home Audience 4 Swelling of one leg. What processes cause leg swelling? Causes of swelling of the left leg

Swelling of one leg. What processes cause leg swelling? Causes of swelling of the left leg

When one leg swells, most people don't think much of it. The occurrence of persistent swelling indicates disturbances in the functioning of any organ or system, which leads to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues. It is necessary to determine the cause of leg swelling and direct therapeutic measures to eliminate it.

Swelling can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The first type is more often observed with heart failure, kidney failure, horse races blood pressure, a decrease in protein concentration in the blood. The second - for blockage, compression of blood vessels, injury to one limb.

In most cases, left-sided swelling occurs because the signs of the underlying disease appeared first in the left leg. If you do not consult a vascular specialist - a phlebologist - in time, the same symptoms will appear on the second leg, and swelling will spread from the knee to the foot.

The cause of persistent swelling of the foot of the left leg can be varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, rupture of the articular cavity of the knee, trauma, tumor. Inflammation, poorly functioning vein valves, and blood clots prevent the outflow of blood and lymph from the periphery. The process of tissue drainage stops. Properly applied therapy or surgery will restore circulation in the vessels, and then the tissues will be freed from excess liquid.

Causes of congestion in the legs:

The characteristics of the body and the presence of concomitant diseases create individual prerequisites for the first swelling to occur. left leg.

Why are edema dangerous?

Consultations with a cardiologist, rheumatologist, surgeon, osteopath, endocrinologist, allergist, and infectious disease specialist regarding leg swelling will help avoid serious complications.

A cholesterol or blood clot can partially close the lumen of the vessel, which will lead to swelling of the foot and lower leg of the left leg. In case of severe pain, lack of air, or fainting, urgent surgery to remove the blood clot is indicated.

Enlarged (varicose) veins cause stagnation of fluid in the tissues due to impaired blood flow. From high blood pressure the vein stretches onto the walls, which further impairs circulation.

Infection through broken skin is especially dangerous for patients with diabetes - wounds do not heal well, congestion aggravates inflammation.

Swelling quickly occurs with injuries, bruises, dislocations and sprains. In this case, you need to contact qualified help to receive proper treatment.

Traditional methods

Apply cold compresses and cool baths for 10-15 minutes.
Limit liquid and salt intake.
Exercise to lose weight excess weight, activate blood circulation.
Do not put any weight on the leg that hurts; when resting, place a folded blanket or pillow under it.
Wear compression stockings and bandages.
Regularly do stroking or kneading massage.

What are the causes of swelling of the left leg in the foot area? This question must be answered by the attending physician.
In cases where swelling develops in the left leg, it is necessary to identify the causes of this manifestation and prescribe treatment. There are situations when swelling of the left leg occurs for physiological reasons and is not associated with diseases.

Etiology of swelling

In this case, it is enough to remove the reasons for its appearance. It is completely different when edema occurs as a result of certain pathologies in the body. They may indicate a malfunction various organs person. Sometimes one foot swells more than the other, sometimes both feet swell evenly.

It should be noted that any edema is an excess of fluid that accumulates in the intercellular space of tissues. The mechanism of swelling is based on three principles:

1. There is an increase in pressure in the capillaries.
2. Liquid leaves the bloodstream as a result of a decrease in osmotic pressure.
3. Due to a decrease in the amount of proteins (or albumins) in the blood, an increase in capillary permeability with toxic damage or inflammatory process.

Most often, the cause of foot edema is congestion in the vessels of the circulatory system.

If swelling of the foot occurs on the left limb, then this is included in the general concept of the occurrence of swelling. And the development of edema occurs according to one of these mechanisms.

However, the fact that swelling appears only in the left leg is not a characteristic sign.

An abnormal case may begin to manifest itself in only one of the legs, or it may affect both at once. The fact that only the left leg was the affected limb indicates that the patient has a congenital or acquired type of weakening of vascular tissues. Therefore, the pathology arose precisely in it. There may be more than one location for swelling. Swelling occurs on the fingers, in the area of the foot, lower leg, and in general, on any part of the leg.

Causes of swelling of the left leg. The most common cause of leg swelling is drinking too much liquid. This is especially true for liquids containing gases or mineral salts.
This type of edema often appears in the hot season and in sedentary people.

IN similar cases A large amount of fluid enters the body, but a minimal amount is released through the sweat glands. The heart is not able to cope with pumping such a quantity, and the kidneys are not able to filter out the excess liquid blood component. And in addition, salt begins to cause fluid to be retained in the body. Based on this, fluid stagnation appears. This first appears in the lower extremities. The overall picture is enhanced by excess human body weight.

In addition, swelling of the left leg, as a result of the accumulation of fluid in the tissues, may occur with the uncontrolled use of certain medications. Changes in the body, such as fluid accumulation, can be caused by glucocorticosteroids or medications taken for hypertension.

Male or male-based drugs may also play a role. female hormones.
Contraceptives can also have an effect.

In women, the risk of swelling of the left leg increases sharply during pregnancy. Edema short term at this time are acceptable and represent physiological processes. However, the outflow of blood may be impaired due to compression of the veins by the rapidly growing uterus. Often, edema during pregnancy can be caused by hormonal changes, which is triggered by an increase in estrogen levels. But it is worth noting that in the second half of pregnancy, when there is a risk of developing gestosis, swelling may indicate pathological condition woman's body. In this case, you need to consult a doctor.

However, you should not assume that swelling that occurs on the left leg is not always harmless. Very often it can be a symptom various pathologies, which can develop in organs.

What diseases can cause the symptom?

