Foot, Leg And Ankle Swelling- Causes, Risk and Treatment

 



Foot, leg and ankle swelling, also known as peripheral edema, is a situation where an accumulation of the fluid in these parts of the body takes place. This building up of fluid is not painful until and unless it occurs due to an injury. Due to gravity the swelling is more common in the lower parts of the body. Peripheral edema is more common in adults where the swelling can occur either on both sides or one side of the body. Though these injuries have no significant health risk but the swelling may at times indicate an immediate medical help.


Symptoms Of Swelling

The symptoms that are commonly observed are-

  • Pain, pressure or a feeling of tightness in the chest area.
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Feeling light headed or Fainting sensations
  • Trouble in breathing.


Causes of Foot, Leg and Ankle Swelling

In most of the cases, the swelling occurs due to lifestyle factors which may be discussed as below.

  • Overweight - In case of excess mass of the body the blood circulation is decreased thus causing the fluid to be built up in the feet, legs and ankles.
  • Standing or Sitting for long duration- In case of inactive muscles, the blood circulation cannot be pumped back to the heart. Thus, this retention of blood and water can lead to swelling in the legs.
  • It can also occur by taking medications like steroids, estrogen, testosterone, antidepressants like tricyclic, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and NSAID's too. These medications can lead to water loss in the body and thus cause swelling in the lower parts of the body.
  • Due to the hormonal changes in women and during pregnancy or menstrual cycles the levels of estrogen and progesterone keep on fluctuating. This results to swelling in the legs.
  • When a blood clot forms in the veins of the leg, it leads to swelling and discomfort. a blood clot is usually a clump of blood in a solid state.
  • A sudden injury or infection can affect the foot increasing the blood flow to that area and create swelling.
  • Venous inefficiency is a situation when the veins are not able to pump blood properly thus causing the blood to pool in the legs.
  • Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, situated near the heart. In this situation, breathing difficulties and severe swelling takes place. 
  • Lymphedema is a disease where the blockage is seen in the lymphatic system. This system is made up of lymph nodes and blood vessels that carry the blood throughout the body. A blockage in this system causes tissue to be swollen.
  • Preeclampsia causes high blood pressure during preganancy which leads to poor circulation and swelling in body parts like face, hands and legs.
  • Cirrhosis refers to immense scarring of the liver, which is caused by alcohol abuse. Thus it causes poor circulation and swelling in the lower parts of the body.

When To See A Doctor?

In case if the following symptoms are observed then an urgent call to the doctor should be made for proper medical treatment.

  • Amidst heart or kidney disease and swelling is there.
  • Suffering from liver disease and swelling is there in the legs.
  • The areas where swelling is there are red and it feels warm when it is touched.
  • The body temperature is higher, fever is there.
  • In times of pregnancy sudden or severe swelling comes up.
  • Swelling is getting worse with time.

Diagnosis

The doctor shall initially perform a physical examination and ask the place of swelling, how many times does the pain turn worse, how did it happen and other such questions. If the doctor suspects that the injury is severe, then the following tests shall be done-

  • Blood tests which includes blood count, kidney and liver function studies.
  • X Ray to see the bones and tissues
  • Ultrasound to check on the organs, blood vessels and tissues.
  • Electrocardiogram to keep a count on heart functions.

Treatment

If the doctor is of the opinion that the swelling is due to an injury or other such factor then medications can lower the pain and swelling within 1-2 weeks.

  • Diuretics
  • Advil
  • Aleve

These medicines can be ordered online from the best online medical store in India. 

Some preventive measures like exercising regularly, avoid standing for long hours and regulating salt intake should also be practiced.







Outlook 

Swelling is a stage where doctor shall always be looked upon. Early medications can lead to better results and a quality life style. Thus, it is of utmost importance to take proper care of health and body to avoid any major problems.





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