Have Your Legs Been Feeling Like They Belong On The Michelin Man, Lately?

Post Title: Have Your Legs Been Feeling Like They Belong On The Michelin Man, Lately?

Post Description: What symptoms to look for when your legs feel swollen? What are the causes for swollen legs? What remedies can you do at home and when should you visit the hospital? All your questions regarding swelling of the legs and ankles are answered in this blog.

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When your normally comfortable socks leave stretch marks on your legs and your lounge pants feel snug around your shins and calves, it may be due to swollen legs.

There can be several causes for foot, leg, and ankle swelling. Normally referred to as peripheral edema, the swelling is caused by the accumulation of fluids in those parts of the body. This buildup is usually not painful unless it follows an injury of some sort.

The lower extremities are the usual suspects for peripheral edema because gravity causes the fluid to migrate that way.

Older people are more prone to swelling of the feet and legs. It can be one leg or both, several parts of the body may be experiencing peripheral edema at the same time. It’s not always something to be concerned about but swelling can be an indication of a more serious health risk. This is why you need to know when to visit the doctor and what you can do to manage the swelling at home.

Some Causes of Leg, Knee, and Ankle Swelling:

Let’s start with some of the basics first

Obesity: One of the health risks that comes with being morbidly overweight is the fact that your knees and ankles are overworked and under a lot of pressure. Excess weight can also lead to poor blood circulation, which in turn leads to fluid retention.

Sedentary Lifestyle: If your job or lifestyle in general requires you to remain in one position for an extended period, for example standing and serving customers or sitting at a desk, your leg muscles are inactive and immobile. This results in poor blood circulation and fluid retention in the legs and ankles.

Medication: One of the side effects of certain medications is the retention of fluids. Steroids, hormone meds with estrogen or testosterone, certain antidepressants including Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors and Tricyclics, even some common everyday painkillers like Aspirin and Ibuprofen can lead to swollen legs and ankles.

If you suspect your meds to be the cause of your swollen legs or ankles, make sure to talk to your doctor as soon as you can. Do not stop taking your meds until you have spoken to your doctor and gotten the go-ahead from them.

Swelling Due to Changes in The Body:

Sometimes certain changes in the body due to age, hormones, or other factors can also cause swollen legs and feet.

Natural Hormonal Fluctuations: Fluctuations in the levels of Estrogen or Progesterone can decrease the efficacy of circulation which leads to the retention of fluids. These hormonal changes can be caused by pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, or menopause.

Blood Clot: A blood clot is a lump of congealed blood. Even small ones can lead to blocked veins and arteries. When the blood does not have a clear passage, it will pool and collect near the blockage, creating swelling and pain.

Injury or Infection: If there is an injury or infection in a certain part of the body, white blood cells and platelets are needed pronto, to stem the flow of blood and to fight the infection. This can manifest as redness and swelling in the surrounding area.

Venous Insufficiency: If the veins are unable to pump and transport blood with the strength needed, it can lead the blood to pool around the legs and ankles. The two main causes of Venous insufficiency are blood clots and varicose veins.

Pericarditis: An inflammation of the pericardium for an extended period of time can lead to shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, and chronic swelling of the legs and ankles.

Lymphedema: This is an infection or obstruction in the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are strategically placed throughout the body, their main job is to drain impurities. They are part of the body’s immune system and help stave off infections, like a filter. Sometimes these infections can cause the lymph nodes to become obstructed, which can lead to pain and swelling in the area.

Preeclampsia: This condition only occurs during pregnancy. Preeclampsia causes the blood pressure to shoot up, and this high blood pressure in turn leads to poor blood circulation, and flushing and swelling of the face, hands and legs.

Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis is the severe scarring of the liver. The usual cause can either be alcohol abuse or liver infections like Hep B or C. They result in high blood pressure and swelling in the extremities.

How To Treat Swelling At Home:

Here are some remedies you can try at home if the condition is not serious enough to warrant a visit to the doctor:

• In order to get the blood to circulate better, your legs need to be higher than your heart. So, when you’re lying down, place a few pillows under your legs to ensure the fluid gravitates away from the legs and towards the heart.
• Try to gradually increase your physical activity. The more you move your muscles, the better your circulation will be. Try to incorporate a little light yoga or a short stroll around the block.
• If your diet is sodium-rich, it can lead to the retention of fluids. Reduce how much salt you eat. Try to cook at home, using as little salt as you can. Cut out all junk food.
• Make sure you wear loose, comfortable underwear, and pants that are loose and airy. Avoid garters and tight socks.
• Losing weight will also help ease the pressure on your ankles and legs. Start with a clean diet and light exercise. You can gradually increase the intensity as you get used to it. Consistency is more important than anything else.
• Use support stockings or compression socks.
• If you have a job that requires you to sit for long periods of time, get up and walk around, stretch, and do some leg exercises every hour, to keep the blood flowing. Short breaks will also help increase your overall productivity.

When Should You See A Doctor:

Usually swelling of the legs should not cause any alarm bells, but sometimes it can be an indication of a serious underlying issue, that can be a major health risk. There are certain signs to look out for which warrant a visit to the doctor:

Schedule a doctor’s appointment:

• If you suffer from a heart or kidney disease and have swollen legs
• If you suffer from a liver disease and have swollen legs
• The swelling has taken on a red hue and is also warm to the touch
• You are feeling feverish, burning up, or feeling very chilly.
• You are pregnant and the swelling is sudden and severe.
• The prescribed home remedies haven't done the job
• If your swelling appears to be worsening