A person may experience swelling in their legs and ankles for a range of reasons, including those below. Show Heart failureHeart failure is one of the most common causes of swollen legs and ankles. If the heart is unable to pump blood around the body effectively, blood can build up, causing swelling known as edema. For people with heart failure, is common for edema to occur in the lower legs, ankles, and feet. TreatmentHeart failure has no cure, but self-care strategies and ongoing treatments can help manage the condition. Treatment options include:
Many people living with heart failure require ongoing support from a cardiologist. Learn more about heart failure and swollen feet here. Liver diseaseThe liver produces albumin, a protein that prevents fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and into surrounding tissues. A diseased liver does not produce enough albumin. As a result, fluid can pool in the legs, ankles, and feet. Most people with liver disease have no symptoms until severe liver damage or cirrhosis develops. TreatmentThe only cure for chronic cirrhosis is a liver transplant. But with other approaches, doctors aim to manage the disease, relieve any symptoms, and prevent complications. If swollen legs result from cirrhosis, a doctor may prescribe diuretics, such as spironolactone (Aldactone) or furosemide (Lasix). They may also recommend a low-sodium diet, which can help alleviate fluid retention. Kidney diseaseThe kidney’s main role is to regulate the amount of water in the body and balance levels of salt and other minerals in the blood. Diseases can severely damage the kidneys, keeping them from filtering the blood effectively and excreting fluid and other waste through the urine. This can lead to a buildup of waste in the lower legs and ankles. Some other early signs and symptoms of kidney disease include:
TreatmentThe treatment for kidney disease depends on its cause. The damage may result from a medical condition, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Doctors prescribe medications to manage these conditions and slow the rate of kidney disease. In some cases, chronic kidney disease progresses to kidney failure. At this stage, a person needs dialysis or a kidney transplant. Injury to the foot or ankleAn injury to the foot or ankle could cause swelling in the ankle and lower leg. One of the most common injuries in this area is a sprained ankle. This can result from a simple misstep when walking, playing sports, or working out. It happens when the ligaments that connect the ankle to the foot and leg are pulled out of alignment. A sprained ankle can cause pain and limited mobility. TreatmentThe most common approach to foot or ankle injuries is the RICE method. RICE stands for:
InfectionAn infection in the feet, ankles, or lower legs can cause swelling in the area. Cellulitis is one type of skin infection that commonly affects the lower limbs. People with diabetes have an increased risk of infection in their feet. It is important to inspect the feet regularly for bruising, cuts, and scrapes. A person with diabetes and an untreated infection in a foot or leg may develop gangrene. Gangrene involves tissues dying as a result of severe infection or reduced blood supply. TreatmentThe treatment for a foot, ankle, or leg infection depends on its type and severity. If the infection is bacterial, a doctor tends to prescribe antibiotics. If the infection has resulted in gangrene, surgery to remove the damaged area may be necessary. LymphedemaLymphedema involves excess fluid accumulating in tissues, causing swelling. It occurs when lymph nodes are damaged or have been removed. The lymph nodes are glands that are part of the immune system, and they help remove fluid. If lymph nodes in the pelvis are damaged or absent, it can cause fluid to build up in the legs. A person with lymphedema may have a feeling of heaviness or swelling in their legs or other affected areas. TreatmentTreatment options for lymphedema include:
Venous insufficiencyThe veins in the legs contain valves that prevent blood from flowing backward. Venous insufficiency involves these valves not functioning effectively. As a result, the veins no longer transport enough blood to the heart. When a person has venous insufficiency, blood becomes trapped in the soft tissues of the lower legs and ankles. A person may also have:
TreatmentThe treatment for venous insufficiency aims to restore healthy blood flow. This may involve:
A doctor may also recommend medications, and the type depends on the severity of the venous insufficiency and the person’s overall health. Blood clotA blood clot in a leg can cause the ankle and leg to swell. This may only happen on one side of the limb. There are two main types of blood clot. Superficial blood clots occur in a vein closer to the surface of the skin. Deep vein thromboses (DVTs) occur in a vein deeper within the body. A person needs immediate medical attention if they have any of these symptoms of a blood clot:
Sometimes, a piece of the clot breaks loose and travels to the heart, lungs, or brain. This can be life threatening without treatment. The risk of a blood clot is highest for people who:
TreatmentOral anticoagulants are the primary treatment for blood clots. These medications help prevent clots from getting bigger and help prevent new clots from forming. Warfarin is the most common oral anticoagulant. Other oral medications include:
However, the high cost of these medications can limit access to them. Medication side effectsSome medications can cause a person’s ankles or legs to swell. Examples of these include:
TreatmentContact a doctor about any side effects of medication. They may lower the dosage or recommend a different drug. Always receive the approval of a doctor before stopping a treatment. It is common for some foot and ankle swelling to occur during pregnancy, and this can be worse for people who spend a lot of time on their feet. But sudden or severe swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet can be a sign of preeclampsia — a sudden rise in blood pressure that can be dangerous for the pregnant person and their fetus. Other signs and symptoms of preeclampsia include:
It is crucial to let a healthcare professional know about these and any other unusual symptoms during pregnancy. Preeclampsia subsides after delivery. Older adults are more likely to have chronic venous insufficiency and chronic kidney disease. Both often lead to swelling in the lower extremities. Also, from the age of 40 onward, a person has an increased risk of developing DVT. In addition, because some older adults have reduced mobility, they may be more susceptible to dependent edema. This is swelling in the lower limbs due to the pull of gravity, an it is more common in people with lower activity levels. Contact a healthcare professional if any of these symptoms develop in one or both legs or ankles:
A doctor can help diagnose the underlying issue, which usually helps relieve the swelling. In some cases, self-care strategies can help prevent or relieve swelling in the legs and ankles. These include:
Swelling in the legs and ankles can be normal in some cases, but if it is sudden, unexplained, or accompanied by additional symptoms, contact a healthcare professional. Some health issues that result in this swelling can be life-threatening without treatment. It is not always possible to prevent swelling in the legs and ankles. However, exercising regularly, having a healthy diet, and protecting the legs from injuries can help. Why would my leg swell from the knee down?Common causes of sudden leg swelling
A blood clot blocking blood flow in a large leg vein — also called a DVT, or deep vein thrombosis. An injury such as a broken leg or a pulled leg muscle. An infection in the skin, joint, or other tissue of the leg. Joint inflammation in a joint of the leg, like the knee.
What helps with swollen legs in elderly?Lifestyle and home remedies. Movement. Moving and using the muscles in the part of your body affected by edema, especially your legs, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart. ... . Elevation. ... . Massage. ... . Compression. ... . Protection. ... . Reduce salt intake.. When should I be concerned about lower leg swelling?Seek medical care right away if your legs swell for no apparent reason, especially if you have unexplained leg pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain or other warning signs of a blood clot in your lungs or a heart condition. Many factors — varying greatly in severity — can cause leg swelling.
What medical conditions make your legs swell?Several diseases and conditions may cause edema, including:. Congestive heart failure. ... . Cirrhosis. ... . Kidney disease. ... . Kidney damage. ... . Weakness or damage to veins in your legs. ... . Inadequate lymphatic system. ... . Severe, long-term protein deficiency.. |