what is the best treatment for swollen legs

What should I do reduce the swelling in my legs?

Use the R.I.C.E. Method Rest. If movement is painful at first, rest your legs and stay off them as much as you can until you’re able to move... Ice. Keep an ice pack on your legs for about 20 minutes every hour over the first 3 days after symptoms start. Avoid... Compression. Wrap an elastic bandage ...

What is the best remedy for swollen legs?

Those include: Getting regular exercise, even if it's just walking Eat healthier foods, including fruits and vegetables Try and maintain a healthy weight for your body's build Follow your doctor's advice if you have conditions like diabetes Maintain …

When to see a doctor for swollen legs treatment?

Jun 05, 2020 · The first thing your doctor may try are diuretics, or water pills. This may not be the best treatment particularly if the swelling is not due to too much volume. “Often, using counter pressure, or wearing compression stockings, to help push fluid out of the legs is the most effective treatment,” says Dr. Bartholomew.

How to treat swollen legs with home remedies?

Pneumatic compression devices that are stockings with pumps that offer tight compression for the affected leg/limb. Massaging techniques called lymphage drainage massages can also be very helpful. Exercises that stimulate the swollen leg (s) muscles are also a good step towards alleviating lymphedema. Pharmaceuticals of Lymphedema

How to tell if your leg is swollen?

Raise your legs above your heart level for half an hour, several times a day. But since leg swelling can be a sign of something serious, don't ignore it. If you notice other symptoms, especially leg pain, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue, call your doctor right away.

Why do my legs swell up?

Instead of filtering water and waste material from your blood, fluid gathers in your body, which causes swelling in your arms and legs. Acute kidney failure -- when your kidneys suddenly stop working -- can also cause swollen legs, ankles, and feet. But it usually happens when you’re hospitalized with other problems.

What does it mean when your legs are swollen and short of breath?

If, during the last trimester or soon after delivery, you have swollen legs and shortness of breath, talk to your doctor about a condition called peripartum cardiomyopathy, a type of heart failure related to pregnancy. Learn more about swelling and other discomforts during pregnancy. Things That Cause Inflammation.

How do you know if you have thrombophlebitis?

One of the first symptoms of DVT or thrombophlebitis is one swollen leg (especially the calf), as blood pools in the area. Check with your doctor right away if you have swelling in one leg or any of these other symptoms: Leg pain, tenderness, or cramping. Skin that's tinged red or blue. Skin that feels warm.

How long does cellulitis last?

That causes swelling. If it lasts longer than 2-3 weeks, see a doctor. If the wound gets infected, you could have more swelling.

What does it mean when your legs are edema?

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.

How do you know if you have cellulitis?

Cellulitis can spread through your body quickly. Go to the ER if you have: A fever. A red, swollen, tender rash that changes rapidly. See your doctor as soon as you can (the same day is best) if you have: A swollen, red, tender, expanding rash but no fever. Learn more about cellulitis symptoms and causes.

Why do my legs swell?

Leg swelling is a more common symptom of vascular disorder. Your legs swell when your capillaries' pressure is higher than the pressure of surrounding fluids , particularly lymphatic fluids.

What does it mean when your legs swell?

Another term for leg swelling is "leaky legs." When you have certain vascular disease types, your legs may swell, starting at the ankles and spreading up your legs, particularly if you don't seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you have chronic leg swelling, you might have a problem with return blood flow in your veins, resulting in blood accumulating in your legs. In either case, leg swelling can cause pain and discomfort and lead to severe complications.

Why does my swollen thigh hurt?

Other causes of swelling and discoloration may include increased salt intake in the diet, side effects from medications, previous surgeries, hormonal imbalance, and organ dysfunction. Swelling also worsens during times of warmer weather. These should be evaluated along with evaluation for venous disease.

What are the symptoms of vascular disease?

The vascular disease manifests in many ways. However, leg edema and discoloration are two primary symptoms. Discoloration and edema (swelling) can involve problems with blood circulation in your legs which may include venous disease and/or lymphedema. The drainage of blood back to the heart is provided by the lymphatic systems and the veins in ...

How long does it take for discoloration to go away?

Swelling and discoloration can be chronic symptoms and may take several months to see optimal results. In many cases of discoloration may be permanent to some degree. Adherence to your treatment plan will help to make sure the reduction of discoloration is optimized.

