Several conditions with different causes can lead to swollen legs or swelling in legs from the knee down. Most believe that swelling in the lower leg is a result of poor blood circulation.
However, this is not always the cause. If you want a quick and efficient treatment for your swelling in legs, The Comfort Zone, it’s self-directed guidance expedite your recovery and get you back into your regular activities.
There are two major causes when looking at what causes swollen legs from the knee down; fluid buildup and inflammation. Let’s have a look into each of them.
Common Causes
Peripheral edema, or leg swelling, is not always a sign of heart problems and improper blood circulation. This can be caused by other factors, such as:
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the body usually produces 50% more fluid and blood in order to support the development of the baby. This additional amount of blood and fluids can lead to swollen legs (edema). The increase in fluids purportedly softens the body, thus allowing it to expand as the baby grows. These extra fluids amount up to 25% of the extra weight during pregnancy.
It often begins noticeably in the fifth month and gets more obvious around the third trimester. Also, the weight of the baby can press on the blood vessels leading to the lower extremities, reducing circulation.
Medication
Pain relievers or prescription medication for high blood pressure and diabetes can also lead to swollen legs. Additionally, antidepressants, such as phenelzine and amitriptyline, can also lead to edema. Hormone medication, including estrogen, birth control pills, and testosterone can all cause edema, as well.
Sitting or Standing for a Long Time
If you travel often and you sit for long periods of time, you are more prone to swelling in your lower legs. Similarly, people who stand up for prolonged periods of time can also suffer from edema.
Inflammation
Swollen legs can also be caused by inflammation in the tissue. This is often the body’s natural response to injury or diseases. In some situations, swollen legs are a result of rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. If your pain has an inflammatory cause, you will most likely feel pain.
Sprained Ankle
A sprained ankle occurs when you twist or turn the ankle at an awkward angle. This can either stretch or tear the ligaments that keep the ankle bones together. A sprained ankle can have different degrees of severity.
The most common symptoms of a sprained ankle include pain and/or swelling of the foot and the leg from the knee down. It is often associated with bruising, limited motion, and a popping sensation.
Broken Leg
A broken leg is the result of a major trauma that creates a crack or a full break in a leg bone. It could be the result of a sports injury, falls, or vehicle collisions. This causes swelling in the leg and severe pain, especially when moving. The area is tender and bruised, and it is often impossible to walk.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is an infection caused by bacteria. The affected area is swollen, red, painful, and warm to the touch. Cellulitis often affects the skin on the lower leg.
Serious Medical Conditions
Cardiomyopathy
This is a heart condition that affects the heart muscle. The heart can no longer pump blood efficiently through the entire body, which can lead to heart failure. A common symptom is swelling in legs, ankles, and feet.
Acute Kidney Failure
Acute kidney failure means that your kidneys cannot efficiently filter waste from your bloodstream. When this occurs, dangerous levels of waste will cause fluid buildup in several parts of your body, including your lower legs.
This condition develops quickly over a few days, and it is common with critically ill people. Other symptoms include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and decreased urine output.
Cirrhosis
This is the late stage of a scarred liver or damaged liver. Some common symptoms include swelling in the lower legs, fatigue, easy bleeding, and bruises. Itchy skin, weight loss, and spider-like blood vessels can also be some of the common symptoms of this condition.
Heart Failure
Heart failure can be either acute or chronic. It starts with shortness of breath, fatigue, and weakness. It is also characterized by swollen legs, feet, or ankles.
Lifestyle Choices
Your lifestyle decisions can also cause edema or swollen knees or legs. For instance, being sedentary can cause swollen legs. Being overweight and obese are other leading lifestyle factors that can cause swollen legs. Lastly, wearing shoes that do not fit can cause swollen legs.
Home Remedies
Here are some easy remedies to help you reduce the severity of swollen legs. Make sure you consult with a doctor if you have any other serious symptoms.
Comparison Chart
Renpho Leg Massager for Circulation and Relaxation, Calf Feet Thigh Massage, Sequential Wraps Device with 6 Modes 4 Intensities, Helps to Relax Legs, Gifts for Men Father
Large Ice Pack for Injury (Set of 2) – Perfect Remedy Gel Cold Packs for Injuries, Pain Relief, Rehabilitation, Flexible Therapy for Knee, Shoulder, Back, Neck, Ankle
Xtra-Comfort Leg Elevation Pillow – Wedge Elevator Support Cushion for Sleeping, Swelling – Elevated Prop Up Position, Back Pain, Foot Rest, Sciatica – Knee Elevating Incline Memory Foam (Brown)
- First, make sure you drink plenty of water to maintain good blood circulating
- Compression socks can also help decrease swollen legs,
- Try advanced compression leg massager to improve your circulation and relaxation
- Placing your legs in cool water or applying ice can also help reduce the swelling
- When you sit down, frequently put your legs above your heart, consider an elevated support cushion to obtain maximum benefits
- Exercising regularly and being active will maintain healthy blood circulation and decrease swelling
- If you are overweight, reducing the extra weight will improve your condition, consider the therapeutic level of compression on legs, use compression leggings, if they feel comfortable
- Too much salt intake can lead to swollen legs due to high water retention. In this case, foods rich in potassium can help lower water retention.
Conclusion
Swollen legs can be caused by serious conditions, affecting the liver, kidneys, or heart. In these cases, it is recommended to consult with your doctor. Whatever the cause, make sure you plan your diet accordingly, lose extra weight, and have an active lifestyle. These aspects will help you decrease the symptom’s severity and improve the quality of your life. Visit our Top monthly products for knee pain relief, swallow of the knee
Following a daily healthy routine can help you improve your condition. The Confort Zone is a ritual you can follow from your home with eleven proven stretches that build knee strength, flexibility, and confidence. It is effective and provides you with quick relief from your symptoms without prescriptions.
