyle and spend most of the day sitting. There are cases that the legs swell not only in the foot area, but also in the ankle area. In order to avoid such problems, try to change the position of your body as often as possible, get up for a few minutes every hour. These simple steps will help reduce the load on your legs.
- Do you like to treat yourself to something salty? But remember that excessive consumption of salty foods is very harmful to the body. Its excess accumulates in the body, thereby disrupting the functioning of the kidneys. This is the first stage of swelling. Try to drink as much fluid as possible and control your daily salt intake.
- It is not uncommon for swelling to occur due to poor nutrition. Exhaustive diets can lead to the body losing beneficial elements. For example, edema can occur even with insufficient protein. Therefore, it is very important to know when to stop in any diet and not to overdo it. Otherwise, having gotten rid of extra pounds, you can easily acquire another ailment.
- Greater physical activity on one muscle group. This is why you need to alternate exercises and work on different muscles. In addition, be sure to do a warm-up before exercise, this will give you the opportunity to warm up and subsequently protect against the formation of edema.
- Swelling can be caused by excessive “love” for alcoholic beverages.
- Taking medications for potency , as well as various droppers, which lead to the accumulation of fluid in the body.
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If the swelling is in a progressive stage, then it is simply impossible not to notice it. This phenomenon requires immediate action, so it is very important to try to identify it at the initial stages.
What factors may indicate the appearance of swelling:
Problems begin with shoes: it becomes difficult to take them off and put them on, and there is also the effect of bloating while walking;
When moving, your legs feel heavy;
The veins in the legs are poorly visible;
When pressed, a mark remains on the skin for a long time.
If the swelling is irregular and does not manifest itself strongly, then traditional medicine can help in their treatment. You can start this treatment with a simple massage. Spend 10 minutes daily on massage exercises, and this will help remove excess water from the body.
Traditional medicine in the fight against edema
Among the most popular traditional medicine recipes that will provide effective results in the fight against edema are the following:
Radish decoction. To prepare it, you need to take 500 grams of the root vegetables of the plant and pour them with a liter of cold water. Bring to a boil over heat and boil for about 15 minutes. Then leave it for 3-4 hours, preferably in a cool place. Drink a glass of the resulting liquid throughout the day. Warm it slightly before using.
Linen. For one liter of boiling water you need to take 4 handfuls of plant seeds. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and a few tablespoons of honey to the infusion. You need to be treated with this “potion” for a month, while drinking half a glass of the drink per day.
Birch buds. They are used to prepare a compress. Birch buds are wrapped in gauze and placed in hot water. Then we apply them to the site of swelling and secure them with a bandage. It is better to wrap up the area or wear woolen socks. After the compress has cooled, remove it.
A fresh potato compress also has a good effect. To prepare it, you need to wrap the grated potatoes in gauze and apply to the area of swelling. You can repeat this procedure several times a day until the swelling completely disappears.
If possible, drink watermelon, cantaloupe, or cranberry juice. They have diuretic properties and help remove excess fluid from the body.
Additional remedies in the fight against swelling of the legs in men
In addition to traditional medicine, there are a few more secrets that will help remove unwanted swelling in the legs:
You can use one of the medications. For external use, various creams and ointments are used. But before using them, be sure to read the instructions, as each one has different effects.
You may also be prescribed diuretics; their action is aimed at removing excess fluid from the body.
You also need to reduce the daily amount of salt consumed and focus on protein foods.
The amount of liquid consumed should be within 1.5-2 liters. Do not limit your drinking, as the body will begin to accumulate fluid in reserve and it will not be possible to get rid of edema.
Do various massages in the place where there is swelling. Such procedures must be repeated three times a day. This will help disperse accumulated fluid throughout the body.
If necessary, you can resort to wearing compression garments.
As a result, I would like to note that swelling is not such a terrible death sentence if you pay attention to it in time.
Swelling can occur not only in adults, but also in children at any age. Edema, or the accumulation of excess fluids in tissues, is always an alarming signal, especially if it is found in a child. What reasons can cause tissue swelling, and what parents should pay attention to, we’ll talk about this in detail.
Swelling can affect almost any part of the body, and it is very important to monitor the location of the swelling, its size and color - all these factors will help determine the cause of its occurrence. In general, edema in both adults and children is divided into general (generalized) and local.
