Which disease causes excess swelling of the legs?

Author: Kraig Wisozk  |  Last update: Saturday, August 2, 2025

Edema can affect any part of the body. But it's more likely to show up in the legs and feet. Medicines and pregnancy can cause edema. It also can be the result of a disease, such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, venous insufficiency or cirrhosis of the liver.

Which disease do swollen legs indicate?

Leg swelling caused by fluid buildup in leg tissues is known as peripheral edema. It can be caused by a problem with how blood travels through the body. It also can be caused by a problem with the lymphatic system or the kidneys.

What organ causes leg swelling?

The causes of leg swelling include health problems affecting organs such as the heart, kidneys, thyroid and liver.

What deficiency causes swollen legs?

Albumin is a protein that helps stop the blood leaking from blood vessels. A lack of albumin means that the blood may leak, causing fluid to pool in the legs and feet, which can result in swelling.

What is the disease that makes your legs big?

In lipoedema, the thighs, buttocks, lower legs and sometimes the arms, become bigger due to a build-up of abnormal fat cells. Both legs and/ or the arms are usually bigger at the same time and to the same extent. The feet and hands aren't affected.

Causes of Leg Swelling, Ankle Edema, and Swollen Feet

What organ failure causes swollen legs?

Swelling in any part of your body isn't normal and is typically a sign of something else. Kidney problems can lead to swelling in your arms and legs because of excess fluids building up in your body. Swelling in your arms and legs is often known as edema and can be severe.

What condition causes huge legs?

Lipoedema is an abnormal build-up of fat in your legs and sometimes arms. It can be painful and affect daily life, but there are things you can do that may help.

What are red flags of leg swelling?

When to Seek Care for Swelling. You should seek emergency care if you have sudden, unexplained swelling in just one limb or if it occurs along with chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, fever, or skin that is red and warm to the touch.

What drink is good for swollen legs?

“Usually, individuals who suffer from heaviness and leg swelling make the mistake of not drinking enough water – says Dr. Marco Setti, Head of Vascular Surgery at Humanitas Gavazzeni. Instead, it is necessary to introduce fluids into the body by eating lots of vegetables and fruits as well as drinking natural water.

Can autoimmune disease cause swelling in legs?

Lupus nephritis is a serious problem. Its symptoms, though, are not always dramatic. For many, the first noticeable symptom is swelling of the legs, ankles and feet. Less often, there can be swelling in the face or hands.

How do I get my legs to stop swelling?

Talk to your health care provider about which of these might help you.
  1. Use pressure. If edema affects an arm or leg, wearing compression stockings, sleeves or gloves might help. ...
  2. Move. ...
  3. Raise. ...
  4. Massage. ...
  5. Protect. ...
  6. Reduce salt.

What cancers cause leg swelling?

Peripheral edema may be a sign or symptom of some types of cancer. For instance, cancers located near the pelvic veins, such as kidney cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer are most likely to cause edema in your leg or foot.

Which disease causes swelling?

This swelling, called edema, is the result of too much fluid in the tissues. Congestive heart failure or the vein not working well, also known as venous insufficiency, is often the cause. Symptoms of edema include: Swelling or puffiness of the tissue right under the skin, especially in legs or arms.

Can leg swelling be serious?

Leg swelling also may be the result of inflammation in damaged tissues or joints. Leg swelling is often caused by common things that are easy to identify and are not serious. Injury and standing or sitting for a long time. Sometimes leg swelling indicates a more serious problem, such as heart disease or a blood clot.

What vitamin gets rid of edema?

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is thought to help in cases of mild fluid retention. Good sources of vitamin B6 include brown rice and red meat. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), calcium and vitamin D help the body to excrete excess fluids. Include fresh fruits and low-fat dairy foods in your daily diet.

What foods reduce leg swelling?

What Foods Help Reduce Edema?
  • Whole grains.
  • Spinach.
  • Kale.
  • Sea vegetables.
  • Lean protein such as fish.
  • Olive oil.
  • Asparagus.
  • Parsley.

What makes swelling go down fast?

Use cold therapy several times a day for 15–20 minutes at a time to keep swelling down, especially in the first several days after an injury. If you want to combine two anti-swelling tips, combine the cold with compression (see below).

What are the three main causes of edema?

Here are some examples:
  • Venous insufficiency can cause edema in the feet, lower legs and ankles. ...
  • Heart failure (cardiac insufficiency) can cause edema in the arms and legs (peripheral edema) as well as in the abdomen (ascites). ...
  • Kidney disease can cause edema in the legs and around the eyes.

How do you know if leg swelling is heart related?

Some people may feel fine when they get up in the morning. But by the end of the day, their lower legs, ankles and feet become swollen. If the swelling is in only one leg, that may suggest a blood clot or infection. When it's related to heart failure, the swelling generally occurs in both legs.

What not to eat if you have swollen feet?

To reduce swelling all over your body, podiatrist, Dr. Paul Ross near Rockville, MD recommends that you avoid fast food, potato chips and packaged sweets. Watch out for sneaky sources of sodium like condiments, sauces and canned food. Fruits and veggies are a staple of a bloat-free diet.

What organ causes swollen ankles?

Heart, liver, or kidney disease. Sometimes swelling can indicate a problem such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. Ankles that swell in the evening could be a sign of retaining salt and water because of right-sided heart failure. Kidney disease can also cause foot and ankle swelling.

Why are my legs suddenly getting bigger?

Fluid buildup (edema): It happens when the tissues or blood vessels in your legs hold more fluid than they should. This can happen if you simply spend a long day on your feet or sit for too long. But it may also be a sign that you're overweight or don't get enough exercise, or of more serious medical conditions.

What does stage 4 lymphedema look like?

Stage 4: Elephantiasis (large deformed limb), skin thickening with “wart-like” growth and extensive scarring.

What is Stage 1 lipedema legs?

Symptoms of stage 1 lipedema

A disproportionate increase in fatty tissue on the legs, buttocks and/or arms that is resistant to exercise and diet. The affected areas often still feel soft, but rice grain-like nodules may already be noticeable in the tissue.

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