Leakage of the legs. Common problem of modern man

Update: October 2018

The edematous syndrome of the limbs or the human body is always based on conditions under which there is an easy penetration of fluid into the intercellular space and its removal from the body is difficult.
This is facilitated by:

• arterial (especially capillary) or venous blood flow disorders
• problems with lymphatic drainage
• violation of the excretory function of the kidneys

A variety of local edema is swelling of the legs, which are a manifestation of many diseases, expressed in varying degrees of severity. When the swelling of the legs is not pronounced, that is, the friability of the tissues slightly increases and water accumulates in it, this is called pastosity. In this case, there may be no edema visible to the eye, but the skin becomes pale and soft, doughy.

• To determine pastosity, you can use the McClure-Aldrich test, the essence of which is to measure the rate of resorption of a liquid (saline solution) injected intradermally. After this injection, a tubercle is formed from the saline solution, and with severe edema (increased hydrophilicity of the tissues), it disappears much faster than in the normal state of the tissues.
• If the tissue edema is pronounced, then when pressing on it, a hole usually forms.

Edema on the background of circulatory disorders and lymphatic edema has some differences.

• Lymphedema (also called lymphedema) is more dense and is not accompanied by pain. It is characterized by the sign of Kaposi-Stemmer, when the skin of the rear of the foot at the base of the second toe cannot be captured in a fold. Lymphedema develops due to the accumulation of fluid with a high protein content in the thickness of the skin.
• Venous insufficiency is in the first place among the causes of leg edema, while due to the increase in the penetration of water from the capillaries into the tissues, the volume of the intercellular fluid with low viscosity increases, which does not drain normally.

Unlike lymphatic edema, with venous congestion, swelling of the legs decreases somewhat with prolonged lying.

When swelling of the legs occurs periodically in a healthy person, you can analyze the possible banal causes, which in most cases can be eliminated:

• Abuse of fatty, salty foods and large amounts of liquid at night
• Prolonged sitting on soft and low chairs, the habit of sitting cross-legged
• Incorrectly chosen shoes - without a heel or too high a heel, uncomfortable shoes, squeezing the leg and toes.

Causes of acute swelling of the legs

Acute swelling of the legs should include those that develop within 2-3 days. In this case, damage can be:

• unilateral - vein thrombosis, trauma, leg fracture, removed lymph nodes in the groin, diseases of the knee or hip joint
• bilateral - decompensation of heart or kidney diseases, venous insufficiency

Deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities

The most common thrombotic complications occur against the background. With prolonged bed rest or immobilization of the limb, as well as with chemotherapy or radiation therapy in cancer patients. An acute situation characterized by a partial or complete violation of the patency of the deep veins of the legs, which is accompanied by:

• puffiness
• blueness of the foot or lower leg
• severe pain in the affected limb

Although, there are a number of “silent” thromboses, in which the pain is not pronounced or minimal, but there is only swelling of one leg. The process can be either one or two-sided. On examination, in addition to changing the color and volume of the leg, it is possible to determine the coldness of the limb and muscle soreness.

• For thrombosis of the veins of the leg, the Homans test is characteristic - the calves of the legs hurt when the foot is dorsiflexed.
• With the defeat of the saphenous vein of the thigh - Louvel's test, pain when sneezing and coughing in the projection of the left or right saphenous vein.
• Thrombosis of the iliac-femoral area is characterized by pain in the thigh, abdomen and lower back, as well as total swelling of the thigh.

Edema after injury

Post-traumatic unilateral edema is caused by rupture, separation of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, and interfascial space syndrome. In addition to swelling in the projection of the injury, there is severe pain.

Acute venous insufficiency

This is usually a decompensation of chronic venous outflow problems. It may be associated with changes in hemodynamic requirements:

• pregnancy
• flight in an airplane
• prolonged immobility
• increased intra-abdominal pressure with constipation or severe physical work

Bilateral expansion of the venous trunks, visible under the skin, is accompanied by swelling, increased fatigue of the legs and pain after exercise.

Differential diagnosis of leg edema

When the legs are swollen chronically

• Varicose veins of the lower extremities and chronic insufficiency of superficial or deep veins

This is the main cause of recurring long-term swelling of the legs. The failure of the venous valves leads to the expansion of capacitive vessels, the formation of varicose veins and the creation of conditions for easier leakage of fluid into the interstitial space. The vascular network under the skin, heaviness in the legs, pain and swelling over time are supplemented by trophic skin disorders in the form of ulcers and weeping, as well as hemosidernia deposits in the form of brown spots on the legs and back of the foot. For diagnosis, they resort to Doppler research.

• Chronic heart failure involving great circle circulation is also accompanied by swelling of the legs

First, the rear of the feet swells and the legs swell at the ankles. As heart failure progresses, the edema rises higher and captures the lower legs and thighs. At the same time, from additional symptoms shortness of breath, fatigue, enlargement of the liver and a tendency to accumulate fluid not only in the legs, but also in the abdominal cavity are characteristic. For cardiac edema of the legs, the formation of a fossa with pressure is characteristic. The diagnosis is confirmed by ECHO-KG.

• Pulmonary arterial hypertension in its chronic form also leads to swelling in the legs.

It develops as a result of chronic pulmonary pathologies, acute right ventricular heart failure, and even as a result of sleep apnea in individuals with soft palate hypertrophy. The diagnosis is established by ECHO-KG.

