Leg swelling is occurs as a result of trapped fluid in the legs or an immune response that results in inflammation of the leg. Generalizations about the cause of leg swelling can usually be made based on the characteristics of the swelling, according to Mayo Clinic. Swelling in one leg is usually due to problems in the actual leg. If both legs are swollen, it is usually a result of condition that is not directly related to the legs.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis is a condition characterized by the presence of a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the lower leg or thigh, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Blood clots form in the deep veins due to damage to the vein lining, slow blood flow through the vein or blood that is thicker than normal and thus clots more easily. Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include swelling of the affected leg, pain in the leg, tenderness in the leg, increased warmth in the affected leg and redness. Deep vein thrombosis can usually be successfully treated with a combination of medications including anticoagulants, which prevent blood from clotting, and thrombolytics, which break up existing blood clots. In some cases, a filter will be placed in the vena cava, a large vein that carries blood to the heart. The filter catches blood clots that may have moved from the legs and prevents them from moving into the heart or lungs.
Lymphatic Obstruction
The lymph nodes are vessels that drain body fluids and help prevent infections and illness from traveling throughout the body. A lymphatic obstruction occurs when the lymph nodes are blocked and cannot perform their proper function. This also causes the lymph nodes to swell and become enlarged. There are many causes of a lymphatic obstruction including parasitic infections, trauma, radiation therapy, skin infections, surgery and tumors, according to Medline Plus. The only symptom of a lymphatic obstruction is chronic swelling in the legs and arms. Treatment for a lymphatic obstruction includes compression stockings to reduce swelling in the legs and manual lymphatic drainage, which is a massage technique that aids in fluid removal from the lymph nodes. Surgery is generally not used because it does not have a good success rate.
Pericarditis
Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. Pericarditis can develop as a result of a number of previous conditions, such as viral infection, prior heart attack, inflammatory disorders, injury to the heart, kidney failure, AIDS and certain medications, according to MayoClinic.com. Symptoms of pericarditis include sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, low fever, weakness, fatigue, dry cough, abdominal swelling and leg swelling. Mild cases of pericarditis may resolve on their own but in more severe cases, treatment may be needed. This treatment consists of pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs and surgery to drain excess fluid from the pericardium.
