Leg Swelling
Serving the Greater Los Angeles County Area including La Verne, Claremont, Glendora, San Dimas, CA
At least a third of all adults experience swelling in their legs – also known as edema – at some point in their lives. It can involve one or both legs, affecting the calves, feet, and/or ankles. Visually, it can be concerning or even deemed embarrassing. Swollen legs may also bring about physical pain, discomfort, and stiffness.
While it’s not a common occurrence, leg swellingdoes and can happen for various reasons.Reading more about edema can help you understand why it might occur, when to get help, and what can be done to bring down the inflammation.
Leg Swelling
- What Causes Leg Swelling?
Leg swelling can be caused by a wide range of circumstances or underlying conditions. Some causes are merely lifestyle factors while other reasons may require professional diagnosis and treatment.
Some common reasons for leg swelling include:
- Prolonged sitting or standing
- High sodium intake
- Certain medications
- Minor injury
- Hormone fluctuations
- Pregnancy
More serious causes of swollen legs can include:
- Kidney or liver issues
- Heart failure
- Lymphedema
- Pulmonary embolism
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Cellulitis
- Is Leg Swelling Dangerous?
Swollen legs don’t automatically point to danger.Whether it signifies something dangerous comes down to the reason behind the swelling.
Leg swelling which comes on suddenly or is accompanied by discolored skin, swelling in only one leg, shortness of breath, or deep aching pain and warmth can be warning signs of something serious. In this case, a trip to the hospital will help you identify what’s really going on.
- Why Would Only One Leg Swell?
While swelling is typically present in both legs simultaneously, swelling in just one leg can have more specific causes.
Singleleg swelling may be the result of injury or trauma, an insect bite, cellulitis, an allergic reaction, chronic venous insufficiency, localized lymphedema, a muscle tear, or hematoma.
- When Does Leg Swelling Necessitate a Doctor Visit?
Swelling in the legs which doesn’t improve with time and rest can also mean it’s time to get checked by a medical professional.
Additionally, pay a visit with the doctor if you have other concerning symptoms like a fever, difficulty breathing, severe pain, weakness or tingling in the affected leg(s), or rapid or recurring swelling.
Single leg swelling, or unilateral swelling, also often necessitates medical attention as it’s often viewed as more concerning than swelling in both legs. Swelling in both legs without other concerning symptoms is not as urgent.
- What Can I Do for Non-Critical Leg Swelling?
For general leg swelling not necessitating a trip to the hospital, there are multiple things you can do to alleviate symptoms.
Elevating your legs, staying active, reducing your salt intake, drinking enough water, using a cold or warm compress, and wearing compression socks may help bring down leg swelling.
You can also utilize wellness services from Recovery Lab of La Verne for swelling and pain relief. From compression therapy to inflammation-reducing cryotherapy, we have a selection of services to help ease leg swelling.
Eager to give one of our wellness services a try? Contact us today to set up an appointment.
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