Generalized edema is a clear sign that the water balance of the whole body is disturbed. They are not always noticeable to the eye, and sometimes generalized swelling affects internal organs. It can be recognized by changes in weight and a decrease in the amount of fluid excreted in relation to how much the child consumed during the day.
It is this water retained in the body that causes swelling. The causes of general edema most often are cardiovascular diseases and kidney dysfunction. Sometimes a drug, for example, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can provoke the formation of generalized swelling in a child.
Local (local) swelling occurs in strictly limited places - for example, at the site of injury. In this case, the fluid balance in the damaged area is disrupted. Internal edema of the lungs and brain is also local.
A child may sometimes experience so-called false edema. For example, in children born prematurely, they appear with certain syndromes. Sometimes false edema appears in newborns on the 3-4th day of life during a sexual crisis - they disappear without medical intervention after a week. It is easy to distinguish false edema - when pressing on them, there is no indentation characteristic of any edema.
In addition to diseases of various organs, external causes also influence the occurrence of edema. In particular, the peculiarities of the lifestyle and the lack of adequate nutrition. External causes of childhood swelling include:
- Lack of a developed daily routine;
- Sitting in one position for a long time;
- Lack of walking and outdoor activity;
- Poor nutrition, in which there is not enough protein and too much sugar or salt;
- Allergic reactions of various etiologies.
It is also not uncommon for children to have swelling of the eyelids due to excessive crying or screaming. The eyelids, however, can swell for several other reasons, for example:
- Due to genetic predisposition;
- Due to the fact that the child slept little;
- From general fatigue;
- Because of the heat.
Swelling in childhood often occurs due to injuries and bruises. If there has been an injury of any kind, fluid may begin to accumulate where there was a bruise, fracture or sprain. This is something to look out for if your child has swelling of a joint or limb (such as a knee, wrist or ankle).
If these reasons cannot be leading in the formation of edema, you should consider options for what diseases could provoke a weak outflow of fluid from the tissues.
There are many diseases, the main symptom of which is swelling of body parts or general swelling of the body. Let's look at them in more detail.
Diseases of the genitourinary system. It is inflammation and infections of the urinary tract that are the main cause of edema in children of preschool and primary school age. Particular attention should be paid to urine - if it contains blood or it itself has an unpleasant, pungent odor and cloudy consistency, you should sound the alarm and immediately seek medical help.
With kidney disease, swelling often appears on the face in the first half of the day. Their cause may be pyelonephritis or glomerulonephritis.
Sometimes swelling in a child is a sign of intestinal dysfunction. It occurs with enteritis and colitis, with celiac disease and intestinal polyposis.
Edema in heart disease
If your child's arms and legs swell in the evening, pay attention to the work of the heart. Many cardiovascular diseases are characterized by just such symptoms.
Problems with the liver are also sometimes accompanied by swelling, which is located in the abdominal area. With hepatitis or liver damage, fluid (ascites) accumulates in the abdominal cavity, which is externally expressed as swelling.
Separately, swelling of an allergic nature should be highlighted - in medical terminology it is called Quincke's edema. It occurs in the form of reactive extensive swelling of the skin, tissues and muscles. This is an extremely dangerous condition that requires medical attention. Angioedema can be caused by both food and household allergens, medications, and insect bites. In children, this condition occurs extremely rarely, but it is possible to find out its cause only in 2/3 of all cases.
If a child experiences localized swelling, you should definitely consult a doctor to assess his condition and diagnose him.
Before carrying out a comprehensive diagnosis when swelling occurs, you should find out whether the child had an acute respiratory infection or acute respiratory viral infection before the swelling appeared, collect a complete medical history, and determine the presence or absence of allergic reactions - these factors largely influence the nature and cause of swelling. After this, the doctor conducts an examination and prescribes laboratory tests, both general (general blood test, urine test, scatological tests) and specific ones, which will help identify signs of the disease.
After this, the doctor redirects the child for examination and diagnosis to specialized specialists (nephrologist, allergist, endocrinologist, cardiologist).
Children with general edema must be hospitalized for diagnosis and complex therapy to relieve swelling. Self-treatment of swelling in children is strictly prohibited without prior approval from a leading specialist.