• Chronic kidney disease

Kidney disease, accompanied by renal failure or nephrotic syndrome (glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis). In general, renal edema can be divided into those that occur due to impaired blood flow in the kidneys (nephritic) and those that are the result of an imbalance of proteins and a difference in oncotic pressure (nephrotic). Nephritic edema on the legs is a rarity that appears after the morning puffiness of the face. Edema is looser and passes easily. The feet are more likely to swell. Nephrotic edema of the legs accompanies swelling of the face and lower back, is more dense and occurs more often.

• Hepatocellular insufficiency

Medicinal swelling of the legs

If we put aside the banal allergic edema, which can develop in response to medication and is accompanied by redness and, there are still a lot of clinical situations when medicines responsible for swelling of the lower extremities.

• Glucocorticosteroids - prednisolone, prednisone, triamcinolone, dexamethasone
• Calcium antagonists - diltiazem, nifedepine, amlodipine, verapamil
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most probable causes swelling in the legs. However, they can act as a trigger for interstitial nephritis.
• In addition to these drugs, estrogens, testosterone preparations, methyldopa, beta-blockers, hydralazine, clonidine, minoxidil, diuretics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus can lead to swelling of the legs.

Causes of lymphedema

• Actually lymphedema can develop as a congenital disease, when edema appears in the very early age, or by the mechanism of acquired pathology.
• There is also a primary process - tard's lymphedema, congenital and familial lymphedema.
• Secondary syndrome in the program of other diseases - lymphoma, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, as well as scarring or blockage of the lymphatic vessels as a result of surgery, radiation therapy or bacterial infections.
• In the chronic process, in addition to dense swelling of the soft tissues, there is a thickening and coarsening of the skin of the legs, as well as its brown staining due to the deposition of hemosiderin. Confirmation of the diagnosis is carried out according to the results of lymphoscintigraphy.

Lymphedema occurs when lymph fluid accumulates in the tissues due to problems with the lymphatic vessels, as well as after the removal of the lymph nodes. Left untreated, lymphatic congestion prevents skin blemishes from healing and can contribute to the infection of wounds and ulcers. Such edema often appears after the removal of lymph nodes in the inguinal region or after irradiation of cancer patients.

Rare causes of leg swelling

This group of causes includes metabolic disorders that change the plasma oncotic pressure mainly due to acute or chronic losses of various protein fractions.

• Starvation, enteropathy

Enteropathies in chronic enteritis, Crohn's disease, Hirschsprung's disease, beriberi disrupt absorption processes. Against the background of atrophy of the villi of the mucosa and frequent stools, there is insufficient absorption of the protein and its significant transient losses, which leads to dysproteinemic edema. A similar picture is also observed with prolonged fasting, as well as inadequate rehydration therapy against the background.

• Hypothyroidism

Myxedema is the result of an extreme drop in thyroid hormone levels. That is, it is, in which the metabolic processes of proteins are disturbed, mucin and albumins accumulate in the intercellular space, and water flows along a pressure gradient. Myxedema is characterized by dense (“mucous”) edema, in which a fossa does not form when pressed. In addition, patients have dry skin, brittle hair and nails, prolapse of the outer edge of the eyebrows, swelling of the face, lethargy and drowsiness.

• Restrictive pericarditis and

These diseases occur with the development of excess connective tissue in the myocardium and the cavity of the pericardial sac, which disrupts blood flow and leads to congestive heart failure, in the program of which edema of the feet appears.

• Congenital malformations of the veins and iliac vein syndrome are the most rare causes of swelling in the legs due to venous insufficiency.

Why do legs swell in the evening

During the day, the heart pumps blood from the center to the periphery. In all cases, when venous return is difficult, part of the blood does not have time to return to the cardiac chambers and the plasma leaks into the intercellular space, lingering in the tissues. Therefore, by the evening the legs swell and heaviness appears in them. If in the morning it was possible to put on narrow shoes without difficulty, then after spending the whole day on your feet, you can not fit into dress shoes.

Why do women have swollen legs

A large number of women have edematous syndrome associated with the peculiarities of the hormonal cycle.

• At the same time, swelling of the legs can develop as in menstruating ladies in the program of premenstrual syndrome against the background of a drop in the level of progestins.
• and in women in menopause or postmenopause, as idiopathic edema.
• Idiopathic edema is characterized by water retention in the legs, arms and face in an upright position. Puffiness is combined with a depressive syndrome and an increase in body weight.
• Legs swell after childbirth in cases where pregnancy provoked the development of venous insufficiency or caused phlebothrombosis or thrombophlebitis.

Causes of swelling of the legs in men

• The main cause of leg edema in men is chronic venous insufficiency, which most often has a family character.
• In addition, swelling of the legs can occur with prolonged static load or heavy physical work against the background of large fluid losses through sweat.
• According to the same mechanism, the legs swell in the summer in the heat with insufficient drinking load, tight shoes or playing sports.

The second variant of non-pathological edema or pastosity is edema of a forced position, when water flows into those areas that are most susceptible to gravity. This phenomenon is observed in wheelchair users who are forced to sit with their motionless legs lowered all day.

