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.
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.
The causes of leg swelling include health problems affecting organs such as the heart, kidneys, thyroid and liver.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stage 4: Elephantiasis (large deformed limb), skin thickening with “wart-like” growth and extensive scarring.
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.