Such a symptom as swelling of the legs can appear with various diseases. To successfully treat this condition, it is extremely important to find out the cause of its occurrence. Visible swelling of the lower extremities and a noticeable increase in their circumference is often accompanied by other clinical signs. Puffiness can be unilateral and bilateral, have different localization and severity. Now let's try to figure out why the legs swell, on the basis of what additional symptoms the diagnosis is made and whether there are effective ways to deal with this manifestation.
Classification of edema
Depending on the cause that caused the uncomfortable swelling of the lower extremities, the following varieties are distinguished:
- Neuropathic - such edema accompanies the course of diabetes and alcoholism.
- Cachectic - indicate exhaustion of the body or diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Mechanical - develop as a result of injury, increased load on the legs.
- Hydromic - swelling on the legs is provoked by diseases of the excretory system and the accumulation of excess fluid in the body.
- Congestive - puffiness is formed as a result of increased vascular permeability and increased capillary pressure.
- Allergic - occur as a reaction of the body to an irritant (insect bite, chemicals, contact with an allergenic plant, etc.).
This violation can occur both on one of the limbs, and simultaneously on both, there is swelling of the leg in the ankle, foot, lower leg, thigh.
What provokes swelling of the limbs
Drug therapy, procedures, baths will not bring any result if the cause of edema is not identified. The legs can swell in both men and women. More often this symptom occurs when:
- kidney pathologies;
- endocrine system disorders;
- chronic cardiovascular insufficiency;
- thrombosis, varicose veins and inflammation of the veins;
- stagnation of lymphatic fluid in the limbs;
- diabetes;
- cirrhosis.
Sometimes the cause of swelling of the legs in women is pregnancy - the kidneys can hardly cope with the increased load. In this case, the patient should reconsider her drinking regimen, limit fluid intake. After childbirth, swelling of the lower extremities disappears without medical intervention.
Often, swelling of the leg in the ankle is caused by relatively harmless reasons:
- excess s alt intake,which prevents the normal removal of fluid from the body;
- walking, fatigue due to prolonged standing;
- drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially before bed;
- uncomfortable, tight shoes, uncomfortable heel height.
It can be difficult to immediately determine why fluid accumulates and stagnates in the tissues of the lower extremities. To identify the real cause of swelling of the legs, you will have to take tests, undergo an ultrasound scan, or resort to the use of other diagnostic methods.
Most often the problem disappears by itself as soon as the patient rests. It is much worse if the swelling is constantly present, accompanied by pain, cyanosis or flushing of the skin. All of these symptoms may indicate one of the diseases described below.
Heart failure
Unlike non-pathological edema, changes in the lower extremities caused by weak heart function have characteristic features. Swelling occurs more often on the shins of the right and left legs. Edema that affects men over 45 years of age is caused by heart failure in almost half of the cases. At the same time, the legs do not hurt, but when pressed, unpleasant sensations arise. In patients with heart problems, the epidermis in the swollen areas acquires a darkish bluish tint, remaining cold and motionless, the limbs become numb and cold. Puffiness increases in the afternoon or after sleep.
When edema appears, you need to pay attention to other symptoms. Arrhythmia, pain may indicate heart failurechest, shortness of breath. Swelling of the legs in men can be a harbinger of such a dangerous disease as a heart attack.
Rheumatic pathologies
With rheumatism, swelling of the legs is symmetrical. Associated symptoms are similar to those that occur with heart failure. In addition, swelling and pain in the joints are added to these manifestations, which negatively affect the patient's motor activity.
The development of rheumatic diseases is most often preceded by a streptococcal infection that primarily affects the lungs and upper respiratory tract. When the diagnosis is confirmed, the patient is hospitalized. Ignoring the symptoms of rheumatism is extremely dangerous, because if left untreated, the disease can become chronic.
