Swelling in the leg can be caused by many things, including but not limited to injury, infection, and venous insufficiency. In Port Saint Lucie, FL, people struggling with edema can seek help from cardiovascular specialists. While there are a variety of potential causes for leg swelling, one of the most common is edema, which is an accumulation of fluid in the tissues. This can be caused by several things, such as heart failure, kidney disease, or cirrhosis of the liver. A Port Saint Lucie leg swelling specialist can guide you on what is bringing about your leg swelling. Here are some of the causes.
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Congestive Heart Failure
One of the most common causes of leg swelling is heart failure. Heart failure occurs when your heart cannot pump as hard as it needs to. This may arise from various things, such as high blood pressure or uncontrolled diabetes. When your heart fails, fluid begins to accumulate in places where it does not belong, such as the ankles and legs.
Venous Insufficiency
Another common cause of leg swelling is venous insufficiency, which occurs when your veins cannot correctly drain blood from the lower extremities back to the heart and lungs. When this happens, fluid builds up in the feet and ankles, making them swell. Common symptoms of venous insufficiency include cramping, itching, and burning sensations in the legs. Over time, varicose veins may start to appear as well.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Thrombophlebitis
Another cause of leg swelling is deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which occurs when a blood clot forms in the veins, usually in the lower legs. The disorder can also sometimes affect other parts of the body. If this clot breaks off and travels through the blood vessels, it can get lodged into another part of your body. If that happens, it is called a pulmonary embolism. In some cases, people with DVT may not experience any symptoms.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Leg swelling can be a sign of chronic venous insufficiency, another condition that prevents the veins from properly draining blood from the legs. Chronic venous insufficiency usually occurs gradually and gets worse over time. Excessive pressure or tension on the leg veins due to obesity, pregnancy, tight clothing, prolonged sitting or standing, injury, or a family history of the disorder can also contribute to this problem.
Kidney Problems
Leg swelling can also be caused by kidney problems, such as acute tubular necrosis. This condition usually happens when your kidneys are deprived of oxygen for too long. It may be brought on by hypovolemia or septic shock, although it may also occur after an injury if the affected person does not receive immediate medical attention.
Some Medications
There are a variety of medications and illegal drugs that can potentially cause leg swelling. For instance, certain chemotherapy drugs for cancer may also cause your legs or feet to swell as one of their side effects. Other medications such as amphetamines, diuretics, and corticosteroids can also increase fluid retention in the body and cause swelling.
If you are experiencing leg swelling, it may be caused by several different medical conditions. Whether the cause is congestive heart failure or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), treatment options and remedies vary based on the underlying condition. If you’re concerned about your symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss what might be causing them.
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