Leg Swelling and What It Indicates

Most body parts or organs in your body react to injury or infection by swelling. This indicates something is wrong in that particular area. This is no different when it comes to your legs. Port Saint Lucie leg swelling is a typical problem affecting many people. However, this issue can be ignored as it is common and happens all the time due to the constant movement of your legs and feet. This issue ignored can lead to further problems that may result in the loss of part of your leg. More about leg swelling and all it involves is highlighted in detail below.

What is Leg Swelling?

This happens on any leg part, including the ankles, feet, thighs, and calves. It can come from inflammation or fluid buildup in diseased or injured joints or tissues. Most causes of leg swelling like sitting or standing for long periods or even injury are not typically concerning. The leg swelling in certain instances however, may indicate a more severe issue like a blood clot or heart disease.

If your legs swell up and are painful or are accompanied by chest pain or breathing difficulties, seek immediate medical attention as it may indicate a heart condition or a blood clot in the lungs.

Many issues can make legs swell, all ranging in severity, including:

Fluid Buildup

Fluid can be retained in tissues of the leg, causing a swelling condition called peripheral edema. This can be due to an issue with the venous circulation system, the kidneys, or the lymphatic system.

Swelling of the leg is not always an indication of a circulation or heart issue. Fluid buildup may cause swelling due to being inactive, overweight, wearing tight jeans or stockings, or standing or sitting for extended periods. Factors associated with fluid buildup include:

·         Cardiomyopathy

·         Acute kidney failure

·         Chronic kidney disease

·         Chemotherapy

·         Deep vein thrombosis

·         Liver cirrhosis

·         Hormone therapy

·         Heart failure

·         Nephrotic syndrome

·         Blockage in the lymph system

·         Pain relievers like naproxen or ibuprofen

·         Obesity

·         Pregnancy

·         Inflammation of the tissue around the heart

·         Pulmonary hypertension

·         Prescription drugs such as those for high blood pressure or diabetes

·         Standing for a long time

·         Sitting for a long time 

·         Venous insufficiency or leg veins having problems getting blood to the heart

·         Blood clot in your leg

Inflammation

Inflammation in leg tissues or joints can be due to inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or a normal response to an ailment or injury. Inflammatory disorders are usually accompanied by pain in the affected areas. Some conditions that can lead to inflammation in your leg include:

·         Tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament of your knee

·         Achilles tendon rupture

·         Broken ankle

·         Baker’s cyst

·         Broken leg

·         Broken foot

·         Skin infections like cellulitis

·         Burns

·         Osteoarthritis

·         Knee bursitis

·         Sprained ankle

·         Inflammatory joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis

A severe heart condition or a blood clot in your lungs can be indicated by swelling of your legs and comes with breathing difficulties, chest pain, or dizziness. Swelling of the leg that is not going away after some time should also be checked out. For more inquiries on leg swelling, check our website, or call our offices in Port Saint Lucie, FL.

Ulani Uriah

Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.

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