Diseases of the veins of the lower extremities
There are many known pathologies that occur against the background of venous insufficiency. These include thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins. Patients with these diseases constantly swell and hurt their legs. The covers over the places of swelling become red and hot, the swelling itself is dense and hard to the touch, you can’t just press it with a finger. All patients with venous insufficiency typically describe how they feel:
- feels like feet are on fire;
- has a feeling of heaviness in the legs throughout the day;
- veins appear through the skin, resembling coarse, uneven threads with raised knots;
- puffiness appears on the ankles and calves.
Varicose diseases of the lowerextremities require immediate treatment. The cause of leg edema in women over 30 years of age in the predominant number of cases is precisely venous insufficiency, which can lead to hemorrhages and the appearance of trophic ulcers on the lower extremities. To get rid of this problem, women have to take special preparations for several months and wear compression underwear. In advanced cases, the only way to help the patient is through surgery.
Swelling of the legs as an allergic reaction
Some people get swollen limbs in response to medication, contact with a plant, or an insect bite. Puffiness looks like a dense tissue lesion, while there are no marks left on the skin when pressed. The epidermis may turn red, become covered with a small rash and itch. Patients complain of burning of the affected limb, which is aggravated by prolonged sitting, being in one position. Before treating leg swelling caused by an allergen, it is necessary to clarify what was the irritant and eliminate it. To make the swelling go down faster and the itching disappear, the patient is prescribed antihistamines.
Kidney disorders
The slightest malfunction of the excretory system leads to stagnation of fluid in the tissues. Swelling of the legs caused by kidney disease is usually localized on the top of the foot. The swellings are symmetrical, feel soft to the touch. Individuals with a history of kidney failure may experience sudden swelling of the lower extremities from the shins to the ankles.
Causeleg edema is excessive fluid intake. In parallel with changes in the limbs, the patient may also have other signs indicating the presence of renal disorders:
- "bags" under the eyes;
- changes in daily urine volume;
- aching and pulling pains in the lumbar region.
Problems with the thyroid gland
Swelling of the legs may indicate a deficiency of hormones that are produced by the endocrine system. Often, the swelling resembles a small pillow, because when pressed with fingers, deep pits remain on it. If the pathology progresses, myxedema can develop - a dangerous condition, which is characterized by an increased concentration of fluid in all tissues of the body. The epidermis in such patients seems puffy, its surface quickly peels off, coarsens, has a gray-yellow tint.
Liver disease
Swelling of the legs in elderly patients often occurs against the background of severe damage to the gland. This condition is possible with cirrhosis, malignant neoplasms, portal hypertension. The reason for the swelling of the extremities is the cessation of the production of albumin - a substance, the lack of which leads to disruption of metabolic processes and blood stasis. The result of this failure is often the formation of dense swelling of the ankles.
Against the background of liver diseases, yellowing of the skin, reddening of the palms, gynecomastia in men is possible, in severe cases, ascites develops.
Injuries
Almost any damage to the lower limb is accompanied by swelling. Around the fracture, placesbruise, sprain, dislocation, the epidermis becomes cyanotic. Depending on the severity of the injury, the motor ability of the limb decreases, which, at the slightest movement, hurts a lot. The leg swells instantly, and a few days after the injury, a hematoma appears.
To relieve swelling, it is advisable to first find out the nature of the damage. To do this, you need to go to the emergency room as soon as possible and take an x-ray. Based on the results of the diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe treatment.
Lymphostasis
Violation of the outflow of lymphatic fluid that accumulates in the tissues may be caused by hereditary predisposition. Lymphostasis, as the cause of swelling of the legs in women, can be a secondary ailment against the background of focal lesions of the inguinal lymph nodes in malignant tumors and metastasis of the uterus, rectum, ovaries, and in men with prostate cancer. In the people, this disease is called elephantiasis. Often it develops due to metabolic disorders, increased loads on the lower limbs. Most often, elephantiasis is observed only on one, right or left leg. Edema is a noticeable accumulation of fluid under the skin over the entire surface.