The most common causes of edema are:

1. Varicose veins. This disease is a stretching of the veins, which is no longer reversible. The disease very often begins to manifest itself with edema. For early diagnosis you can use this. Especially often you can notice the occurrence of swelling in evening time, when the working day is nearing completion. Then a feeling of heaviness in the legs and fatigue appears.
2. Cardiac swelling of the legs. This type of swelling appears when the body’s cardiovascular system is disrupted. In this case, swelling appears in the evening and has a bluish tint. There may be shortness of breath, hypertension, painful sensations in the heart area, increased fatigue.
3. When the heart is unable to cope with its function of pumping blood throughout the body, swelling begins to appear on the legs from below (fingers, feet). Over time, the swelling can rise higher and gradually cover the entire lower limb.
4. Thrombophlembitis. This disease is associated with deep vein thrombosis and an inflammatory reaction on the venous wall. Additional signs may include: soreness, numbness, tingling or even fever.
5. Lymphedema. It causes abnormal changes in lymphatic system. In a pathological condition of this type, the outflow of lymph becomes difficult, which affects the swelling of the lower limb. The most common is bilateral swelling.
6. Myxedema - this swelling is called mucous. It is caused by dysfunction thyroid gland. A similar anomaly develops in hypothyroidism, and its frequent location is the anterior surface of the lower leg.
7. Liver diseases. They are also often associated with swelling of the legs. This occurs due to increased albumin production and deterioration venous outflow. This symptom is most pronounced when the patient has cirrhosis of the liver.

The pathological type of swelling can be a consequence of various types of infections and inflammatory processes:

1. Rheumatism and its characteristic manifestation - rheumatoid arthritis, which is associated with inflammation of the joints.
2. Erysipelas is a disease caused by streptococci. Swelling in this case may be accompanied by clearly defined red spots with pain.
3. Osteomyelitis. Otherwise it's a defeat bone tissue due to infections and inflammatory process, severe pain appears, mobility is impaired.
4. Infectious arthritis - dangerous disease, affecting the joints, which is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, redness and pain.

Do not forget that swelling of the legs can be a consequence of excessive fluid intake due to a sedentary lifestyle. Then the disease can easily be eliminated simply by changing the drinking regime. However similar phenomenon may be one of the symptoms of a serious pathology that should be treated as quickly as possible.

Is your left leg swollen? In very rare cases, this can be a life-threatening condition. This article provides information on what to do if you notice swelling in your legs, especially swelling in your left leg. Swollen feet can be a common problem for many people. Leg swelling generally refers to swelling of any part of the leg, including the ankle, thigh, and calf. There are many causes of swollen feet, but all of them are due to fluid accumulation or inflammation of the joints or tissues. Often these reasons are caused by injury, prolonged sitting or standing, or even more serious illness(formation of a blood clot or problems with blood circulation). In some cases, it is the left leg that may swell more than the right leg.

Causes of swelling of the left leg

In many cases, swelling of the legs occurs evenly, with neither leg appearing more swollen than the other. But sometimes one leg swells while the other remains relatively normal. Common causes of water retention or inflammation include arthritis, an injury affecting only one leg, or problems with blood clot. Here's more detailed information about the causes of leg swelling.

The cause of swelling in the left leg is arthritis. If you have severe arthritis in your knee or ankle, it can cause severe swelling in your leg. It can also be very painful condition which can make it difficult to move or bend your leg. With severe arthritis, you may not even be able to bear weight on the affected limb. Arthritis can be a very serious condition that requires medical attention to prevent further damage to the leg.

The cause of swelling in the left leg is a blood clot. Many people believe that a blood clot in any area of the body will cause pain, but this is not always the case. Sometimes the first and only symptom of a blood clot in one leg is swelling. Other symptoms may include: lack of sensation in the leg or pain in the affected area, even a tingling or numb feeling. The left leg may feel hot and cold, but not the right leg. It is important to get immediate medical attention if you suspect you have a blood clot.

The cause of swelling in the left and right legs is water retention. This is one of the most common causes of swelling, but it affects both legs. Water retention can be caused by standing for long periods of time, but can also be a result of serious problems, such as kidney failure or heart disease.

Trauma is the cause of swelling of the left leg. If your leg has been injured in any way, swelling may be considered a normal problem until the injury heals. A broken leg, serious bruise, or other type of injury can cause leg swelling. Unfortunately, this type of swelling can increase pain due to injury. Therefore, you need to talk to your doctor about what you can do to relieve the swelling.

Other causes of leg swelling

Other reasons that lead to fluid accumulation in the legs are kidney problems, heart problems, blood clots in the legs, hormonal methods treatment, pregnancy and taking certain prescription drugs. Sometimes even ibuprofen, a drug that reduces inflammation, can cause swelling. Many injuries can cause inflammation and swelling of the affected area.

How can you identify swelling in your left leg?

Sometimes the left leg may look a little more swollen than the right. How much of this is swelling? First, look at your left and right leg from both sides. Is one larger than the other? Swollen feet may appear shiny or glossy and may even feel "tight" in the skin. You can also do a simple test: just press your toe on your foot. Will there be a mark left where the pressure was applied? This is a sign of serious swelling. Contact your doctor if you notice swelling in one or both legs.

Treatment of swelling of the left leg

In many cases, leg swelling can be eliminated by using rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Place your foot on a pillow at a level above your heart, put on compression stockings to relieve swelling and apply ice to the painful area.

To help reduce leg swelling you can:

1) low salt diet,
2) intense exercise to help blood flow through your legs;
3) wear elastic stockings;
4) lose weight if you need to;
5) tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.

Also, keep your feet elevated, don't stand for long periods of time, and move around often instead of sitting.

Because there is no way to determine the real reason swelling of the left leg, be sure to visit a doctor.

When do you need to see a doctor urgently?

Sometimes a visit to the doctor can't wait. If your left leg is swollen and other symptoms occur, you need to call an ambulance. Dangerous symptoms are:
1) swelling occurs without apparent reason and very suddenly;
2) swelling is the result of an accident or injury.

If you experience chest pain, fainting and dizziness, confusion, or difficulty breathing, you should urgently call an ambulance, as these symptoms indicate a very serious illness.

With edema, fluid may be found in the space between the cells. Most often this occurs with heart and kidney diseases. What are the causes of leg swelling, and how can you get rid of them?

For what reason does swelling occur?

Swelling of the legs is a common complaint of patients when visiting a doctor. With swelling, it is often discovered that one leg is larger than the other. The legs do not always swell due to any disease. This can happen to a healthy person too. One lower limb may swell when drinking large amounts of liquid. Swelling of the foot can be a consequence of prolonged static stress. This occurs when walking or standing for a long time. Swelling can be mild or pronounced. In the first case, a slight swelling of the leg is detected.

