It is normal to feel puffiness in your feet or legs after being on your feet all day. The same is true whether you have been sitting for hours in a car or on an aircraft. Edema, or swelling, happens when fluid accumulates in the feet and legs. It is more frequent in obese or pregnant persons, although it can happen to anybody. You are urged to limit your salt intake to minimize swelling. Also, get up periodically while driving to stretch and move. Furthermore, go for a stroll, perform some ankle rolls, or elevate your feet on pillows if you have a slight Port Saint Lucie leg swelling and wish to de-puff.
Prevalent causes of swollen legs
Swelling in the legs can occur for various reasons, including those listed below.
1. Heart failure
One of the most prevalent reasons for swelling legs is heart failure. If the heart cannot adequately pump blood throughout the body, blood can accumulate, creating swelling known as edema. Swelling in your lower legs, feet, and ankles is frequent in persons with heart failure.
2. Kidney disease
The kidney’s primary function is to address the quantity of water in the body and maintain the proper amounts of salt and other minerals in the blood. Diseases can severely harm the kidneys, preventing them from filtering the blood and excreting fluid and other waste through the urine. This might result in waste accumulation in the lower legs and ankles. Other early indications and symptoms of kidney disease include:
- Swollen hands or feet.
- Persistent puffiness around the eyes.
- More frequent urination, notably at night.
- High blood pressure.
- Blood or protein in the urine.
3. Infection
Swelling in the ankles, feet, or lower legs might lead to an infection. Cellulitis is a skin illness that often affects the lower extremities. Diabetes individuals are more likely to acquire foot infections. It is critical to evaluate the feet frequently for bruises, cuts, and scratches. A person with diabetes with an unaddressed condition in a foot or leg may get gangrene (this is the death of tissues due to a severe illness or a lack of blood supply).
4. Liver disease
Albumin is a protein the liver produces that stops fluid from leaking out of blood vessels and into surrounding tissues. Albumin secretion is reduced in a damaged liver. Fluid might pool in the legs, ankles, and feet. Most persons with liver damage have no indicators until they develop severe liver damage or cirrhosis.
When to seek therapy for leg swelling
Infections, traumas, and illnesses such as arthritis can all cause swelling in the legs. If the puffiness is not too severe and goes away within a day or two, it is generally nothing to worry about. However, if it occurs more frequently, lasts longer, affects only one leg, or coexists with other symptoms, it is best to consult a doctor.
Swelling in the legs and ankles is natural in certain circumstances, but if it is abrupt, unexplained, or accompanied by other symptoms, seek medical attention. Some health problems that cause this swelling might be fatal if not treated. Swelling in the legs cannot always be avoided. However, frequent exercise, a balanced diet, and protecting the legs from injury can all assist.
Swollen legs are frequently indicative of a more significant issue. If you experience leg swelling, consult your primary care physician to determine the cause. Call TLC Medical Group Inc to schedule your consultation today to find out which leg swelling procedure is ideal for you.