As the disease that caused lymphostasis progresses, swelling may be accompanied by convulsions and critical fatigue. In the absence of data on the causes of leg edema and treatment of lymphedema, the limb may swell to an incredible size and cease to function. With a huge full leg, it becomes difficult for the patient to get up on his own.move. In addition to the immobility of one of the limbs (right or left leg), weakness, malaise, joint pain, low-grade body temperature and other symptoms characteristic of a particular causative disease may accompany swelling.
Unbalanced diet
The process of removing fluid from the body is in a strong relationship with protein metabolism. A conscious or forced rejection of protein often leads to fluid stagnation and swelling of the legs. Such a violation most often occurs due to a sharp change in food preferences and eating style (vegetarianism, adherence to strict mono-diets, fasting, fasting days, etc.). If an unbalanced diet is the answer to the question “why do my legs swell?”, You must abandon the self-compilation of the daily menu and seek help from a professional nutritionist.
Causes of puffiness in women
According to statistics, women are more likely to complain of swelling of the lower extremities. In addition to the pathological causes of swelling of the legs, in women, natural factors associated with the characteristics of their reproductive system can provoke this phenomenon. So, for example, edema can be one of the manifestations of premenstrual syndrome. Swelling usually occurs a few days before the onset of menstruation. In addition to swelling of the lower extremities, some women may have swelling of the face, abdomen, and perhaps a slight increase in body weight. It is not uncommon for feet and lower legs to swell during pregnancy, which is a consequence of increased plasma volume and uterine growth.
Medication treatment
Having learned about the probable causes of such an unpleasant symptom, let's move on to considering ways to treat leg swelling. First of all, as already mentioned, it is necessary to eliminate the provoking factor, i.e., to treat the underlying disease. To stop puffiness, symptomatic therapy is carried out. It is important to understand that in the absence of treatment of the main disease, the use of drugs to relieve edema will give a short-term effect. The list of drugs that are prescribed to patients with severe swelling of the legs includes:
| Pharmacological group | Name | Operation principle |
| Vetotonics |
Diosmin Troxevasin Venitan Phlebodia Detralex Venozol |
The action of vetotonics is aimed at restoring the tone, strength and elasticity of the walls of blood vessels. Due to the narrowing of the venous lumen and the restoration of damaged capillaries, blood microcirculation and trophism of the affected tissues are stabilized. |
| Venosclerosing agents |
Hepatrombin Ethoxysclerol Fibro-Wayne |
Used during sclerotherapy (in the hospital). The venous sclerosing effect of these drugs is achieved by coagulation of endothelial proteins and irritation of the smooth muscle areas of the venouswalls. |
| Vasodilators |
Hydralazine Vinpocetine · Nicergoline Molsidomin Pentoxifylline Nitroglycerin |
Inclusion of vasodilators in the treatment program allows you to minimize the resistance in the blood vessels, due to which their walls relax. As a result, the lumen of the vessels is restored and blood flow improves. |
| Anticoagulants |
Heparin Lyoton Fragmin Clexane · Girulog |
Drugs inhibit the activity of the blood coagulation system and prevent thrombosis due to reduced production of fibrin. |
| Diuretics |
Lasix Furosemide Trifas Hypothiazid Diacarb Cyclomethiazide |
Diuretics act on the kidney cells, increasing the excretion of s alt, which retains fluid in the body. However, diuretics can lead to calcium retention and cause s alt deposits. |
| Metabolics, potassium and magnesium preparations |
Panangin Asparkam · Ritmacore Magnerot Biolectra Magnesium |
Drugs of this group compensate for the losses associated with the loss of potassium and other useful trace elements in the body. |
Part ofof these drugs is applied externally, the other part - orally. You can use these drugs only in consultation with your doctor, since most of the drugs have contraindications and side effects.
If varicose veins are the cause of swelling of the lower extremities, gymnastics will be an excellent addition to drug therapy - performing simple physical exercises is aimed at improving the outflow of fluid. In those cases where the cause of the swelling turned out to be insufficiency of the heart muscle, on the contrary, it is desirable to limit the load. Measured and leisurely walking, swimming are allowed.