If your leg swells, this is only a manifestation of the disease. This pathology may occur with the following diseases and pathological conditions:

kidney diseases (glomerulonephritis, amyloidosis, renal failure);
heart failure;
varicose veins;
violation of lymph outflow;
elephantiasis;
thrombophlebitis of the legs;
rheumatism;
allergic reactions;
arthritis;
osteomyelitis;
traumatic leg injury;
hypertension;
alcoholism;
diabetes mellitus

If one leg or both legs swells, the reason may lie in the use of certain medications ( antihypertensive drugs, hormones, glucocorticoids). There are a number of predisposing factors, the presence of which increases the likelihood of the occurrence of edema syndrome. These include being overweight, sedentary lifestyle life, long stay in an awkward position, wearing incorrectly selected shoes. Physiological reasons include the period of pregnancy.

When carrying a child, the vessels in the pelvic area are often compressed, which leads to swelling of the leg. Often pregnant women crave salty foods. As you know, salt promotes fluid retention in the body.

Swelling due to lymph stagnation

Why is there leg swelling? This condition is the main symptom of elephantism (elephantiasis, lymphedema). The disease is caused by a violation of lymph outflow. The latter is a colorless liquid that contains many lymphocytes. Lymph flows through lymphatic vessels from bottom to top and flows into the superior vena cava. The main purpose of lymph is to return various substances (electrolytes, proteins, tissue metabolic products, toxic substances) from tissues into the blood for subsequent removal from the body. With elephantiasis, lymph stagnation is observed.

At congenital form swelling disease initially occurs in the foot area. The process then spreads to the hips. In the acquired form, the swelling spreads from top to bottom. In most cases, the swelling is unilateral. Upon palpation, after pressing on the skin, a hole remains that does not level out for a long time. This is important distinctive feature from cardiac and renal edema.

Pathology of the heart and kidneys

Edema syndrome is a sign of heart failure. With this pathology, stagnation occurs in big circle blood circulation Blood accumulates in blood vessels, which leads to their stretching. Against the background of all this, the permeability of the vessel wall increases, and blood rushes into the tissue. Heart failure in the absence of proper treatment is a consequence of cardiosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, pericarditis, amyloidosis, congenital heart defects, and rheumatism. Cardiac edema has the following features:

form on the ankles, after which they spread upward;
cold on palpation;
have a bluish tint;
dense;
painless;
arise gradually.

Edema may be a manifestation renal pathology. A common cause is glomerulonephritis. Edema is a sign of amyloidosis and renal failure. With these diseases, the filtration process is disrupted. Swelling in the legs due to kidney disease is diagnosed only in severe cases. At the same time, the swelling is mobile and warm. They can appear unexpectedly and also disappear unexpectedly.

Diagnosis and treatment

Treatment of swelling in the leg is carried out after the underlying disease has been established. Diagnostics includes interviewing the patient, external examination, palpation of the lower extremities, blood and urine tests, sound Dopplerography, electrocardiography, ultrasound of the heart and kidneys, and angiography of the vessels of the legs. If your leg hurts and swells due to thrombophlebitis, you may need surgery. If thrombophlebitis is associated with infection, antibiotics are prescribed. For cardiac edema, treatment is aimed at the underlying disease.

Thus, swelling of the lower limb is a reason to consult a doctor.

Possible causes of swelling in one leg

Edema occurs as a result of fluid accumulation in the intercellular space. This can happen by various reasons, for example, eating a lot of salty foods or drinking alcohol. But in this case, the swelling spreads to both legs at once and goes away very quickly. What can swelling of one leg indicate?

Causes

In a healthy person, swelling of the legs can be bilateral. Swelling of one lower limb is already a sign of the development of a disease. And many diseases can be accompanied by such a symptom, for example:

amyloidosis;
varicose veins;
elephantiasis;
thrombophlebitis.

Swelling of one leg can be associated not only with serious pathological processes in the body, but also with injury. If you have previously been kicked or fallen, it is likely that internal hemorrhage and soft tissue damage occurred during this event. But in this case, the swelling is usually accompanied by the presence of a hematoma.

Sprained ligaments also cause swelling. In this case, the swelling does not spread to the entire limb, but is localized only in the area of the injury. Main symptoms: swelling, painful sensations, limited mobility.

Swelling of the legs is also observed in pregnant women. The reason for this is the pressure of the uterus on the vessels, which leads to poor circulation, blood stagnation and the appearance of edema. Depending on which side (left or right) the greatest pressure occurs, swelling will be observed on that side.

But if this symptom is observed constantly and becomes more pronounced over time, then this indicates pathologies that require urgent treatment.

Stagnation of lymph

Often, unilateral edema is a symptom of elephantism, that is, elephantiasis or lymphederma. Such conditions arise against the background of stagnation of lymph in the body, which is a colorless liquid circulating through the vessels. It washes the walls of blood vessels from various substances and promotes their rapid removal from the body.

For these diseases this process is disrupted and lymph stagnation occurs. And this, in turn, leads to hyperplasia skin and fatty tissue. This condition may be congenital or acquired. It is manifested by the following symptoms:

unilateral leg swelling;
pain in the limb, feeling of heaviness;
stiffness of movement;
increased volume of lymph nodes;
changes in the skin - it thickens, dark blue spots, ulcers and cracks appear on it.

If elephantism is congenital, then swelling first occurs in the foot area. After this, it gradually begins to spread to the entire leg. If this disease has been acquired, then swelling occurs first in the thigh area, gradually spreading down the entire limb.

Other factors

If only one leg is swollen, this may indicate a ruptured Baker's cyst. This condition is characterized by protrusion joint capsule with a knee. If a person has joint diseases, the size of this cyst increases and it ruptures. As a result, the fluid accumulated in it spreads throughout the leg, causing it to become significantly enlarged.

It should be noted that swelling of one leg may be associated with the already mentioned joint diseases, for example, arthritis or arthrosis. These diseases also include bursitis, gout, osteoporosis, etc.