Swelling of the legs is far from a harmless symptom. If it appears, first of all it is worth contacting a surgeon or therapist for a competent diagnosis of its causes. It is extremely wrong to resort to various folk methods, such as cabbage leaves or cold baths, until all the circumstances that accompany swelling are clarified. If the legs are very swollen, the cause may be hidden not only in the state of the vascular bed, but also in systemic diseases of vital organs.

AT modern world Quite often, legs swell from sedentary work, because now professions at a computer, telephone, etc. are becoming common.

Since this problem is everyday and familiar to people, some methods, tips, folk and pharmacy remedies have been formed to solve it. And yet, if the legs swell from sedentary work, what should I do? First, make sure that this is not a sign of some kind of pathology. Monitor your condition over the weekend, and if there are additional symptoms (fever, swollen veins, pain), immediately consult a doctor.

Possible causes of this condition

Non-compliance with the regime of work and rest, bad habits and similar factors

Why do legs swell when sitting? Several factors may contribute to this:

• Immobility. No wonder they say that movement is life. If you do not get up for a long time, do not walk, or at least do not stretch your legs, then they will eventually swell due to blood stasis;
• Quite often, the limbs swell not only during work, but also in any sitting position, if you are in the “foot to foot” position. The blood flow is blocked, and as a result - swelling. This is preceded by the familiar feeling of "numbness", which quickly passes after a change in posture;
• Shoes with high heels or uncomfortable, pressing. It is necessary to select work shoes not only from an aesthetic point of view, but also from a practical one, because you are in it for a long time;
• If your legs swell after work, then the diet may also be to blame. These are the following products:
  • Salty dishes. Sodium has the ability to retain water in the body. As a result, it accumulates and forms puffiness;
  • Directly reception a large number liquids. The body does not have time to remove it in full, which leads to illness. Don't drink too much before bed either.
  • Legs swell from sedentary work when eating semi-finished products, fatty foods. Problems with the gastrointestinal tract can provoke not only diarrhea or constipation.
• Excess weight. It puts pressure on the limbs, causing them to swell.

Various diseases

However, if all of the above is irrelevant in your case, then why do your legs swell when you sit for a long time? Pathological processes that have just begun to develop can be to blame for everything. Add to list possible diseases includes:

• Heart failure. lifestyle, age, diet, environment- all this affects our heart muscle. Over time, it weakens and loses the ability to pump blood in the proper volume;
• Renal failure. The kidneys perform the main excretory function, which weakens with pathologies and leads to the formation of edema of the lower extremities;
• Liver failure. The liver is an extremely important organ, one of its purposes is the formation of proteins. With their deficiency, oncotic pressure decreases. The fluid begins to seep into the intercellular space, and as a result, swelling is formed.

If the legs swell from sedentary work, what should I do?

Physiotherapy

This is the first question people have when faced with a similar problem. If you are still at work, follow these tips:

• First, change your posture. Try to stretch your legs so that the blood can circulate calmly;
• Get up and take a short walk, do a little exercise. Walk on tiptoe, bend and unbend your fingers, in general - move your legs;
• Massage your feet, legs, calf muscles. Move from your fingertips to your hip. If you do it yourself - do not touch your knees, with excessive pressure you can damage their structure, or dislocate them.

ethnoscience

When the legs swell after work, there are a little more solutions:

• Take baths before bed sea ​​salt. Mix 200 g of salt with 2 liters of water and keep your feet in the container for 10-15 minutes before going to bed;
• In prolonged episodes, birch leaves are used. Place them in linen bags (sometimes pillowcases or any other dense fabric is used) and pour raw materials into it. Place your feet at least knee-deep in the leaves and keep them there for 3-4 hours until they begin to sweat;
• Rub the limbs with a mixture of camphor and olive oil(1:1), wrap them with a cloth and secure (do not use tight elastic bands, bandages, etc.).
• Grate the potato and fix it on the problem area for 15 minutes;
• If your legs swell from sedentary work, natural diuretics will help. Many plants have a diuretic effect. To prepare the infusion, pour 1 tsp. raw materials 1 cup boiling water (250 ml). The list includes:
  • Rose hip;
  • Motherwort;
  • burdock;
  • Arnica;
  • Fennel.

Medications

If the swelling of the legs is quite strong and alternative methods of treating swelling are ineffective in solving this problem, then it is possible to resort to the use of the following external preparations: Troxevasin ointment, Lyoton gel, Heparin ointment. But in the case when the swelling is chronic, be sure to consult a doctor for a diagnosis of the cause of the swelling. Perhaps he will prescribe the use of diuretics: Veroshpiron, Furosemide.

Before thinking about what to do if your legs swell from sedentary, sedentary work, you should try to avoid this phenomenon altogether:

• Let's exercise on the legs. running, charging, simple exercises they won’t make you an athlete, but they will keep your body in good shape;
• Stick to your diet. We are not talking about a strict diet, but the exclusion of salty, fried, fatty and similar dishes will be an excellent prevention of puffiness;
• Don't forget to rest while you work. Changing the position of the legs, a few minutes of break, may save you many hours of various procedures.

What to do, if sedentary work did it cause your feet to swell? For starters, you should reconsider your daily routine and lifestyle. If you have any additional symptoms, see your doctor for a diagnosis.

Edema is the accumulation of fluid in intercellular tissue spaces. Most often, the feet swell. Not very noticeable, but annoying. There is a feeling of heaviness, shoes become tight. Puffiness is not a separate disease. This is a sign of another pathology, usually formidable. Why do the legs swell? How to help yourself?

