Swollen legs can not only cause a lot of physical discomfort, but they can also be incredibly painful and bothersome. Therefore, many people with swollen leg problems seek advice on what they can do about it and why swollen legs occur.
Swollen Lower Leg and Foot
When a person suffers from swollen legs, it is usually the lower leg, ankle, and foot. Swollen lower legs and feet are a very common condition, often seen in pregnant or overweight women. The cause of the swelling is fluid retention, known as oedema. Overall, the swelling, that is, the accumulation of fluid, occurs due to an imbalance in the system that regulates fluid distribution in the body.
Discomfort with Swollen Legs
A condition with swollen legs, lower legs, or feet can develop over hours to days or, in the worst case, be more chronic. Swelling can occur in one or both legs, and the cause can vary greatly.
Swollen legs can cause a lot of discomfort, and swollen legs, ankles, and feet often feel sore and tight.
Causes of Swollen Legs
Swelling can occur in one leg or both legs. When swelling occurs in both legs, it can be due to:
- Sitting still for long periods
- Pregnancy
- Heat
- Overweight
- Side effect of medication
- Menstrual cycle
If only one leg or lower leg is swollen, it can be due to a disease or condition in the swollen leg.
- Skin inflammation
- Varicose veins
- Thrombophlebitis
- Blood clot in the leg
- Vascular changes after a blood clot
How Can Swollen Legs Be Treated?
If both legs are swollen and the swelling is not due to a disease, exercise and maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle can help. If you have a very sedentary job, it can also help to sit with your legs elevated, get up often, and change positions.
Swollen legs can feel very uncomfortable, so support stockings can help relieve the discomfort.
If the swelling in the leg is due to a disease, such as varicose veins, treatment of the underlying disease will be required to improve the condition of the swelling. In general, the treatment will depend on the cause of the swelling in the leg.
Swollen Legs and Varicose Veins
One of the causes of swollen legs and lower legs can be varicose veins. Varicose veins are thick and distinct veins, blood vessels, that bulge out on the skin. Varicose veins can be both physically bothersome and a cosmetic nuisance. Varicose veins very often occur on the calf but also on the feet and thighs. Varicose veins are completely harmless, but if left untreated, the condition can worsen and, in the worst case, lead to more serious conditions such as leg ulcers.
Below is a visual overview of the classification of varicose veins, which is divided into grades. It shows that a swollen leg is a sign of varicose veins with a grade of C3.
Treatment of Varicose Veins - Treatment of Swelling in the Leg
As mentioned above, the underlying cause of the swelling in the leg should be treated, and therefore, varicose vein treatment is required to get rid of swollen legs if the swelling is due to varicose veins. There are various gentle methods to remove varicose veins, with laser treatment being a commonly used method.
The new treatment methods for removing varicose veins in the legs have a short recovery time, only local anaesthesia is used, and one can usually resume their daily life immediately after the varicose vein treatment.
After varicose vein treatment, the diseased vein causing the varicose veins and swollen legs will be sealed and disappear after some time, and the varicose veins will vanish.
Summary - Swollen Legs
It is quite normal to have swollen legs, and the condition can occur in one leg or both legs. Swollen legs can be due to various reasons, and swollen legs, lower legs, and ankles can be caused by varicose veins, among other things. To treat swollen legs, the cause of the swelling must be addressed first. That is, to improve the condition of leg swelling caused by varicose veins, varicose vein treatment is required.
Quick Questions about Swollen Legs
Is it dangerous to have swollen legs?
Swollen legs are not necessarily dangerous in themselves but can be painful and affect mobility. However, it can be a sign that important functions are not working as they should, so it is a good idea to see a doctor if you experience swollen legs.
What should be done to reduce swelling?
Swollen legs occur partly because blood circulation is impaired. Therefore, the swelling can be minimised by ensuring good blood flow. If the swollen legs are due to varicose veins, varicose vein treatment will be required to eliminate the swelling.
What can cause swollen legs?
Swelling in the ankles, legs, and feet can be due to the venous system in the legs not functioning properly. Swollen legs can be a symptom of varicose veins, among other things.