They occur for various reasons: injuries, hypothermia, autoimmune disorders, alcohol abuse, and so on. If these diseases are left untreated, there is a risk of them spreading to the second leg or upper limbs.

These joint diseases are often characterized by limited mobility of the limb in which the joint is inflamed, crunching and pain during severe physical exertion.

Swelling of the leg may be a symptom of an allergic reaction, for example, to insect vinegar. In this case, swelling can be localized in various parts of the limb - calves, feet, ankles, and so on.

If the integrity of the skin on the leg was damaged and after that they were not treated with anything, there is a risk of infection entering the wound, which can also cause swelling. In this case, the skin takes on a red tint and becomes hot to the touch. If no action is taken, an abscess may develop.

Swelling in one limb may be associated with a tumor in the buttock or thigh. Its growth leads to compression of nearby tissues and vessels, which leads to impaired blood circulation and lymph outflow, resulting in swelling.

In any case, the appearance of swelling in only one leg should alert a person. After all, this symptom indicates the development of serious pathologies that require immediate treatment. Therefore, when it occurs, it is necessary to visit a doctor as quickly as possible and determine the cause of its occurrence.

Why does one leg swell?

Most common reasons

Often, when visiting a doctor, a patient complains of swelling of the legs. But this symptom does not always indicate the presence of a serious deviation. The phenomenon also occurs in completely healthy people, if they have consumed a lot of liquid or have been in a static forced position for a long time, the leg or both may swell with long walk. Usually in in good condition The body experiences slight swelling in the ankle area, which quickly goes away after proper rest.

If a person constantly has swelling in one leg, then the reasons may lie in malfunction organs. The following diseases are characterized by swelling:

kidney disease with the development of failure - nephritis, amyloidosis;
pathology of the heart muscle and heart failure;
varicose veins of the lower extremities;
impaired lymphatic drainage, including elephantiasis;
arthritis of the ankle or knee joint;
thrombophlebitis;
rheumatism;
osteomyelitis;
sprain;
allergy;
hypertension;
diabetes.

There is another reason why the leg swells. Sometimes swelling of one or both lower extremities is observed during treatment with certain drugs - antihypertensive, hormonal. Especially often this symptom develops in people who are overweight.

The problem appears when there is a lack of physical activity, constant standing, or wearing low-quality and uncomfortable shoes.

Swelling often becomes a companion to pregnancy. This occurs due to physiological changes in the body of women during this period, but it can also be a sign of trouble.

Lymphostasis

Sometimes one limb becomes greatly enlarged due to impaired outflow of lymphatic fluid, which is observed in a number of diseases, including elephantiasis. Other reasons for this may be burns or erysipelas. Lymph in the human body performs important function transfer from tissues to the blood of various toxic substances and metabolic products. When lymphedema develops, the skin and fatty tissue in the affected area begins to thicken.

The patient has:

severe swelling;
pain;
heaviness and distension;
roughening of the skin;
lymphadenopathy;
increase in limb volume and impaired joint mobility;
dryness and cracks in the skin, sometimes the appearance of ulcerations;
discoloration in the affected area and the appearance of spots.

There are two types of elephantiasis. In the congenital form of this pathology, swelling of one or two legs from the foot is noted, spreading upward. The acquired version of the disease begins with swelling from above, which continues downward. Swelling caused by lymph stagnation is soft to the touch. When pressing, a hole remains in this place for a long time. This makes it possible to differentiate the same condition in case of disruption of the heart and kidneys.

Cardiac and renal failure

The occurrence of swelling in the area of two or one leg may be a sign of heart failure. The organ cannot cope with pumping blood, and stagnation of blood circulation develops. Gradually, the peripheral vessels expand under the pressure of the increasing volume of blood, and its liquid part begins to exit into the tissues. Cardiac failure is formed as a result of rheumatism, congenital and acquired heart defects, cardiomyopathy, severe myocarditis, and cardiosclerotic changes.

Edema with this pathology has its own characteristics:

appear in the ankle area;
tend to spread upward;
upon palpation they feel dense and cold;
painless;
arise and increase slowly.

If there is a deviation in the functioning of the kidneys, edema may also develop. Often, failure of these organs develops against the background of glomerulonephritis or amyloidosis. Filtration disturbances begin, toxic substances circulating in the blood poison the body. Swelling in kidney diseases is warm and loose. They appear quite quickly and disappear just as quickly.

How to treat

Before starting treatment, the doctor must determine the cause of the swelling. Diagnostics includes analysis of patient complaints, objective examination and palpation. After this, the results are studied laboratory research And additional diagnostics. Usually they do a urine and blood test (including biochemical), cardiogram, ultrasound of the kidneys and heart, Doppler sonography, angiography of blood vessels in the legs.

Treatment for a swollen leg usually consists of the following:

For varicose veins, the patient is recommended to wear special jersey, take venotonics and blood thinners in tablets, injections and ointments. NSAIDs help with inflammation and pain. At extreme surgical intervention is used to treat the disease.
Used for elephantiasis physiotherapy, special stockings with a high degree of compression, taking phlebotonics and immunostimulants. For such a patient, hardware pneumocompression is successfully used. If the above methods are ineffective, anastomoses are performed to restore outflow.
If the reason becomes allergic reaction, then the patient is recommended to take antihistamines and the use of compresses with anti-inflammatory effects.
Kidney pathology is treated with glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants. Diuretics are used to remove excess fluid.
Swelling in heart failure is treated with glycosides and diuretics.

Traditional treatment

For a person with swollen legs, traditional healers recommend using, in addition to standard treatment, herbal decoction. To prepare it, you should put one large spoonful of birch buds, horsetail, knotweed and flax seed in a small container. After mixing, add 500 ml of boiling water to the mixture and bring to a boil over heat. After this, the decoction should be cooled and taken 100 ml before breakfast.

The healing herbs included in this collection will help not only eliminate swelling in the leg, but also improve microcirculation and increase the tone of the vascular wall.

Edema that appears should be taken seriously, since it can be a symptom of serious abnormalities in the functioning of many organs and systems. Therefore, if even slight pastiness appears in the shin or knee area, you should immediately consult a specialist.