Causes of swelling of the lower extremities

If swelling of the legs occurs, the causes may lie in many physiological conditions and diseases:

Many of us have probably noticed that by the end of the day the shoes become small. As a rule, such swelling is minor and temporary. Legs "swell" not only after physical exertion, but also after prolonged sitting, inactivity. For example, when you are forced to travel by bus for a day or more. The blood flow is disrupted. Leg muscles receive insufficient oxygen.

2. Violation of the removal of fluid. We are talking about blood and lymph. They can be poorly discharged or formed in large numbers.

3. Flat feet. Why do limbs swell with flat feet? The disease weakens the bones and ligaments, the muscles of the legs. Obstacles are created for normal blood and lymph flow.

4. Overweight. Approximately a year the little man begins to walk. And from that time on, his legs are forced to carry the body all his life. This is a huge burden. Therefore, extra tens of kilograms affect the health of the legs.

5. Uncomfortable shoes. Tight shoes, completely flat soles or too high heels - all this limits the movement of the calf muscles. Edema appears.

6. Metabolic disorder. In particular, the exchange of proteins and fluids. Because of this, the movement of lymph in the subcutaneous tissue is disturbed. The fluid stagnates, severe swelling appears. In the people, this condition is called "elephantiasis."

7. Varicose veins. Varicose veins veins significantly interfere with the outflow of blood. The hydrostatic pressure in large vessels, and then in small ones, increases greatly. In the spaces between the cells, the pressure is much less. Here are the tense capillaries and push the liquid there in order to “relax” a little. At the initial stage of the disease, edema is hardly noticeable. They appear in the evening and disappear in the morning. Condition worsens after long stay on foot. The swelling is usually asymmetrical.

8. Kidney problems. In case of violation of the functioning of the kidneys, not only the legs swell, but also the hands and face. Dark circles appear under the eyes, urination is disturbed. Unhealthy kidneys cannot retain protein. It is excreted along with urine. Muscles try to replenish their supply of protein by drawing fluid from the blood vessels. The tissues swell.

9. Heart failure. The heart muscles are weak and unable to pump blood. It stagnates in the veins, stretching their walls. The fluid from the vessels penetrates into the tissues. There is swelling. Edema in heart failure is chronic, painless.

10. Intestinal pathologies. Edema is accompanied by prolonged diarrhea.

11. Taking certain medications. Some pharmaceutical preparations, when taken for a long time, prevent the removal of fluid from the body. Most often, edema appears after treatment with glucocorticoids, sex hormones, ACE inhibitors.

12. Phlebitis. A characteristic symptom of the disease is chronic swelling of one leg, less often two. The veins are clogged with blood clots, blood flow is disturbed. As a result, painful swelling appears.

Swelling of the limbs and in quite healthy people. Provoking factors:

• prolonged sitting during the day on very upholstered furniture;
• sitting or standing work;
• the habit of cross-legging;
• pregnancy.

If swelling is a consequence of a disease, then this disease must be treated. Swelling, which appeared from fatigue, can be removed independently. How to do it?

Puffy and heavy legs: how to help them?

The following medications relieve puffiness well:

1) Essaven (in the form of a gel, strengthens the walls of blood vessels, activates blood flow, fights microthrombi);

2) Venitan (in the form of an ointment, improves skin condition);

3) Heparin ointment (activates blood flow, has an anti-inflammatory effect);

4) Lioton (in the form of a gel or ointment, the active substance is sodium heparin, has anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic effects; activates metabolism in tissues).

There are other means to relieve swelling. We have included only the most popular ones.

Attention! Before using pharmacological preparations, consult your doctor.

Folk remedies

1. Put castor oil on fire and add turpentine to it (proportions - 2 to 1). It is not necessary to bring to a boil. The liquid should be well hot, but tolerable. Rub the mixture on your feet, then put on cotton socks.

2. Prepare a massage remedy from egg yolk, turpentine (teaspoon) and apple cider vinegar (tablespoon). Rub your feet vigorously before bed.

3. Freeze a decoction of sage, infusion of mint, eucalyptus or others medicinal plants. Massage tired legs with these ice cubes.

4. Baths with sea salt, contrast douches, and massage help well against edema.

5. Steamed elderberry leaves can be applied to varicose veins.

6. Drink diuretic fees.

Exercises to relieve swelling

1) With bare feet, roll a small ball or round stick on the floor, collect peas or beans in a bowl with your toes.

2) Walk on your toes for a few minutes a day. Jump on your tiptoes.

3) Sitting or standing, press either the heel or the toe to the floor, “swing” the foot.

4) Do with stops rotational movements first in one direction, then in the other.

If all your actions are useless, the doctor will tell you what to do. Do not neglect a visit to a specialist when swelling bothers you regularly, the limbs become painful, the temperature rises, and when you press on the swollen place, a trace remains.

The first reason why the legs get bigger is the swelling that occurs if water is retained in the body. And sometimes not only the feet and shins swell, but the face and hands.

If the edema appeared after a long flight, several hours spent standing on your feet, or before, and then disappeared, then this is normal.

But if the legs swell every evening or in the morning the face looks like a pillow, then the following diseases may be to blame.