Where does edema occur?

Edema most often occurs in the lower part of the leg (s) or around the ankle (s). In most cases, the swelling is worse on one side compared to the other. The swelling will typically increase with periods of long-standing or sitting and often improves with leg elevation.

Can you take diuretics for venous insufficiency?

Patients may be prescribed diuretics or “fluid pills” to help reduce swelling. While these medications will help to reduce the amount of fluid in the system and may reduce swelling, it is not an optimal long term treatment for underlying venous insufficiency or lymphedema.

How to stop swelling on feet?

Always wear protection on your feet if that's where the swelling typically occurs. Reduce salt intake. Follow your doctor's suggestions about limiting how much salt you consume. Salt can increase fluid retention and worsen edema.

How to stop edema from coming back?

Lifestyle and home remedies. Compression stockings, also called support stockings, compress your legs, promoting circulation. A stocking butler may help you put on the stockings. The following may help decrease edema and keep it from coming back.

How to make a pre-appointment appointment?

What you can do 1 Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance to prepare for common diagnostic tests. 2 Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. 3 Make a list of your key medical information, including any other conditions for which you're being treated, and the names of any medications, vitamins or supplements you're taking. 4 Consider questions to ask your doctor and write them down. Bring along notepaper and a pen to jot down information as your doctor addresses your questions.

Does edema go away on its own?

Mild edema usually goes away on its own, particularly if you help things along by raising the affected limb higher than your heart. More-severe edema may be treated with drugs that help your body expel excess fluid in the form of urine (diuretics). One of the most common diuretics is furosemide (Lasix).

What does it mean when your legs are swollen?

Breathlessness which started at the same time as the leg swelling might suggest heart failure (if both legs) or DVT (if one leg) spreading to the lungs ( pulmonary embolism). A high temperature (fever) suggests some type of infection. Tiredness might suggest a more general illness, such as anaemia or kidney problems.

Why do my legs swell?

The most common cause of swelling in both legs is oedema. This is a collection of fluid in between the cells, which are the building blocks of the tissues of our body. Oedema can occur in one particular part of the body, or it can be generalised.

What are the problems with red blood cells?

This is a problem with the red blood cells of your body. Kidney diseases such as nephrotic syndrome, acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. Conditions where there are low levels of protein. If there are low levels of protein in the blood, less fluid is drawn into the blood from the surrounding areas.

Why do my legs swell up in hot weather?

Long journeys or being immobile for other reasons. If your legs are hanging down and not moving for long periods of time, you can develop swollen legs.

What are some examples of injuries?

Injuries - for example, fractures, sprains, large bruises. Wear and tear arthritis ( osteoarthritis) - in particular this might affect a knee (or both knees) or the big toe (s). Joint problems caused by inflammation - for example, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis.

Why do my legs swell when I'm pregnant?

Usually this is par for the course and nothing to worry about, but if you are pregnant, your midwife will be doing regular checks to be sure you don't have a blood pressure problem ( pre-eclampsia) causing it. Heart failure.

What are some examples of DVT?

Examples include a long plane journey, an illness, an operation. If you have cancer or are having treatment for cancer, your risk is also increased. Bone infection (osteomyelitis).

How to treat swelling in legs?

There are several ways to treat leg swelling. The first thing your doctor may try are diuretics, or water pills. This may not be the best treatment particularly if the swelling is not due to too much volume.

What to do if you have swelling in your 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. Advertising Policy. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy. “If people see any redness, blistering or swelling in the legs, especially if it is getting worse, they definitely need to see their doctor,” says vascular medicine ...

How to treat swollen legs?

A CLT (certified lymphedema therapist) can assess your condition and develop a lymphedema treatment plan that includes the following steps: 1 Elastic stockings that will fit properly and offer compression to the extremities. 2 Bandages that should be wrapped very tightly around the leg whereas loosely wrapped towards the trunk, hence encouraging lymph flow out of the affected leg. This is effective to cure swollen legs. 3 Pneumatic compression devices that are stockings with pumps that offer tight compression for the affected leg/limb. 4 Massaging techniques called lymphage drainage massages can also be very helpful. 5 Exercises that stimulate the swollen leg (s) muscles are also a good step towards alleviating lymphedema.

How to treat lymphedema naturally?

