Leg swelling can be caused by many things. It may be a temporary symptom, as a result of an injury to the leg or it can signal a serious underlying disease. The first step is to have the cause of leg swelling properly diagnosed. Treatment for leg swelling will be determined by the condition causing it and the general overall health of the patient.
Change Positions
If swelling of the legs occurs in both legs and it is not accompanied by any other symptoms, it may be caused by prolonged standing or sitting. Standing or sitting for a long time, can make it harder for the heart muscle to pump blood up against gravity and out of the legs. This can lead to leg edema or swelling, states the Mayo Clinic. In these cases, treatment may involve taking frequent breaks by changing position every twenty to thirty minutes. Resting with the legs elevated above heart level or with a pillow under the knees can also help. However, if pain accompanies the swelling then there may be a more serious underlying condition that requires medical care.
Diet and Exercise
With a physician's approval, it may be helpful to incorporate dietary changes and exercise to help control leg swelling, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. The right level of exercise can help to improve circulation and make the heart muscle stronger and better at pumping blood. Since obesity can contribute to leg swelling, exercise can help to shed those extra pounds. Exercise can be combined with reducing salt intake, as too much salt in the body can lead to fluid retention. However, if the leg is also red, warm to the touch or the swelling occurs with a fever and less frequent urination, it is important to see a doctor.
Anticoagulants and Diuretics
Leg swelling can be a warning sign of an underlying heart or circulatory problem. This includes deep vein thrombosis which is a blood clot deep in the legs. If left untreated, the clot can travel to and lodge in the lungs---referred to as a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal.
Congestive heart failure, which is diagnosed when the heart muscle is too weak to supply the blood and oxygen the body needs, can also contribute to swelling in the legs. If heart disease is the cause then medications may be needed to treat leg swelling. According to the Family Doctor website, anticoagulants or medications that thin the blood and prevent clots, is the primary form of treatment for deep vein thrombosis. For congestive heart failure, the American Heart Association suggests speaking with a physician about diuretics which help the body get rid of excess fluid, as well as medications that improve heart beat and make the arteries wider so blood can flow more easily. Once the exact cause of leg swelling is determined, then the appropriate medications can be started.
Dialysis
Kidney disease can also cause the legs to swell. In some cases kidney disease is secondary to another condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure and these conditions need to be controlled as well. In addition, a doctor or registered dietitian will advise on any nutritional changes, medications or procedures such as dialysis that needed to control the symptoms of kidney disease.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Leg Swelling When to See a Doctor
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Foot, Leg, and Ankle Swelling
- Family Doctor: Deep Vein Thrombosis
- American Heart Association: Congestive Heart Failure
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Kidney Failure: Choosing a Treatment That's Right for You