Possible causes of edema

Injury

Perhaps you just stumbled and did not attach any importance to it, and your leg was swollen because you pulled a ligament or damaged a joint. Wherein sore spot swells and due to damage to blood vessels, and because the blood rushes to the source of pain. So if your legs still hurt, then you should go to the emergency room.

Pregnancy

Edema in pregnant women appears often, especially on later dates. If they are small, then there is nothing wrong with that, but the doctor should monitor the condition of the legs.

If edema is added headache, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, these are alarming signs. They signal about and, possibly, about preeclampsia - a condition dangerous for pregnant women.

Lymphostasis

Sometimes water does not leave the body, because the lymphatic system does not work, which should cleanse our body. Problems appear if, for some reason, the lymphatic vessels and nodes cease to function at full strength.

This happens with serious diseases, in the treatment of cancer, obesity.

Special procedures and compression garments are needed to help reduce swelling.

Chronic venous insufficiency

The blood that has given up oxygen returns to the heart through the veins - vessels with one-way valves, necessary for the blood to flow in one direction. If something is wrong with the valves, for example, they function less well with age, blood can accumulate in the legs.

Heart failure

In this disease, the heart cannot cope with its work and does not pump blood from the right force. Therefore, the blood stagnates, especially in the legs.

Other symptoms: palpitations, shortness of breath physical activity(e.g. difficulty climbing stairs), constant fatigue.

kidney disease

The kidneys filter the blood and excrete waste products from it. If the kidneys suddenly fail to cope, then excess water lingers in the body and accumulates below.

Liver disease

If you have hepatitis or drink alcohol frequently, the liver cells die, and their place is taken by connective tissue that cannot cope with filtration - the main function of the liver. That is, the fluid will accumulate again, swelling will appear on the legs and in the abdomen.

What to do with edema

First of all, understand where they came from. To do this, you need to consult a doctor and make a diagnosis in order to try to eliminate the very cause of edema, that is, the disease.

While the treatment is going on, help yourself here and now.

• Relax and cool off. For relaxation, it is better to take a pose in which the legs are higher than the head. Put on compression socks and apply ice to the swelling. This will help reduce swelling.
• Walk at a walking pace. If you sit or stand a lot during your work day, movement will help you deal with swelling. Regular walks are even better.
• Take a diuretic. Diuretics are medicines that help remove fluid from the body. If you have the diseases that we have listed, the doctor will prescribe you a drug that will cope with swelling. In addition, some hypertension medications can cause swelling. Tell your doctor about such symptoms.
• Eat foods high in magnesium. If you add 200-400 mg of magnesium to your diet, it will help get rid of excess fluid. Talk to your doctor about over-the-counter supplements, but try eating oatmeal, bananas, almonds, broccoli, and beets more often first.

When swelling is dangerous

Need to apply as soon as possible medical care if your legs are swollen, you have difficulty breathing, and you feel pain in your chest. Also, do not delay your visit to the doctor if:

• you press on the swollen area with your finger, and when you release, a hole remains on the skin;
• the skin on the swollen area looks swollen and it seems that it is ready to crack.

Edema is not a disease, then why do the legs swell? This is a physiological reaction and a manifestation of various pathological conditions. The most common causes of swollen ankles and lower legs are circulatory disorders. Often the legs swell in pregnant women, overweight people, and injuries. At the initial stages, mainly aesthetic problems arise.

If nothing is done, then swollen lower limbs create more and more obstacles in daily activities. Diseases that are characterized by persistent swelling are serious and require drug therapy. Consider the most common causes and treatments.

Physiological edema is more easily tolerated when in the heat, after a long standing, there is a feeling of heaviness in the ankles. The legs swell more strongly in the evening and at night. The toes and upper part of the foot swell, pain, tingling and fullness in the calves appear. After rest, the condition returns to normal.
The ankles and lower legs swell in 20% of the population due to pathologies of the venous or lymphatic systems. With swelling of the legs of various origins, specific symptoms may differ. Manifestations also depend on the load on the lower extremities, time of day, stage of the disease.
What is swelling of the legs, what symptoms accompany this condition:

1. Fluid is retained in the tissues of the lower extremities.
2. There is heaviness, stiffness in the ankles.
3. There is a feeling of tension, pain in the legs.
4. At the end of the day or at night, cramps in the calf muscles may begin.

How to determine why the legs begin to swell? It is necessary to pay attention to the combination of signs. You should be wary if the ankles and lower legs remain swollen after rest, the skin becomes thinner, acquires a blue tint. Many people know how dangerous any swelling of the legs is. The combination with sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations is characteristic of a blood clot in the vessels of the lungs.

Why do legs swell

The causes of swelling of the lower extremities are varied. These can be vascular and heart diseases, in which blood or lymphatic fluid accumulates, presses on the vascular walls. In these cases, the legs swell because the molecules leave the vessel in the surrounding tissue. Some diseases lead to an increase in the permeability of the walls of the veins, the accumulation of water in the body.

Persistent swelling in the legs, their causes and treatment are best discussed with the therapist. The specialist will pay attention to the fact that the ankles and lower legs swell strongly on only one limb. If necessary, the therapist will refer to the phlebologist. With bilateral swelling, they also turn to a cardiologist.

Under what diseases and conditions do the lower limbs swell:

• thrombophlebitis, CVI, varicose veins;
• protein deficiency (hypoproteinemia);
• kidney failure;
• hormonal imbalance;
• allergic reactions;
• heart disease;
• diabetes;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• lymphedema;
• injury.