One of the natural lymphedema remedies is eating anti-inflammatory foods, juices and supplements. Things like vegetables ,fruits and fish high in Omega 3’s are always good. Limiting high-sodium and processed foods is extremely important as they encourage more retention of fluid and swelling.

What are the symptoms of lymphedema?

Discomfort and pain. Shiny, tight, red or warm skin. Hardened and thicker skin with no indent when you press. Small blisters leaking clear fluid. Recurring infections. Lymphedema symptoms may appear slowly and are not detected very easily. Sometimes the only symptom you may feel is heaviness or ache in your leg.

What is the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system is a specialized vessel network (called lymph vessels) running throughout the human body whose primary aim is collecting additional lymph fluids with lipids, waste products and proteins from the tissues. The fluid is later transferred to the lymph nodes that help in filtering waste products.

Is there a cure for lymphedema?

There is no cure for lymphedema however it may go away on its own and there are treatments that you can do to help promote healing. These treatments can help:

What is swelling in the legs?

Swelling (or what doctors refer to as edema) happens when your body retains fluid in your lower legs, ankles and feet, she says. It most often occurs on both sides of the body, and it’s not an emergency situation. “When it comes to swelling, it’s about management and getting through the day,” Dr. Botek says.

How to reduce swelling in the body?

You can make small changes to your everyday life to help reduce swelling: Take a short walk every hour. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water daily. Drinking less actually promotes swelling. Limit your salt and carbohydrate intake.

What causes swollen feet and ankles?

Possible causes of swollen feet and ankles include: 1 Lifestyle factors, such as inactivity or being overweight. 2 Medical conditions that affect the movement of fluid in your body. The list would include diseases targeting your heart, kidneys, liver and veins. 3 Pregnancy. 4 Shoes that don’t fit right. 5 Injuries.

How to treat diabetic neuropathy in feet?

If you have diabetic neuropathy in your feet, check the water with your hands first to avoid exposing your feet to extreme temperatures. Magnesium supplements.

What are compression socks?

Available at your local drug store, shoe store or online, compression socks provide pain relief and prevent fluid collection in your legs, ankles and feet. They come in light, medium and heavy weights, so be sure you select a pair that isn’t too tight for your body. Dr. Botek suggests starting with lightweight socks ...

Why are my shoes so tight?

Shoes that are too tight due to swelling can often cut into your skin and create wounds. Most importantly, if swelling only occurs on one side, consult your doctor immediately. You could be at risk for deep vein thrombosis. Advertising Policy.

What to do if your legs swell after sitting for a long time?

Usually, if your legs or ankles swell after standing a lot or sitting for extended periods of time, there is nothing to worry about. However, if swelling at the bottom part of either of your legs is accompanied by other symptoms, you should see a doctor.

How to stop swelling in feet?

4. Compression socks. Compression stockings can help to reduce foot swelling if you have to sit or stand for long periods of time. In fact, compression socks help also to prevent swollen ankles and feet and can make going about your daily activities much easier.

How to tell if your ankle is swollen?

Doctors from the Mayo Clinic recommend visiting a medical professional for leg or ankle swelling if it is accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms: 20 1 Just one leg or ankle swells suddenly 2 You have chest pain and difficulty breathing 3 You have shortness of breath when laying down or engaging in physical activity 4 You feel dizzy or lightheaded 5 The swelling occurs suddenly for no apparent reason

Why do my legs swell up in hot weather?

However, sometimes fluid can build up and cause swelling around the ankles, legs, and feet due to an underlying serious health condition like problems with your kidneys, heart, or blood circulation.

What is the best way to relax your legs and feet?

Soaking in Epsom salts is a great way to relax and relieve aching muscles in your legs and feet. There is some anecdotal evidence that having a foot bath in Epsom salts could also relieve swelling in your ankles.

How to stop swelling in ankles from sitting?

If you have swollen ankles and feet from standing or sitting for too long, you should get up every so often and walk around. This helps to stimulate your circulation and prevent too much fluid accumulating in your ankles.

Can edema cause swelling in ankles?

It is important to tell the difference between swollen ankles caused by “everyday” activities, and edema that requires treatment by a doctor. Generally, harmless ankle and leg swelling occurs on both legs and doesn’t have other ominous symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or bluish skin (cyanosis).

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