Swelling of the legs can be caused by many factors, one or a combination of a few conditions.
Our vertical posture favors fluids to collect at the lowest level – our legs and feet. There is also a possibility of inflammatory reactions associated with local or even systemic illnesses.
Some of the causes can be a sign of a dangerous medical condition or of less serious abnormalities.
Still, all of them require medical attention.
- Acute kidney failure or chronic kidney disease
- Heart abnormalities (cardiomyopathy, heart failure, pericarditis)
- Liver failure (infectious, alcoholic, poisons related, with associated cirrhosis)
- Obesity
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT, blood clot)
- Hormone therapy
- Lymphedema (blockage in the lymph system)
- Pregnancy
- Prescription and non-prescription medications
- Standing or sitting for a long time, such as during airline flights
- Chronic venous insufficiency and thrombophlebitis
- Varicose veins
- Arterial insufficiency
- Inflammatory disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, gout, bursitis, osteoarthritis)
- Infection (cellulitis, wounds of the leg)
- Trauma (sprains, Achilles tendon injuries, ACL rupture or tear, broken bone)
Any sudden/acute leg swelling, with or without pain, must be immediately addressed as urgent treatment can be lifesaving.
The majority of cases of legs swelling are reversible. Sadly, they appear as a consequence of our bad habits and unhealthy lifestyle. Obesity. Poor diet, imagine the amount of salt we consume every day, even worse when living on fast or restaurant food. Lack of physical activity.
The Institute for Vein Health is a high-end practice treating venous abnormalities. Many patients seeking our expertise in diagnosing causes of legs swelling, very often don’t associate their symptoms with abnormal veins like varicose veins. Fast and non-invasive testing performed in the office can easily demonstrate vein disease, if present, and help planning for any procedures with no downtime for the patient.