A possible reason why the legs began to swell is the accumulation of fluid in the intercellular space, due to impaired lymphatic drainage. This happens with malformations of the lymphatic vessels, bacterial, fungal or viral infections.

Depending on the reason different kinds swelling of the legs is characterized as cardiac, venous, allergic, medicinal, etc. The protein variety is a sign of malnutrition, alcohol abuse. Various parts of the body swell with cirrhosis, since the liver plays an important role in metabolism. Other causative factors: hypovitaminosis, mineral deficiency.

Legs swell after eating due to protein malabsorption due to chronic inflammatory bowel disease or gluten intolerance. If the level of albumin decreases, then the fluid accumulates between the cells in the tissues.

In diabetes, the lower extremities often swell, hence the name “diabetic foot”. This is a typical symptom of persistently high blood sugar and vascular damage. Taking modern drugs and controlling glucose levels can avoid amputation of fingers or the entire foot.

Wearing shoes with high heels is accompanied by the appearance of edema of the feet and legs. The fingers are compressed, the veins are overloaded, muscle contractions increase, the load on the bones increases. Not only the lower limbs swell, but the joints are also erased.

Thyroid disorders

A severe manifestation of an endocrine disorder is thyroid myxedema. There is swelling of the legs, face, arms and legs. The skin becomes pale and dry, with pressure on the swollen area, the dents do not remain.

The primary reason that the legs swell is inflammation, tumor or other pathology of the thyroid gland. As a result, the production of hormones that affect metabolic processes, digestion, the functions of the nervous, cardiovascular and other organ systems is reduced. Initial symptoms include slow heart rate, constipation, hair loss, and weight loss.

Medical swelling of the legs

Water retention in the tissues of the foot and ankle is a side effect of medication. If one or both legs are swollen, then drugs that change the concentration of proteins and minerals in the body may be the cause. Some drugs disrupt the water-salt balance, making it difficult to remove fluid from the tissues.

The limbs may swell when taking the following medications:

• drugs for the treatment of hypertension: diuretics, calcium channel blockers;
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs or NSAIDs);
• hormonal drugs, estrogen-containing contraceptives;
• corticosteroids (glucocorticoids, corticosteroids);
• antidiabetic agents.
• antidepressants.

Diuretics are diuretics that stimulate the excretion of salt and water by the kidneys. Often there are swelling of the legs with an independent change in dosages. Then, instead of removing the liquid, the reverse process occurs.

Rheumatism and rheumatic heart disease

With rheumatism, dryness of the skin, coldness and blueness of the extremities are noted. The joints of the legs swell more strongly in the morning with a combination of cardiac insufficiency with the development of nephrotic syndrome. Medication does not help relieve symptoms.

It is important not only to know why, but also to observe how the legs swell in the morning with rheumatism. Usually the ankles or knees are affected symmetrically, the lymph nodes are enlarged. Characteristic signs are "wandering" pain in the joints of the legs in the ankles and knees, fever.

Rheumocarditis - damage to the heart muscle as a result of infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. This is the main causative agent of angina in adults and children over 3 years old. Heart disease can cause various parts of the body to swell.

Thrombophlebitis

Phlebitis - inflammation of superficial veins. A more accurate name for the disease is thrombophlebitis. The inflammatory process develops in the wall of the vein, a blood clot may form (not necessarily). The lower extremities swell, sensitivity to touch appears, hardening along the affected vessel.

Phlebitis develops as a result of improper blood sampling or the installation of a catheter for the introduction of solutions, with injuries and insect bites. More often, the legs swell down due to inflammation of the vein, if there is already a varicose vein. There are many other reasons, for example, an increased tendency to coagulate and slow blood flow, a hereditary predisposition to thrombosis.

Other platelets continue to settle around the blood clot. The lumen of the vein is blocked, blood is diverted through other vessels, which creates increased pressure. Among the consequences of this process are varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

Leg swelling due to heart failure

Edema of cardiac origin is distinguished by a number of features. The skin becomes thinner, becomes dense, "varnished". Severe swelling of the feet and ankles, heaviness in the legs are manifested in hot weather. Weakness is felt, the heartbeat quickens, shortness of breath appears at rest. After pressing on the edematous part of the foot, a deep dent remains, the skin is slowly restored.

In diseases of the cardiovascular system, heart failure, the right atrium does not create a full suction force. Initially, thickening of the feet and ankles is observed only in the evening, shoes become tight. Then the pressure in the vessels rises, blood stagnation occurs, the lower limbs swell more strongly. Fluid also accumulates in the lower abdomen.

Changes in blood circulation lead to heart rhythm disturbance, loss of sensation and numbness of the extremities. Pathological processes usually develop imperceptibly for a person for a long time. Characteristic symptoms appear even when there is a serious illness.

Venous insufficiency

In the body, fluids are located inside the cells, in the intercellular spaces and in the vessels. With venous disorders, blood stagnates in the limbs. Additional portions of the liquid penetrate into the surrounding tissues.

Under what interrelated conditions and diseases of the veins do the legs swell:

• chronic venous insufficiency;
• phlebeurysm;
• deep vein thrombosis;
• phlebitis.