Why is my right leg swelling?

Edema is a concomitant symptom of some diseases, as well as a constant companion of injuries and, very often, pregnancy. Its formation occurs due to excessive accumulation of fluid in the intercellular space of tissues and organs.

Especially severe discomfort cause swelling of the legs. They can occur for various reasons: from heart failure to limb thrombosis.

What diseases can cause swelling in one leg?

Swelling of the right leg may indicate the presence of certain diseases, including:

Venous insufficiency and varicose veins

Impaired blood flow with varicose veins veins and venous insufficiency provokes an increase in pressure in vessels of different sizes. When the pressure in the vessels becomes too high, fluid leaks out into the surrounding tissues and the person experiences swelling.

Thrombosis

The mechanism of edema in this case is approximately the same as in the previous one. Due to the appearance of a blood clot in a vein, the blood flow is disrupted and the pressure in the vessel increases, as a result of which the volume of fluid in the surrounding tissues increases, that is, the leg swells.

In this case, swelling can be observed both on the entire limb and on part of it, for example, below the knee and/or in the ankle area.

Joint diseases: inflammation or injury

Local swelling in this case occurs in the ankle and knee area due to the accumulation of synovial fluid in the joint cavity, which in normal conditions promotes painless movement of the joint.

Lymphedema

With this disease, lymph absorption is impaired. lymphatic capillaries. As a result of the accumulation of fluid in the tissue, the leg swells severely and completely.

Heart failure

With weak myocardial contractility, blood is not pumped well enough, and blood stagnation occurs in the lower extremities. Further, the mechanism for the formation of leg edema is the same as in previous cases - the fluid from the vessel partially exits into the connective tissue.

Kidney failure

In this case, the right leg usually swells. Due to the insufficient ability of the kidneys to pass fluid, it accumulates in connective tissue legs.

According to doctors' observations, the right leg swells more than the left due to kidney dysfunction.

Hypothyroidism

This syndrome occurs due to a decrease in thyroid hormone levels. Symptoms of the disease include a high content of mucopolysaccharides in the tissues, which provokes fluid retention and the occurrence of edema.

Causes of unilateral leg swelling not related to diseases

In addition to diseases, swelling of the right leg can be caused by non-pathological causes:

Eating salty foods, wearing tight clothes and shoes

Addiction to salty foods and alcohol leads to disruption of fluid distribution in the body and disruptions in excretory system, and therefore the legs, where there are many large vessels, swell.

Wearing tight clothes and uncomfortable shoes threatens to compress blood vessels and impair blood flow - and this usual reasons swelling of the legs.

Sitting in the wrong position

The “leg-to-leg” position favored by women, as well as the cross-legged position, is fraught with the appearance of swelling of the lower extremities. In this position, the veins are pinched, the outflow of blood is disrupted, fluid enters the connective tissue, and after a working day in the office, the leg, of course, swells in the evening.

Carrying a child

Pregnancy is rarely complete without swelling of the legs. In the last trimester, their appearance is considered normal: the growing uterus puts pressure on the veins of the small pelvis, as a result of which blood circulation is disrupted and the legs swell.

Important: the causes of varicose veins can also be pathological - a woman develops varicose veins, nephropathy, eclampsia or other diseases. Therefore, during pregnancy you should not neglect visiting doctors.

Use of medications containing hormones

Reception hormonal medications, contraceptives and some medications can also result in swelling of the lower extremities. As a rule, the number side effects Taking such drugs may cause varicose veins.

Be careful with these medicines should be used if you are prone to thrombosis. Hormonal pills(for both women and men) usually give an “effect” in the form of swelling on the right leg.

What to do if swelling does not subside or recurs?

If one leg or both legs swells, often and severely, discomfort observed over a long period of time – there is no point in waiting until it “goes away on its own”.

Contact your therapist first. Having found out the circumstances surrounding the edema, the doctor will refer you to a cardiologist, nephrologist, rheumatologist or other specialist.

A visit to the doctor is mandatory, because swelling is not something to joke about. They can result in serious consequences, including gangrene and limb amputation.

Why does one leg swell and how to treat it?

Among the causes of swelling of the left leg (or right limb) is like external factors, not associated with diseases, and internal malfunctions in the body. However, when you see such a pathology, you should not panic: the problem does not pose a mortal danger, and it is easy to identify the features of its occurrence after a short diagnosis.

Types and main causes of swelling of one leg

Recognizing swelling of the left leg is easier than determining its type. For an experienced therapist, such a process is not difficult. There are several types of edema, the identification of which will help in further identifying the causes of their formation:

mechanical - appear after injuries, as a result of pregnancy, as well as in the case of tumor formation in different parts bodies;
hydremic – appear in kidney diseases and are associated with fluid stagnation;
stagnant - arise due to problems in the capillaries and blood vessels;
cachectic - occur due to dehydration or severe exhaustion of the body, as a result of heart disease;
neuropathic – formed as a result diabetes mellitus or alcoholism;
allergic – characterized by rapid onset and severe severity.

Identifying the causes and prescribing treatment for swelling of the left leg begins with determining the type of swelling. After this, it is easier for the doctor to install correct diagnosis. However, edema does not always form as a result of a disease. Exist specific reasons swelling of one leg, not requiring complex therapy:

increased load – standing work, heavy physical activity;
formed flat feet;
wrong drinking regime and excessive use of liquids before bedtime;
problems with metabolic processes in organism;
the habit of always sitting with your legs crossed;
sitting too low on a chair while working, or using soft seats;
wrong shoes - too high a heel or flat sole;
excess weight;
ankle or toe injury;
pregnancy (but swelling of one limb rarely spreads without pathological processes).

All causes not related to organ diseases can be easily corrected through lifestyle changes. However, some symptoms may hide serious illnesses, such as diabetes.

