Swollen lymph nodes on the legs is a fairly common occurrence that each of us must have encountered. However, in some cases, this phenomenon may indicate a serious illness. Today we will talk about the lymph nodes located on the legs.
What is lymph?
Lymph is a yellowish body fluid. It is responsible for the protective function of the body and contains lymphocytes responsible for the immune response. It washes the cells for the purpose of internal cleansing. The fluid is collected from all organs, pouring into the lymphatic vessels, and then into the general bloodstream. Numerous microbes enter the lymph nodes, which play the role of filters, where they are disinfected. However, if the lymphocytes are weakened, they cannot cope with all microorganisms.
The function of the lymphatic system is not only to produce lymphocytes that destroy bacteria, but also to ensure an even distribution of fluid in the tissues.
Lymph nodes scattered throughout the body. They resemble small beans made of dense fabric, whichpractically not palpable through the skin, if they are not enlarged. Their size varies from a few millimeters to several centimeters. They are concentrated in different areas of the body and prevent the development of the inflammatory process, and even oncology.
Today we will look at the location of the lymph nodes on the legs of a person and the reasons for their increase.
Where are the lymph nodes located on the body?
The following types of lymph nodes are distinguished:
- Waldeyer-Pirogov's lymphoepithelial ring. The ring consists of a group of tonsils.
- Cervical, occipital and anterior ear.
- Subclavian.
- Axillary.
- Thoracic and intrathoracic.
- Elbow.
- Splenic.
- Mesenteric.
- Iliac and para-aortic.
- Inguinal, femoral.
- Hamps.
At the same time, the largest are the cervical, axillary and inguinal.
The inguinal nodes of the lymphatic system are located on both sides of the groin and are scattered in small groups along the inside of the thigh. They purify the lymph that comes to them from the lower extremities and organs of the reproductive system.
The popliteal lymph nodes are located on the inside of the knees, in the area of their fold.
How do lymph nodes behave if an infection has entered the body? Inflammation of the lymph nodes on the leg is characterized by an increase in their size, and a little later - pain when touched. Experts advise to regularly check the condition of the lymph nodes, especially on the legs, since it is here to notice them.the increase is the most difficult.
Attention! If the lymph node has enlarged, this is due to the growing number of lymphocytes in it and indicates that the body has noticed a pathogenic agent and has begun self-defense. This is a good sign, but prolonged enlargement of the lymph nodes requires a visit to a specialist.
In people with a dense physique and loose skin, lymph nodes can increase for no apparent reason. If the phenomenon soon passes, you should not worry about it. And below we will consider the symptoms and causes of swollen lymph nodes.
Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes
How to find out if a lymph node is swollen? First, a seal the size of a walnut appears. When pressed, pain is felt, but an increase in the lymph node on the leg can often not be noticed at all if the process is uncomplicated.
Complicated lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes) reports itself with purulent inflammation, which is accompanied by headache, weakness of the whole body, fever. If the lymph nodes on the inside of the knees are inflamed, the person suffers from a pulling sensation in this area. Inflammation can be localized in one lymph node, their group, or even cover all organs.
Doctors say that if only one lymph node has increased, and not the whole group, this can only mean that it works more actively than others, which is often the result of an infection. As soon as the body fully restores its strength, everything will be back to normal. But if there is pain in the enlargement area, it is better to seek the advice of a specialist.
Lymphadenitis in the knee area: causesand complications
So, the main reasons for the increase in lymph nodes. This type of lymphadenitis can occur even after a common cold with a complication. But most often, infections get into the lymph nodes from a wound on the leg or foot, if there is a purulent process. This is due to the fact that the lymphatic pathways are located in such a way that the infection easily gets from the damaged area to the lymph nodes.
A purulent abscess in the popliteal fossa can become a complication of such a “journey”, if the microbes that have entered the lymph are especially active. In this case, the intervention of a doctor is necessary - he must open the abscess, which struck the lymph node on the leg, in an operative way, to ensure the drainage of pus. In medical practice, there are cases when there is no pus inside. In this case, doctors prescribe medication.
Attention! It is noteworthy that the abscess of the popliteal fossa is characterized by the scarcity of processes, which often misleads patients. The inflamed lymph node on the leg practically does not manifest itself in any way. Symptoms of an abscess are expressed in painful sensations during flexion and extension of the knees, as well as on palpation. There is little swelling in this area, and there is no redness at all.
Inguinal lymphadenitis: main causes
Why is the lymph node swollen in the groin area? The first cause of lymphadenitis in the groin is also a purulent wound on the leg. In addition, doctors identify wounds received from cats, abscesses, boils, phlegmon on the legs and even erysipelas.
But apart fromthis cause of the increase in inguinal lymph nodes may be the following diseases.
Inguinal lymphogranulomatosis.
This is a type of venereal disease. It is common in the tropics, so it is rare in our countries, but cases of infection have increased recently. The disease is characterized by the formation of a papule with liquid on the skin, in place of which an ulcer soon appears. After 2 months, in males, all groups of lymph nodes increase, and in women, inflammation of the deep nodes of the small pelvis is observed. Also, lymphadenitis is manifested in other sexually transmitted diseases - chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea.
Lymphoma, lymphosarcoma.
A tumor that develops in the lymph nodes. The disease has a latent course and a malignant nature, so it is almost impossible to detect it in the early stages, and when metastases appear, it is too late to seek help.
Inflammation of the genital organs.
This includes vulvitis, urethritis, colpitis, balanoposthitis and other diseases. The cause of lymphadenitis is also systemic viral infections - HIV, cytomegalovirus infection, mononucleosis. The lymph node on the leg is the first to receive information that not everything is fine, and begins to respond to the infection.
The nature of the increase in inguinal lymph nodes
In order to independently determine the nature of lymphadenitis, take into account a few nuances:
- If the lymph node on the leg has a "wooden" density, this may indicate a malignant naturediseases.
- When the lymph node is mobile and not soldered to the surrounding tissues, this indicates the infectious nature of lymphadenitis.
- Complicated by a purulent process, lymphadenitis is quite painful - pain is felt at the slightest movement, the skin over the lymph node becomes reddish, its temperature in this area increases.
And then we will look at how to treat lymph nodes on the legs.
Treat lymph nodes on the legs
What to do if you find an enlarged lymph node? This phenomenon in itself does not need therapy, as it is considered only a symptom of some disease or injury.
An enlarged lymph node on the leg requires a specialist consultation. It is best to contact a local therapist who will prescribe the appropriate treatment or give a referral to another specialist. It is important to determine why the lymph node has become inflamed, and for this you need to pass the necessary tests. They will help to diagnose and come to grips with the treatment of the underlying disease. With successful therapy, the lymph nodes will return to normal on their own.
How to treat lymph nodes on the legs at home? Experts do not advise self-medication without knowing the diagnosis. However, warm compresses applied to the area of the swollen lymph node can temporarily relieve inflammation.
Conclusion
When you find yourself having a painful enlargement of the lymph nodes, consult a doctor who will help identify the problem and prescribe a competenttreatment.