Chronic insufficiency is often preceded by thrombosis of superficial veins, sometimes blood circulation in the arteries is disturbed. Swelling of the legs below, in the foot, and lower legs in men with dysfunction of the venous valves. This is noticeable by the dents from the gum of the socks on the skin. Vascular cobwebs and nets of red, blue or purple color appear.

The cause of swollen legs in the ankles in women is also CVI. Risk factors are hormonal changes, pregnancy, overweight, muscle weakness.

Increase the risk of venous disease:

• hereditary predisposition to varicose veins;
• insufficient physical activity;
• age over 50;
• sedentary work;
• pregnancy.

With the further development of CVI, edema persists in the daytime, pain and itching join. The skin often takes on a reddish color with a blue-violet tint. The tissues can become inflamed, ulcers appear in the ankles and shins.

Liver disease

The initial stages of hepatitis, fatty degeneration and cirrhosis are asymptomatic. There are no pain receptors in the liver, it is able to function while maintaining only 20% of hepatocytes.

Why do the legs swell if the liver is affected? The organ cleans the blood coming through the portal vein. When replacing the parenchyma connective tissue stagnation occurs, pressure in the venous system rises, blood flow in the lower extremities worsens.

Why can the legs and abdomen swell below? A diseased liver is unable to produce proteins, enzymes and hormones necessary for normal metabolism. Reduced binding and excretion of water. More fluid accumulates in the lower extremities and abdominal cavity.

endocrinopathy

Swelling of the legs below in the area of ​​​​the foot and lower leg with pathologies of the endocrine glands, hormonal and metabolic disorders. Common endocrinopathies are manifested by an increase in individual parts of the body and internal organs, muscle weakness and fatigue. A rare hormonal disease - Cushing's syndrome - is also accompanied by swelling of the lower extremities.

Diabetes contributes to the development of thrombosis and swelling of the soles of the feet, which is the cause of the death of leg tissues and requires surgical treatment. High level blood sugar is dangerous for capillaries and larger vessels. Blood pressure rises, atherosclerosis increases. Edema is also caused by diabetes-related kidney disease.

Renal pathology

There are several reasons why legs swell in the morning: glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, urinary tract infections. With these kidney diseases, metabolism is disturbed, the water-salt balance, hormonal levels, and blood pressure change.

Minor swellings of the feet appear as an early symptom, later they spread to the thigh. Lower back pain, hypertension are added. Permanent swelling in the legs occurs as a result of fluid accumulation in chronic renal failure.

Metabolic diseases such as gout can cause kidney pathology. Various factors eventually lead to nephrotic syndrome, which causes persistent swelling of the face and legs and requires long-term treatment.

Injuries

If your legs are swollen after sunbathing and sunburn, then the cause is chemical and physical irritation of the vascular walls. The defensive reaction is that more fluid from the veins is released into the surrounding tissues.

Tissues swell due to damage to the venous and / or lymphatic vessels during operations, injuries. The tumor increases with increased load on the lower limbs after sprains, dislocations, fractures. The appearance of thickening can be caused by severe pathologies that require surgical intervention.

Can the legs swell with a hernia of the spine and vertebrae? Symptoms depend on which department is affected. Pathologies of the lumbar spine affect the vessels of the lower extremities to the greatest extent.

allergic reactions

Impact chemical or another irritant - the reason that the legs, hands, lips or eyelids swelled sharply. An increase in the size of individual organs manifests acute angioedema (Quincke). The skin remains pale or reddens, itching occurs.

If a child has swollen feet, then the cause may be immediate-type allergic reactions to drugs, insect bites, food, pollen and plant sap. What causes spots and blisters on the legs, why does angioedema occur in adults? The most prone to such reactions are people with a hereditary predisposition to allergies.

The development of acute respiratory failure occurs more often with edema on the face, compared with swelling of the legs or arms. If the patient is not helped, then this condition can lead to death.

Varicose disease

Significantly more often the legs swell in the foot area with varicose veins in women. At first, the deterioration of the condition of the veins is almost not felt. By the evening heaviness and swelling of the ankles appear. Muscle pain increases with prolonged sitting or standing, walking. "Knots" protrude under the skin of the legs.

Varicose veins become a natural result of a decrease in the elasticity of the venous wall. At the same time, the valves inside the vessel are deformed. Usually these processes increase in middle and old age. At risk are patients with endocrine disorders, overweight.

There is a "zero" stage of varicose veins or phlebopathy. This is "varicose veins without varicose veins". Bluish veins are not visible, but heaviness and pain are already felt at the end of the day. An objective examination also does not reveal pathology in the vascular wall.

The cause of the progression of varicose veins, when edema appears, dense blue knots on the legs, is the process of tissue aging throughout life. Congenital predisposition to this disease is less common.

Gout

Chronic disease is caused by metabolic disorders. There is an increased breakdown of proteins against the background of a decrease in the ability of the kidneys to excrete uric acid. Crystals are deposited in the tissues, numbness of the legs is felt, swelling occurs.

Lymphedema

Do you get swollen fingers, back of the foot, ankle on one or both feet when you sit on a long ride? This is how disorders in the lymphatic system manifest themselves. In primary lymphedema, swelling in the legs is the result of excessive accumulation and difficulty in the outflow of lymph from the vessels. Without treatment, the tumor increases from the periphery to the center, the limb becomes shapeless.

