Leg swelling mainly occurs due to the accumulation of fluids or soft tissue inflammation. The fluid build-up, also known as edema, happens when blood vessels and tissues hold more liquid than they should. For example, long hours of standing and sitting may cause your legs to swell. There are multiple reasons why fluid may accumulate in your legs. These causes of New York leg pain & swelling can range from mild issues to severe problems. Below are some of the reasons for swollen legs.
Varicose veins
Varicose veins develop when blood accumulates in the veins instead of flowing to the heart. It mainly occurs when the valves are damaged or weak to prevent the backflow of blood. When blood pools in the veins, your legs may swell, and sometimes muscle cramps may be present. Most people with varicose veins seek treatment for cosmetic reasons, but symptoms such as pain and swelling can be bothersome for others. Home remedies such as exercise can help alleviate the symptoms, but sometimes medical procedures such as vein ablation may be necessary.
Deep vein thrombosis
People with medical conditions that affect blood clotting are more susceptible to this problem when blood clots form inside one or more deep veins in your body. However, it can also occur when you travel long distances or are on bed rest. Deep vein thrombosis may or may not cause any symptoms. When symptoms are present, you may experience swelling and pain in your legs. The affected skin may feel warm and become red or discolored. Deep vein thrombosis can be a severe problem because the blood clot can break loose and travel to your lungs, causing pulmonary embolism.
Congestive heart failure
When your heart muscles fail to pump blood as they should, fluid may accumulate in your lungs, resulting in shortness of breath. The problem can appear suddenly or can be ongoing. You may develop congestive heart failure due to high blood pressure and coronary artery disease that weakens the heart or makes it too stiff to pump blood. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, reducing sodium in your diet, and managing stress can help improve your quality of life. However, heart failure can be life-threatening, and people with severe symptoms may need a heart transplant.
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease causes waste to build up in your body. It occurs when your kidneys gradually lose their function to filter out wastes and excess fluid from your blood. Most people with this problem experience no signs and symptoms until the disease has advanced. Treatment aims to slow the progression of kidney damage which can cause end-stage kidney failure. Depending on the severity of the problem, patients may experience signs and symptoms such as muscle cramps, swollen feet, sleep problems, vomiting, loss of appetite, and high blood pressure.
Although these symptoms are usually nonspecific, it is necessary to visit your doctor to eliminate any other possible causes of these symptoms.
If you have swollen legs, book a session with your doctor at Elite Vein to establish the cause of your problem.
