Perhaps that every person had to deal with edema. But the reasons for the accumulation of fluid in the tissues can be very different. Therefore, swollen legs can be a symptom of a sufficiently large number of problems, both minor and quite serious. And therefore, this phenomenon is worth considering in all details and with close attention.
So, why do edema occur, what is the mechanism of their manifestation? Are they dangerous and should I see a doctor? Medicine has long answered the above, and many other questions.
The simplest causes of leg swelling
Sometimes swelling on the legs occurs for simple and at first glance understandable reasons. So, they can prove themselves when wearing socks with a tight elastic band, too narrow trousers. In such cases, the tissue pulls the body and interferes with the normal circulation of the fluid, which causes swelling. Of course, such things should be discarded.
Also, swelling can occur when walking in heels or in uncomfortable shoes, with great physical exertion on the feet and legs in general - the last rarity, but it also happens. If the fingers are in a twisted position, or the relief of the sole disrupts the natural position of the foot, problems with fluid circulation and swelling also occur. The same thing happens if a person spent a lot of time in an uncomfortable position.
With too much weight, the load on the feet is accompanied by metabolic disorders, which provokes swelling. In addition, edema can occur with injuries - fractures, severe bruises. In this case, the symptom is accompanied by severe pain.Of course, that a visit to a doctor in such a situation should be urgent.
If a person drank too much water or other drinks on the eve, the body may not be able to cope with the elimination of fluid, which also causes swelling - not only of the legs, but also of the face, soft tissues. Swelling occurs during fasting, including with strict diets. Edema in such situations demonstrates a metabolic disorder - the diet needs to be reviewed, perhaps - abandoned.
Swelling of the legs in women
A tendency to swelling of the legs is observed in pregnant women. Symptom can be observed both in the first stages, with toxicosis, and in the last stages. This is due to hormonal changes. There may also be impaired renal function, other problems - because pregnancy imposes an additional burden on the body, and organs can not cope. Therefore it is always necessary inform obstetrician about the appearance of this symptom and follow its recommendations.
Some women find swelling on their legs during menstruation - hormonal changes are also to blame. If the problem is noted systematically, creates discomfort or is accompanied by additional symptoms, it is also worth see a doctor.
When does swelling of the legs talk about serious disorders?
Swelling of the legs is not as harmless as it might seem at first glance. After all, sometimes they talk about serious pathologies. For example, limbs can swell with heart failure. At the same time, the legs may also grow numb, cool.This disease is extremely dangerous, if you suspect it, you must urgently begin treatment, going to the hospital.
If swelling appears in the morning, grows rapidly, accompanied by thirst and pain in the lower back - we are talking about kidney problems. After all, it is the kidneys that are responsible for removing excess fluid from the body. Their illness or failure is very serious, and therefore suspicions of a malfunction of these organs should be checked by a doctor.
The liver can also provoke the appearance of swelling of the legs, if it comes to cirrhosis or neoplasms. The body can stop the production of albumin, which creates metabolic problems and causes blood stasis. Edema in this case will be dense, the skin will acquire a yellowish tint, breathing difficulties may occur.
Rheumatic heart disease, rheumatism can also cause this symptom. This is an inflammation of the joints, the heart, which can be expressed by swelling of the legs, which are always symmetrical and do not cause pain.
Edema appears gradually during the day, at night they usually resolve. In addition, there is discomfort in the heart. This condition requires compulsory medical care. You need to be attentive to yourself, since this dangerous disease begins almost asymptomatically, and many people confuse it for a long time with usual fatigue.
With venous insufficiency, edema is always accompanied by pain, at least insignificant. The skin literally burns, turns red. Swelling also occurs with varicose veins, which are noted even with the naked eye when examining the limbs - the veins bulge out strongly, the skin may turn brown, in severe cases, ulcers occur. You can not run such diseases, they are very dangerous and insidious.But timely medical care in the early stages allows you to recover.
There are other dangerous diseases that cause swelling. These are all sorts of thyroid problems, gout, lymph drainage problems, allergic reactions. In any case, if the swelling does not go away quickly, occur frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms, it’s worth see a doctor.
Thus, the legs swell due to fatigue or wearing uncomfortable shoes, and for very serious reasons. This symptom can talk about significant disorders and dangerous diseases, therefore it should not be ignored.
