TL;DR:
- Symptoms of Leg Swelling: Visible enlargement (common in feet/ankles), tight skin, heaviness, pain, discoloration, varicose veins, and leg cramps.
- Causes of Swelling:
- Lifestyle: Prolonged sitting/standing, lack of movement, obesity, excessive exercise, pregnancy.
- Medical conditions: Lymphatic insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, chronic venous insufficiency, thyroid/kidney diseases.
- Medications: Estrogen, steroids, diabetes drugs, antidepressants, painkillers.
- Treatment: Identify and treat the root cause, engage in moderate physical activity (e.g., walking), consider lymphatic drainage, muscle electrostimulation, or compression therapy (e.g., bandages, stockings).
- Home Remedies: Elevate legs, cold showers, change posture frequently, stay hydrated, balanced diet, physical activity, use ointments/supplements. See a doctor for chronic swelling.
We like to expose our beautiful legs especially in hot weather. However, there are also times when swollenness and visible swelling appear on them. We usually experience this at the end of the day. Although we sometimes get used to this state of affairs, these symptoms should not be underestimated. Not only for aesthetic reasons, but also for health reasons. So how to deal with swelling on the legs.
Swelling of the legs – or what?
Edema and puffy legs is nothing more than a visibly enlarged limb. The skin on swollen legs is tight. Often the greatest swelling is seen in the ankles and feet. It is very easy to feel it when, after several hours of walking, one's shoes get pinched, due to the enlargement of the foot. In addition, when our legs swell, we may be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness and discomfort when moving.
Symptoms that occur with swelling
In addition to visible changes in the appearance of the legs, other symptoms may also appear during increasing swelling. The most common are dull pain that intensifies during the day, discoloration of the skin, as well as the appearance of varicose veins and the appearance of annoying leg cramps.
How do edemas develop?
Most often lymphatic insufficiency is responsible for the appearance of swelling on the legs. It is divided into dynamic, mechanical and mixed. In dynamic insufficiency, there is an increase in the volume of tissue fluid, which results in stretching of the vessel walls. Because of this, valve dysfunction occurs. With mechanical insufficiency we have to deal with when due to impact or trauma there is damage to the vessels. Often such a phenomenon is noticed in the case of ankle sprains, when swelling appears at the site of damage. Mixed insufficiency, on the other hand, is said to occur when the lymphatic vessels are damaged due to a higher volume of lymph flowing into the lymphatic vessels.
What are the most common causes of leg swelling?
The causes of swelling appearing on the legs can be of various origin. Certainly, the lifestyle we lead is of great importance for this problem. Long sitting in one position and lack of movement during the day often results in the appearance of swelling. What's more, continuous standing is also not indifferent to the condition of the lymphatic system. All due to the fact that blood flowing through the veins in the direction from the legs to the heart must be assisted by a muscle pump to reach its destination. This requires performing systematic contractions, which is a huge effort. Of course, excessive weight is also a factor. The large body weight makes it difficult to move and puts a great deal of strain on the legs. Often women in the final period of pregnancy also suffer from this condition. Lack of exercise not only promotes obesity, but also has a major impact on the functioning of the valves. In addition, it promotes the appearance of other diseases. However, it is important to remember that too much exercise can also lead to swollen legs. All due to the fact that excessive exertion leads to an increase in pressure in the abdominal cavity, which prevents the proper flow of blood. Such a situation, for example, very often affects people who lift heavy weights. Diseases for which one is being treated can also be responsible for puffy legs. Often people struggling with thyroid or kidney diseases complain of swollen limbs. What's more, it so happens that daily medications taken can contribute to leg swelling. Usually these are substances such as estrogen, steroids, diabetes drugs and antidepressants, and even painkillers. It is also worth bearing in mind that deep vein thrombosis may be behind constantly swollen legs. This is a serious disease that involves the appearance of clots in blood vessels. Symptoms of this condition mainly include the appearance of a sudden cramp, which, unlike a normal cramp, does not subside after a while. Moreover, the cramp intensifies when bending the foot and pressing on the sole. Characteristic symptoms of vein thrombosis also include the appearance of swelling that does not yield to pressure, occurs unilaterally and suddenly. In addition, there may be pain when touching and redness of the skin, which indicate inflammation of the vessel. In some cases, it is also accompanied by fever. Other diseases that cause swelling in the legs include chronic venous insufficiency. This is a condition during which blood backs up in the veins. This leads to their stretching and prevents them from working properly.
How is the treatment of swollen legs carried out?
The basis for effective treatment of swollen legs is to find the cause that causes them. If it is a disease, it is necessary to implement treatment. It should provide relief from bothersome symptoms and, in time, get rid of the problem of swollen legs. Effective methods for both treatment and prevention of leg swelling include moderate physical activity. Walking works best here. You can also opt for aesthetic medicine treatments. Among other things, lymphatic drainage will be effective. This is a compression massage that aims to improve circulation. In addition, electrostimulation of the muscles is helpful in reducing swelling on the legs, allowing to reduce muscle tension. Moreover, this treatment improves blood and lymph circulation. It is performed with a specialized device that uses negative pressure. Another method of treating edema is compression therapy. It involves bandaging the limbs with elastic bandages. The swollen leg is wrapped several times, resulting in pressure on the tissues. The effect of such action is to remove lymphatic stagnation. Special knee socks, socks and compression stockings can also be used for compression therapy.
Home remedies for swollen legs
If edema on the legs occurs sporadically, as a result of, for example, increased activity or high temperatures, several proven methods can be used on an ad hoc basis. First of all, the legs should be raised higher than the heart. It is best to place them on pillows. You can also take a cold shower of the feet, pouring water over them from the ankles upward, which will help improve proper circulation. What's more, if you stay in one position for a long time, it's worth making sure to change it once in a while. People sitting at desks should get up frequently, while those who spend a long time standing should regularly rest or perform a different movement that changes position, such as standing on tiptoe. It is also necessary to remember about proper hydration of the body, a balanced diet and physical activity. In addition, you can help yourself with commonly available ointments and dietary supplements. Remember, however, that such measures can only be temporary. In the case of prolonged persistence of swelling, it is necessary to visit a specialist who will check the state of our health and find the cause of the condition.
Conclusion
Swollen legs aren't just uncomfortable—they can signal underlying health problems. We've explored causes, from lifestyle habits to medical conditions, and shared treatment options like compression therapy, massages, and home solutions. To prevent or manage swelling, stay active, maintain proper hydration, and seek medical advice for persistent symptoms. Addressing the root cause early is key to keeping your legs healthy and improving your overall well-being. Don’t ignore the signs—your legs deserve proper care and attention. Stay proactive!
