When Is Leg Swelling Cause for Concern?
Author: StrideCare Internal Team
If your legs appear puffy or swollen, it’s natural to be concerned. Seeing a doctor is the best course of action as causes can range from nothing serious to a condition that requires treatment.
Here at our Stridecare offices in Arlington, Dallas, Mesquite, and McKinney, Texas, our highly skilled vascular and interventional radiologists provide innovative treatment for a wide range of issues, from vascular disease and vein care to women’s health and interventional oncology. They are also well-versed in diagnosing and treating issues like leg swelling.
Leg swelling
Two main culprits cause leg swelling: fluid buildup known as edema and inflammation. Edema occurs when fluid from tiny blood vessels gets trapped in the tissue. Inflammation can result from an injury, such as a ligament tear or bone fracture, or from arthritis or another inflammatory disease.
Symptoms of leg swelling
Swollen legs can be accompanied by one or more other symptoms, including pain in the legs, numbness, and shortness of breath. Itching, redness, a rash, and skin ulceration can also occur.
What causes leg swelling?
Legs can swell for a variety of reasons, from mild to serious.
DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a potentially life-threatening issue that occurs when a blood clot forms and risks breaking off and moving to the lungs. This could block the blood flow and cause a pulmonary embolism.
The clot often occurs in the pelvis, thigh, or lower leg, with symptoms that affect just one leg and can include swelling, red or warm skin, tenderness or pain, and enlarged veins visible through the skin. If you suspect you have DVT, get treatment immediately.
SUPERFICIAL THROMBOPHLEBITIS
Superficial thrombophlebitis causes blood clots near the surface of the skin. It can be painful and might need treatment, but these clots don’t typically break off and cause serious damage like DVT.
CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY
Chronic venous insufficiency happens when blood pools in the veins and causes swelling. This occurs when there is a malfunction of the veins’ valves and the blood is no longer forced to flow in the proper direction.
Symptoms can include skin that is discolored, irritated, dry, or cracked, or that has sores. Pain can also be present.
OTHER CAUSES
Swollen legs can also be a symptom of other ailments like lymphedema, congestive heart failure, liver disease, or kidney disease. Infections, injuries, and arthritis, as well as other diseases, can also cause swelling.
If you’re suffering from swollen legs, contact our nearest office to make an appointment for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan today.
Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
StrideCare serves the South Texas area including Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Brushy Creek, Cedar Park, Converse, Georgetown, Hutto, Kyle, Leander, Marble Falls, New Braunfels, Pasadena, Pearland, Pflugerville, San Marcos, Schertz, Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Webster, Bay City, Clear Lake, Lake Jackson, The Woodlands, Universal City, Spring, Kingwood, Stafford, Conroe, Texas City, Cypress, League City, Bellaire, and more.
