Swelling in your legs can often be inflammation caused by injury, surgery, disease or even inactivity. Yet sometimes it indicates that something more serious is happening. Swelling caused by fluid retention, or peripheral edema, can indicate a problem with your circulatory system, lymphatic system, kidneys, weight, medications or more.
Sometimes swollen legs are a symptom of a life-threatening situation. Seek emergency care if you experience leg swelling with any of these symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath with exertion or lying down
- Fainting or dizziness
- Coughing blood
Even if you are not experiencing the above symptoms, you should schedule a doctor’s appointment as soon as possible to determine what’s going on, especially if the swelling occurs suddenly and for no apparent reason. To minimize swelling and discomfort before your appointment, you should:
- Elevate your legs when sitting or lying down
- Continue taking prescription medications as directed
- Wear compression stockings that aren’t too tight
- Consume less salt
Many conditions can cause both swelling and redness. Environmental triggers such as spider bites, chigger bites, insect stings, poison ivy and more can cause legs to swell and become red. However, this combination can be serious. If you have swelling and redness on your leg that’s tender to the touch, seek treatment. Conditions associated with these two things can indicate deep vein thrombosis [LINK http://www.veincenteratiowaheart.com/vein-disorders/deep-vein-thrombosis/], phlebitis (inflammation of the legs), cellulitis (bacterial infection of skin) or more.
Leg swelling can be mild or serious, but you should never diagnose yourself. Call your primary doctor to schedule an exam, or if you have any questions, call MercyOne Iowa Heart Vein Center, 877-413-VEIN.
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Determine if you are at risk for developing or already have symptoms for venous disease.