Treatment Methods

If the legs swell for a long period of time, then the patient needs to visit a doctor and carefully follow the recommendations of a specialist. Varicose veins will require the use of some medications and procedures, allergies or gout - others. The doctor will explain how to remove swelling in the legs, how to avoid complications.

All directions are important: pathogenetic therapy, elimination of the most severe consequences and alleviation of the symptoms of the disease. Treatment of diseases in which the legs swell should always be based on getting rid of the causes.

The doctor conducts an initial examination, a thorough history taking. Blood tests, ultrasound are prescribed, less often - computer and magnetic resonance imaging. An allergy test will reveal possible reasons unusual reaction. Some signs indicate that limbs swell due to oncology. Then a tissue sample is taken.

Medications

Various medicinal substances for swelling of the legs in vascular diseases are contained in ointments, gels and solutions for application to the skin. In more serious cases, oral tablets are prescribed. If the lower limbs swell and hurt, then apply anti-inflammatory and analgesic ointments.

Complex therapy of varicose veins:

• compression products (knee socks, stockings);
• microcirculation correctors;
• angioprotectors;
• phlebotonics.

External remedies are most effective when the lower limbs are just beginning to swell in the early stages of the disease. Medicines normalize the tone of the veins, reduce their permeability and fragility. Thanks to the use of venotonic drugs (phlebotonics), heaviness in the feet, arching pains in the legs disappear.

You can quickly eliminate pain and minor swelling with the help of ointments and gels Lyoton 1000, Troxevasin, Trombless and others with a similar mechanism of action. The method of application is very simple - apply the product and rub into the skin over the affected veins.

What medicines and dietary supplements for oral administration should be taken if the limbs swell with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency:

• Phlebodia 600, Flebofa, Venarus, Detralex;
• Troxerutin, Troxevasin, Ginkor forte;
• Askorutin, Venoruton;
• Venoplant, Aescusan;
• Capillary.

The medicine for swelling of the legs is taken orally to reduce capillary permeability, improve venous circulation. The effect appears within 1-2 months.

The diuretic Veroshpiron helps with edema caused by heart failure, hypertension, cirrhosis of the liver, lack of magnesium and potassium. The active ingredient is spironolactone. When a doctor prescribes Veroshpiron for swelling of the legs, how to take the pills should be clarified immediately. Dosages for various diseases differ significantly.

Diuretics

Drugs in this group are prescribed only for medical reasons. Diuretics for swelling of the legs increase the excretion of fluid through the kidneys. Diuretics bind water and salts, improve drainage, and reduce swelling.

The short period of action of the drugs Lazex and Furosemide, they are prescribed in emergency situations. Prolonged diuretic effect of Hypothiazid. Verospiron and Aldactone are considered the least harmful to the body. Diuretics provide temporary relief and are used for a limited time.

Treatment at home

Ointments help if the feet and legs swell, and do not harmful influence to internal organs. Such funds are most often used at home. Swelling of the legs, which has arisen against the background of an injury or varicose veins, is treated with Troxevasin gel. Analogues: Troxerutin and Troxevenol.

Heparin products prevent congestion venous blood in blood vessels and thrombus formation. These are Dolobene and Heparin ointments, Lyoton cream for swelling of the legs.

How to treat swelling of the legs with inflammation of the vessels and rheumatism? You can apply ointments with ibuprofen, diclofenac, nimesulide (Ketoprofen, Diclak-gel). In the evening, a light massage is done to help improve the outflow of blood and lymph.

Antihistamine tablets and syrups, medicated liquids, a solution for intravenous administration help with swelling of the legs of allergic origin. Also, antiallergic treatment is prescribed in cases where the legs not only swell, but also peel and crack.

Decoctions and infusions of plants for oral administration:

• infusion of lingonberry leaves, bearberry;
• fruit drink from cranberries and lingonberries;
• carrot juice;
• green tea;

Honey is added to ready-made infusions, which binds excess liquid. Diuretic fees contain parsley, calendula, mountain ash. Folk remedies often powerless against the cause of the disease, so they supplement drug therapy.

Simple anti-puffiness exercises

The alpha and omega for maintaining health is reasonable physical activity. The simplest exercises for swelling in the legs: changing the position of the body and limbs, walking, walking during lunch breaks and in the evening.

Enhance the effect of treating swelling of the legs by rotating or moving up and down the fingers and feet, transferring the weight of the body from toe to heel and vice versa. Maintains blood vessels in good shape effective exercise- stretching the feet (can be performed sitting and lying down).

Prevention of swelling of the legs

You should always take precautions that will allow you to keep the elasticity of the vessels longer. In order not to develop swelling of the legs, it is necessary to avoid narrow shoes, tight clothing. Direct sunlight, overheating and hypothermia, alcohol can also cause limbs to swell.

If the legs swell, which doctor should I contact? Make an appointment with a therapist, phlebologist, dermatologist. Further consultations of other specialists may be required. It is better to entrust the choice of medicines and procedures to the doctor. Only a doctor will be able to determine the disease and prescribe adequate treatment.

If the swelling of the legs is not running, then the prognosis is good. Treatment is usually long, so persistence and patience are required. Those who have swollen legs should use ointments that improve the condition of the vessels. It is equally important to get rid of the cause against which edema develops. It is better if the treatment of the disease is complex, combining medications, exercises, water procedures and folk recipes.