Diseases that cause swelling of one limb

Among the causes of swelling of the right or left leg, there are also more serious components - diseases. The most common of them:

varicose veins, swelling is at first barely noticeable, then intensifies with long stay on foot;
pathologies of the cardiovascular system - any problems with the heart and blood vessels, including hypertension, can lead to sudden swelling of one limb;
kidney disease - swelling can be very severe, often affecting both limbs. However, in some cases, swelling of one leg may occur, accompanied by darkening of the skin around the eyes and a change in urine character;
intestinal diseases - swelling is accompanied by diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms;
“elephantitis” disease – lymphatic drainage in the epidermis worsens, metabolism is disrupted;
diseases of the thyroid gland - swelling can be elastic, affecting the lower parts of the legs. Additional swelling of the body, lethargy and drowsiness are possible;
thrombophlebitis - unlike varicose veins, it is always accompanied by a feeling of heat in the veins, redness and pain along its location;
blood clots in the veins - clogged ducts prevent the heart from receiving the required amount of blood, its circulation is disrupted;
osteomyelitis is a disease of bones and joints in which an acute inflammatory process occurs.

If, for example, your right leg is swollen, its color has changed greatly and sensitivity is impaired, you need to consult a doctor. Some diseases involve the presence of several complications at once, which leads to severe edema and even gangrene of the lower extremities.

Associated symptoms and diagnosis of pathology

If one leg is swollen, but appears additional symptoms, then this almost always requires contacting a doctor:

pain and shortness of breath – possible heart failure;
temperature above 39 degrees is a sign of the onset of inflammation;
high blood pressure in a pregnant woman;
severe joint pain;
convulsions.

Severe morning swelling of the face and eyes can indicate kidney problems.

Diagnostic stages

Diagnosis of diseases begins in the therapist's office. Then, based on the results of the examination, he will give a referral to one of the highly specialized specialists. To identify the problem, you need to undergo an ultrasound, x-ray, lymphoscintigraphy (examination of vessels and nodes), in some cases you need to undergo an MRI. Additionally, blood and urine tests are prescribed. If heart disease is suspected, a cardiogram is performed.

What is the danger of swelling in one leg?

The reasons why swelling of one leg can be so dangerous are hidden in possible diseases heart, kidneys, endocrine system. If one leg swells constantly, you should consult a doctor. Otherwise, the person will experience progression of the disease that caused the pathology.

Signs of deterioration include: weight gain, swelling under the eyes, frequent attacks of hypertension, severe pain and inability to move normally.

Even the simplest swelling caused by injury, if left untreated, can become chronic form. Sometimes swelling develops into elephantiasis, lymphatic drainage is impaired and varicose veins develop.

First aid for detecting edema

Before using remedies to relieve swelling, you must provide first aid to the patient (or yourself). However, they are effective only in the absence serious illnesses– because of the heat, in the morning, because of tension.

First you need to free your feet from clothes and shoes, wash them with cool water and try to relax. You can then use a relaxing cream to relieve swelling in your right or left leg. Apply it with massage movements. After this, you need to rest for about 20 minutes, placing your feet slightly above head level.

After the first procedures, more serious treatment begins - the use of compresses and baths, as well as other traditional medicine recipes. If there are diseases, the doctor prescribes medications to relieve pathological swelling.

Which doctor should I contact?

If swelling appears on one leg, you can first consult a therapist. Then they will give a referral to a cardiologist, nephrologist or phlebologist, depending on the type of edema and accompanying symptoms. If thyroid disease is suspected, they are referred to an endocrinologist.

Treatment methods

There is no single option when it comes to treating edema. Therapy should be approached comprehensively, including all the remedies recommended by the doctor:

Massotherapy. The therapist will show you how to do it correctly to relieve swelling.
Gymnastics. A specialist will select a set of exercises.
Baths and rubbing. Mainly used folk recipes, herbal decoctions, sea salt.
Complete rest. Without these components, quick and quality treatment impossible.

After determining the cause of swelling of the left or right leg, the doctor will prescribe treatment. In complex therapy, medications are necessarily used. To help cope with swelling:

phlebotonics are prescribed - drugs that strengthen veins and blood vessels (Eskuzan, Venarus, Detralex, Troxevasin);
use anticoagulants - blood thinners (Aspirin, Lyoton);
in some cases, medications are prescribed to improve heart function by stimulating pumping function;
diuretics are prescribed as part of complex treatment edema and varicose veins;
antiplatelet agents - used to cleanse the blood of cholesterol and plaques - are prescribed as needed.

Additionally, compression garments are used to retain fluid. For swelling caused by joint diseases, orthopedic shoes or insoles are selected.

Alternative remedies for relieving swelling in the left leg

The use of traditional medicine in the treatment of swelling of one limb is effective and appropriate. The methods can be used both in combination with the main therapy and as maintenance treatment:

Birch leaf wraps. You need to take cotton rags - old sheets or towels, pieces of fabric - they are used to form bags. You can use old pillowcases. Birch leaves are poured into them and placed on the feet. They wrap themselves well and wait for their limbs to start sweating. After about 2-3 hours, the pillowcases are removed.
Compress and light massage. You can use a decoction of any suitable herb. Soak cotton paper in it and wrap it around the problematic leg. Then they put on the bag and wrap it up. You need to leave it on all night.
Turpentine. Pure turpentine mixed with 2 parts of warm castor oil will help with swelling on one leg. Wipe the skin, put on high socks and leave overnight. Any swelling should go down overnight.
Sea salt. Pour warm water into a basin and add about sea salt. The foot is placed for 30 minutes, the procedure is completed with rinsing and a light massage.
Peppermint. IN cool water drip 3-4 drops of mint ether and place your foot in the bath.

A separate group includes medicinal herbs for eliminating edema. They can be taken both internally and externally in the form of compresses.

Herbs to treat swelling

Among the popular herbs for relieving swelling caused by poor lifestyle, injuries and other factors not related to severe diseases of the internal organs are:

Cornflower. Use 1 tsp. blue cornflower and 1 cup boiling water. You need to infuse the product all night, strain in the morning and 2 tbsp. l. taken before every meal. Not suitable for pregnant women!
Linen. Seeds and inflorescences are used - a mixture of 3 tbsp. l. pour 1 liter of boiling water and cool. You need to take 2 tbsp. l. You can add a little honey, as the product is bitter.
Cherry. Use stalks that you harvest yourself. Take 2 tbsp of boiling water for 250 ml. l. dry feet and leave for a minute. When the mixture has cooled, take 1-2 spoons. You should not drink if you have liver disease!
Pharmaceutical chamomile. A sedative that, in the form of a strong decoction, relieves swelling well. Pour 250 ml of boiling water over 12 inflorescences and cool. You need to take 1 tbsp. l. before eating.
Calendula. Famous medicinal herb, which relieves swelling well. Take 2 tsp. for 500 ml of boiling water, you can add 1 tsp. cornflower flowers. Taken during sedentary work, wearing high heels. You can drink before every meal.

