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What causes extreme swelling in lower legs and feet?
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 it mean when you have swollen legs and feet?
Leg swelling isn’t always a sign of a heart or circulation problem. You can have swelling due to fluid buildup simply from being overweight, being inactive, sitting or standing for a long time, or wearing tight stockings or jeans. Factors related to fluid buildup include: Acute kidney failure.
What medical conditions can cause swollen feet?
But there are also some conditions that can cause similar swelling because they affect the movement of fluids within the body.
- Venous insufficiency.
- Phlebitis.
- Deep-vein thrombosis.
- Heart failure.
- Liver disease.
- Kidney disease.
- Bone and tendon conditions.
- Problems with the skin and toenails.
When should I be concerned about swollen feet and ankles?
If your swelling is accompanied by other symptoms, including fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight gain, see your doctor right away. If you feel short of breath or have chest pain, pressure, or tightness, call 911.
When should I be concerned about leg swelling?
Seek medical care right away if your legs swell for no apparent reason, especially if you have unexplained leg pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain or other warning signs of a blood clot in your lungs or a heart condition.
Why does my body retain so much fluid?
Plane flights, hormone changes, and too much salt can all cause your body to retain excess water. Your body is made up mainly of water. When your hydration level is not balanced, your body tends to hang on to that water. Usually, water retention may cause you to feel heavier than normal, and less nimble or active.
What tests are done for leg swelling?
These might include:
- Testing your urine. This can usually be done in the doctor’s surgery.
- Blood tests. You might have blood tests to check you for anaemia, heart failure or a DVT.
- A chest X-ray.
- An ultrasound scan of the leg.
- An X-ray if a fracture or infection of the bone is suspected.
Will drinking water help with edema?
Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day Though it might seem counterintuitive, getting enough fluids actually helps reduce swelling. When your body isn’t hydrated enough, it holds onto the fluid it does have. This contributes to swelling.
What causes swelling in both legs and feet?
While a new swelling of both legs and feet often is not serious, new swelling of just one leg is always something to bring to your doctor. Heart failure. A failing heart does not pump as effectively as it should. As a result, blood in the leg veins that should be pumped back to the heart instead pools in the veins. Liver disease.
What should I do if I have swelling in my feet?
If you notice swelling in your feet or legs, you should definitely tell your primary care doctor. Swelling, or edema, can be caused by many things and it’s important to try to understand what is causing it. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.
When to see a doctor for foot and leg swelling?
Foot, leg, and ankle swelling is most common in older adults. The swelling can occur on both sides of the body or on just one side. One or more areas in the lower body may be affected. While swelling in the foot, leg, and ankle usually doesn’t pose a significant health risk, it’s important to know when to see a doctor.
What causes swelling in the legs during pregnancy?
More severe swelling during pregnancy may be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition that includes high blood pressure and swelling. Swollen legs may be a sign of heart failure, kidney failure, or liver failure. In these conditions, there is too much fluid in the body.