Folk Therapy
Traditional medicine methods in the treatment of leg edema are used as often as pharmaceutical preparations, especially if the swelling of the lower extremities is caused by non-pathological factors. In addition, folk remedies are safer to use, since they have practically no contraindications and have a minimum of side effects. But still, before using herbal formulations, you should consult with your doctor.
Alternative homemade recipes are conditionally divided into two groups. One category includes decoctions, infusions, the other includes compresses and foot baths.
Ingestion
If the legs are swollen, the treatment will be to use herbs and products that have a diuretic effect. The people use the following means to remove fluid from the body:
- Mint infusion. To prepare ityou need 20 g of dry vegetable raw materials and two glasses of boiling water. Drinking is used instead of regular tea several times during the day. You can’t sweeten the drink, be sure to strain it before drinking.
- Pumpkin. You can use it in any form - baked or boiled, in the form of porridge or juice. Regularly eating 100 g of this vegetable, the patient will feel a general improvement in well-being. Pumpkin helps with diseases of the kidneys, heart, bladder.
- Carrot-cucumber juice. Vegetables for juicing are taken in equal proportions. To 50 ml of the resulting concentrate, you need to add a teaspoon of lemon juice. The drink is consumed three times a day for a month.
- Infusion of flaxseeds. For one glass of boiling water, you need to take one tablespoon of grains, put the mixture on fire and simmer for about half an hour. Drink cold every three hours.
- Alcohol tincture of elderberry. Pour 3-4 tbsp into the prepared container. l. vegetable raw materials and pour 500 ml of vodka. The remedy is insisted in a dark cool place for 2 weeks. Once the medicine is ready, it must be filtered. The course of treatment is 10 days. Take the product three times a day, 10 drops before meals.
Baths and foot compresses
You can enhance the effect of taking systemic remedies, decoctions and infusions with the help of therapeutic baths and compresses. According to patients, the simplest and most effective formulations are:
- S alt foot bath. Pour one glass of sea s alt into the container with water prepared for the procedure (when itIn the absence, you can use the cookbook), lower your legs there for 15-20 minutes. The water temperature must not exceed +37 °C. After the procedure, it is advisable to lie on your back with your legs up.
- Chamomile foot bath. A liter of boiling water is poured into 100 g of phytocollection, which is a mixture of chamomile flowers and mint leaves in the same proportion. Next, the mixture should be infused. After a couple of hours, the healing composition is poured into a foot container, warm water is added and the legs are lowered for 15-20 minutes. The course of treatment is 2 weeks. It is necessary to carry out the procedures with a one-day break.
Potato compress. The raw root crop is rubbed on a fine grater, the resulting slurry is applied to the site of edema and wrapped with cling film, and on top of it with a cotton cloth for tight fixation of the compress. It is important that the potato mass acts on the tissues for 10-12 hours, so most often the compress is set at night
Features of food
A person who at least once in his life has faced the problem of severe swelling of the legs, regardless of the reasons for their occurrence, should understand that his body tends to accumulate fluid. To minimize the likelihood of puffiness, even in the presence of adverse factors, it is necessary to make adjustments to the diet. First of all, it is important to exclude from the diet all foods that cause thirst:
- pickles and marinades;
- canned and smoked meats;
- fried foods;
- mustard and vinegar;
- flour and sweets;
- fatty meat and fish;
- whole milk.
In addition, you need to follow the universal recommendations of specialists aimed at preventing edema of any physiology:
- reduce s alt intake (up to 2 mg per day);
- do not limit physical activity (in the absence of contraindications from the cardiovascular system);
- do not start the disease that caused swelling in the legs;
- wear compression stockings.
Effective treatment of edema will be only if their underlying cause is identified. An effective therapeutic plan should be drawn up by the attending physician after the results of the diagnosis.