Treatment with medicinal herbs should not last longer than 1 month, as addiction may occur. If folk remedies are used as part of complex therapy, alternate them with each other.

Elimination of edema due to varicose veins

If swelling on the right or left leg appears as a result of varicose veins, then you can get rid of it using additional methods and medicines. The key recommendation is to use moderate physical activity without much involvement of the legs. Yoga asanas are ideal for combating varicose veins.

You cannot engage in strength sports with sharp jumps and jerks.

Swimming and water sports are great for reducing swelling caused by varicose veins. However, you can’t do without drugs to relieve pathology. In general, they are similar to what is used to treat edema from other diseases.

All medications are taken strictly according to the course, and the results of treatment are assessed by the doctor after repeated examinations and tests.

Regardless of the reasons for the accumulation of fluid, doctors recommend treating swelling of one leg using light physical activity. All exercises can be done directly on the bed or on the floor at home:

“scissors” - perfectly stimulate blood flow - straight leg swings;
“bicycle” - lying on a hard sofa, legs make movements as if riding a bicycle;
“birch” - the legs rise up, you can start with the support against the wall, the back is supported by the hands in the lumbar region;
skiing, running and cycling are the maximum permissible sports with high activity.

Prevention of swelling

To prevent your right or left leg from becoming swollen and swollen from time to time, you need to adhere to simple rules prevention. They will not help get rid of kidney disease, heart disease and varicose veins, but they will facilitate the process of possible treatment.

You should wear comfortable low-heeled shoes and avoid putting excessive strain on your feet.

Doctors advise normalizing your diet, eliminating large amounts of sweets, fats and salty foods. It is also useful for prevention to engage in moderate physical activity, fulfill therapeutic exercises and foot massage.

If swelling occurs in the morning, it should be prevented in the evening. overconsumption liquids. A cup of coffee, one of the best diuretic products, will help remove excess water.

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Causes and methods of treating swelling in one leg

There can be many reasons for swelling in one leg. Some of them are natural and do not pose a danger to humans, while others are the consequence of serious diseases. Treatment of pathology should be carried out taking into account the factors that led to this condition. In many cases, doctors recommend using traditional medicine recipes.

Why does edema occur in healthy people?

Even a completely healthy person may experience swelling in one leg. This happens due to the following reasons:

Drinking large amounts of liquid. The lower limbs will swell if you drink a lot of water in combination with salty foods.
Hot weather. When the air temperature rises significantly, the human body turns on protective mechanisms to prevent overheating. Therefore, in the summer, many people experience minor swelling, which gradually disappears on their own.
Obesity. Large body weight creates extra stress on cardiovascular system and kidneys. Therefore, the human body cannot fully cope with the elimination of fluid.
Staying in a sitting or standing position for a long time, as a result of which blood circulation deteriorates. In this case, it is the stagnation of blood in the lower extremities that causes swelling.
Pregnancy. The causes of swelling of the lower leg of one leg can be compression of the veins by the fetus, changes hormonal levels which lead to fluid retention in the body. If the swelling occurs suddenly and develops rapidly, preeclampsia may be suspected. This is a dangerous condition that requires prompt medical intervention.
Taking certain medications. The most common cause of edema is antihypertensive drugs, glucocorticoids. If swelling is detected in the lower limb, you should consult a doctor to prescribe more suitable medications.
Injuries. A sprain, fracture or dislocation causes severe swelling in the ankle area, which is accompanied by pain.

Pathological causes of swelling of one leg

If one leg swells greatly and becomes larger than the other, some pathologies can be suspected. Most often, after a qualified examination, the following diseases are discovered:

Heart failure. Swelling usually occurs in the afternoon, accompanied by shortness of breath, increased fatigue, and tightness in the chest.
Varicose veins The presence of edema on the lower leg of one leg can be caused by a violation of the venous circulation. This disease is accompanied by the appearance of deflated veins, pain, and changes in skin color.
Thrombophlebitis. Ankle swelling is most often caused by the formation of a blood clot in a vein, which leads to the development of an inflammatory process. Thrombophlebitis is considered a serious disease that can be treated conservatively and surgically.
Lymphedema. It is characterized by the accumulation of lymph in the tissues and provokes a significant increase in the size of the limbs.
Myxedema. Evolving in the background endocrine disorders. In addition to swelling of the calf, a change in the patient’s face and an increase in the size of the tongue are observed.
Erysipelas. It is provoked by streptococcus. As the pathology develops, the ankles swell, red spots appear on the surface of the skin, and pain develops.
Osteomyelitis. A disease of infectious-inflammatory origin, which is also complicated by fever, severe pain, impaired coordination of movements.
Rheumatism. Accompanied by damage to the bone and connective tissue of the foot and blood vessels. Rheumatism is characterized by rapid disappearance of edema.
Infectious arthritis. It is characterized by redness of the skin, the development of pain, stiffness of movement, fever, and swelling of the tissues.

If swelling is detected in the lower limb, you must consult a doctor to determine the causes of the pathology. Based on the diagnosis, the treatment method is determined. In most cases, patients should adhere to the following recommendations:

It is necessary to reduce salt intake. This is especially true in the summer or if there is related problems with health.
It is advisable to limit fluid intake (especially in the evening).
Drinking alcohol in any form or quantity is strictly prohibited.
After have a hard day It is recommended to lie down and place your feet on a hill. This will improve blood flow and prevent the development of edema.
Need to pick up the right shoes with a comfortable pad. Women should preferably wear flat or low-heeled shoes.
To prevent edema, it is recommended to do special exercises - walking on toes, rotating your feet. Massage and regular physical activity are no less beneficial.

