Many conditions can cause swelling (edema) in the legs.
Congestive heart failure is a condition in whichthe heart weakensand becomes unable to pump blood effectively throughout the body.
This throw in of edema may arise aftera ligament is sprained or a muscle tendon is strained.
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What Medications Can Cause Leg Swelling?
Many types of medication can contribute to fluid buildup in the legs.
These corresponding concerns can help your healthcare provider diagnose the cause of youredemaand determine the appropriate treatment.
As a result, shortness of breath is common with strenuous activities.
An acute injury to the leg may be accompanied by various symptoms, depending on the affected structure.
Bruising, warmth, and redness can develop in the hours or days after the incident.
For example, a sprained ankle or broken tibia in the leg will often show immediate swelling.
How to Treat Leg Swelling
See a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of leg swelling.
The treatment will address the underlying condition and will be different for each cause.
The following briefly discusses how the swelling might be addressed, depending on the diagnosis.
Seek immediate medical care for sudden swelling in one leg.It may be accompanied by pain and redness or discoloration.
Regular walking, calf-activation exercises (like heel raises), and pneumatic compression devices may also be beneficial.
Swelling from congestive heart failure is typically treated with a combination of interventions.
Avoiding salty foods and abstaining from caffeine can help reduce fluid buildup in the legs.
Edema from an acute injury is managed in a different way.
Over-the-counter medications may also reduce any inflammation or swelling that is present.
These will be specific to the injury.
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Leg Swelling?
A healthcare provider can help diagnose the underlying causes of your leg swelling.
Each of these is a risk factor for the development of a blood clot.
Summary
Swelling in the leg(s) can be brought on by numerous conditions.
Most commonly, chronic venous insufficiency is to blame.
Congestive heart failure can also cause chronic swelling in both lower extremities.
A proper medical workup can help distinguish the causes of your fluid buildup.
In many instances, there are noninvasive treatments available that can significantly improve your symptoms.
Prompt evaluation and treatment can help you avoid the serious consequences of certain edema-causing conditions.
They also can lead to leg warmth, redness, achiness, and nighttime cramping.
You may also experience fatigue, fever, nausea, or vomiting.
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American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Deep vein thrombosis.
American Family Physician.Edema: diagnosis and management.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Congestive heart failure: prevention, treatment, and research.
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