This type may be called 'dependent oedema' by a healthcare professional. For most people, this oedema affects their legs and tends to improve overnight after you have had your legs up. See the separate leaflet called Oedema Swelling. If both legs are swollen to the same level, this is likely to be oedema. Causes of oedema affecting both legs symmetrically include:.
Having 'swollen legs' is a symptom itself, but legs can be swollen in different ways. The clue to the cause and therefore the treatment may well be in the type of swelling. The swelling can be:. Give yourself a check-up with a general blood profile, now available in Patient Access.
In addition to the leg or legs being swollen, there may be other associated symptoms. Again, these help give a clue to the cause of the leg swelling. For example:. If you don't know why you have swollen legs, or you know the reason but it isn't settling then see your doctor.
There are so very many causes for swollen legs that it is important to make sure it isn't due to something which needs treatment. If your legs swell up a little in the hot weather but go down again overnight, you don't need to see a doctor. Or if both ankles are a little puffy after a long flight but there is no pain or redness of the calf, and the puffiness settles quickly then you do not need to see a doctor.
Minor swellings from bites or trivial injuries don't usually need medical attention. In most other situations, it is wise to consult a health professional.
If you have swollen legs and are pregnant, make sure you keep your regular appointment with your midwife. Your midwife will regularly check your blood pressure, and check your wee urine for protein to make sure your swollen ankles are not a sign of anything serious. In some situations, the cause of swollen legs can be serious, and you should see a doctor as an emergency.
Your doctor will want more information about the swelling in your leg s. For example, when it started, if it hurts and whether it comes and goes or stays much the same. They will also want to know if you have been on any recent long journeys or had any times when you were not very mobile recently, and if you are on any medicines.
The doctor will examine your legs and then may go on to examine other areas. This will depend on the information the doctor has obtained by listening to you and examining you. In some cases, no further tests will be needed. In others, tests will be advised. These might include:. Treatment will be different depending on the cause. If the cause is fluid in the legs oedema , this can often be relieved in the short term by taking tablets called 'water tablets' diuretics.
Diuretics increase the amount of fluid that the kidney filters off to be passed in your wee urine. We all have a small amount of fluid lymph in our body tissues. This fluid leaves our blood system to provide water and nourishment to the tissues. Most of this fluid is collected by a system of drainage tubes, similar to blood vessels, called the lymphatic system. Lymphoedema is swelling which is due to a build up of lymph in the limbs if the fluid is not draining out properly.
To start with, the swelling is often noticeable at the end of the day and goes down at night. However, unless the swelling is treated properly, the fluid becomes fixed in the leg permanently. What causes lymphoedema? The most common cause for lymphoedema is that you were born without enough lymphatics. If there are very few lymphatics then the swelling may start as a teenager or even earlier. This type of lymphoedema is called Milroy's Disease.
One leg is often worse than the other and sometimes only one leg is affected. In less severe cases the lymphatics may be able to cope initially and only start to fail when you are older. This kind is sometimes called Lymphoedema Tarda.
Are there any other causes? Lymphoedema can also be caused if the lymphatics of the arm and leg are damaged by surgery or radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer. Sometimes this is unavoidable if the cancer is to be cured. What are the effects of lymphoedema? Apart from the uncomfortable and unsightly swelling, lymphoedema can cause problems, especially if it is not kept under control.
There is an increased risk of infection under the skin cellulitis and repeated attacks of cellulitis lead to more lymphatic damage. This vicious circle may eventually lead to severe infections, ulcers and even amputation in extreme cases. What is the treatment? Lymphoedema cannot be cured but it can usually be controlled so that complications do not occur later. The mainstays of treatment are compression bandages or stockings, elevation of the limb and external pneumatic compression.
Elevation of the limb Whenever the leg is elevated, fluid will tend to drain out of it. Put your legs up whenever you can and as high as you are able - the arm of a sofa is good. Elevate the end of your bed 6 inches or so in order that your feet are a little higher than your head.
If you've been sitting for a prolonged period, such as on a long flight, and you develop leg pain and swelling that won't go away, call your doctor. Persistent leg pain and swelling can indicate a blood clot deep in your vein deep vein thrombosis, or DVT.
Edema occurs when tiny blood vessels in your body capillaries leak fluid. The fluid builds up in surrounding tissues, leading to swelling.
In some cases, however, edema may be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition. Several diseases and conditions may cause edema, including:. If you are pregnant, your body retains more sodium and water than usual due to the fluid needed by the fetus and placenta. This can increase your risk of developing edema. A chronic illness — such as congestive heart failure or liver or kidney disease — can increase your risk of edema.
Also, surgery can sometimes obstruct a lymph node, leading to swelling in an arm or leg, usually on just one side. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.
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