If swelling occurs frequently and is not associated with serious pathologies, you can use special ointments - Venitan, Essavan gel. They improve blood circulation and eliminate pain along with swelling.

Treatment with folk remedies for external action

To get rid of swelling, you can use special compresses or baths that as soon as possible relieve swelling. If there is a problem ethnoscience recommends paying attention to the following recipes:

Application of oils. Warm compresses will help remove swelling. For medical procedure olive oil and olive oil are mixed in equal proportions camphor oil. Rub the surface of the ankle with this mixture, then wrap it with cotton cloth and a woolen scarf. It is recommended to apply the compress in the evening and keep it overnight.
Herbal baths. In a small container you need to mix 30 g of mint, chamomile and birch leaves. The herbs are poured with a liter of boiling water and left for an hour. For foot bath add the required amount to the liquid warm water. The temperature of the resulting mixture should not exceed 38 ºС. The duration of the procedure is about 10 minutes.
Baths to relieve fatigue. If the cause of swelling is excessive stress on lower limbs, this procedure is ideal. For a bath in 2 liters of warm water you need to dissolve 2 tablespoons of dry mustard powder. Keep your feet in this mixture for no more than 15 minutes. After the procedure, the limbs are doused with cool water and a massage is performed to consolidate the positive effect.
Contrast baths. You need to take two containers of water - cold and warm. The legs are lowered into them one by one and held for 1 minute. Such contrast baths will strengthen blood vessels and relieve fatigue and swelling. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to add a little sea salt to each container.
Potato-beetroot compress. To carry out the procedure on fine grater Grate fresh and peeled vegetables. The potato-beet mixture is applied to the problem area, wrapped in cellophane and a terry towel. Keep the compress for 20 minutes. It is recommended to repeat the procedure daily.

Treatment with oral medications

Very often, external treatment in the presence of edema is not enough. To eliminate the problem, traditional healers recommend taking specially prepared remedies:

Flaxseed decoction. You need to take two spoons of plant material and fill it with 520 ml of water. The resulting mixture is put on fire and boiled for 13 minutes. Cover the container with the decoction with a lid and leave for another 50 minutes. The medicine is taken four times a day, 130 ml. The duration of treatment is from a week to a month.
Juices. You need to mix 120 ml cucumber and carrot juice. Squeeze one lemon into this mixture. You can drink this cocktail three times a day, after diluting it with a small amount of water.
Infusion of birch leaves. To prepare the medicine, use 50 g of plant material, which is poured with 530 ml of boiling water. The leaves are infused for 5 hours, after which they are filtered. The resulting liquid is taken 150 ml three times a day until the swelling disappears completely.
Bean infusion. To prepare the medicine, use dry crushed leaves in the amount of 1 tablespoon. Add 400 ml of boiling water to them. After 1 hour, the liquid can be filtered and taken 120 ml 3-4 times a day.

The presented recipes are excellent in combating edema in healthy people. In the presence of the diseases described above, the use of any folk remedies must be agreed with the doctor.

- a frequent occurrence. Causing reasons vary. For example, they occur as a result of drinking a large amount of water at night. A common consequence of a hard day at work is swelling of the legs, which occurs due to stagnation of fluid in the tissues.

The causes of swelling of the legs are of a completely different nature. Professionals divide the sources of the phenomenon into six main groups:

Hydraemic, appear due to kidney disease, making it difficult for fluid to leave the body.
Cachectic, resulting from cardiovascular diseases.
Mechanical. Swelling resulting from injuries. Often a tumor is detected that blocks the work venous vessels. Edema periodically appears during pregnancy due to compression of blood vessels by the uterus, which increases in size.
Stagnant. Appear due to increased pressure in the capillaries.
Neuropathic. Appear against the background of alcoholism or diabetes.
Allergic, due to a strong reaction of the body to the product.

Causes of leg swelling

Many factors have been described for leg swelling. Moreover, one or both limbs may swell. Sometimes the reasons are an incorrect lifestyle. It's worth making adjustments.

Common factors causing swelling are:

If the right leg swells, the phenomenon should alert the person and motivate him to undergo medical diagnostics. Perhaps there is a manifestation of a serious illness.

Diseases that cause swelling of the right leg

Dangers of swelling of the right leg

You need to monitor your health; if chronic edema occurs, you should not assume that treatment is not needed, everything will go away on its own. It is possible that the lesion will become smaller, but, being a symptom of the disease, will return again. Perhaps the situation will worsen.

Swelling can indicate the presence of a heart attack or stroke.
If the cause is varicose veins, the absence medical care will lead to the development of gangrene. In the worst case, the process threatens to amputate the leg.
Failure to treat deep vein thrombosis leads to thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery.

To understand why only the right leg swells, the doctor prescribes operational diagnostics: blood and urine tests, electrocardiogram, ultrasound examination of organs abdominal cavity and thyroid gland.

Ways to get rid of edema

When starting treatment, you need to know the cause of the appearance. When your legs begin to swell, you should:

For example, in warm Castor oil pour in turpentine (proportion: one unit of turpentine and two units of castor oil). Then massage with the mixture and put on socks.

It is useful to take baths with sea salt, perform contrast procedures.

You should perform regular foot massage. The feet are massaged, gradually rising higher to the thigh. The massage can be performed using pieces of ice made from a decoction of herbs: sage, mint.

It is useful to drink diuretic infusions of herbs or berries and elderberry bark.

How to get rid of swelling of the right leg due to varicose veins

The main cause of swelling of one right leg lies in varicose veins. To prevent the disease from getting worse, follow the advice of doctors:

Do regular exercises with special exercises To improve blood circulation, perform the “birch tree” exercise.
Wear special stockings.
Wear comfortable and roomy shoes that do not compress the instep of the foot. If you have flat feet, wear shoes with special arch supports.
Try to walk and stand less. Lie or sit more.
At night, place your feet on a pillow.

The reasons that cause swelling of the legs are different. If this happens, it becomes a sign of a serious illness. It is worth consulting a doctor for advice. Swelling will be an urgent reason to reconsider your lifestyle.