It should never be assumed that leg swelling is because of peripheral edema. A definitive diagnosis of the underlying cause must be made, and a careful history and examination, along with appropriate confirmatory tests, are essential. Leg swelling can be unilateral or bilateral:
Bilateral inflammation is usually due to systemic diseases (eg, heart failure) and unilateral inflammation is usually due to local trauma, venous disease, or lymphatic disease.
Unilateral leg swelling is most often due to local causes (eg, deep vein thrombosis or cellulitis). However, bilateral swelling from systemic causes can be much more obvious on one side than the other and may therefore appear to be unilateral swelling.
Causes
There are many potential causes of swollen feet, legs, and ankles. Swelling occurs in most cases as a consequence of such lifestyle causes, such as:
Being overweight
Excess body mass can decrease blood circulation, causing fluid to build up in your feet, legs, and ankles.
Standing or sitting for long periods
Other possible causes:
Natural hormonal changes
Fluctuating levels of estrogen, and progesterone can reduce circulation in the legs and lead to swelling. These changes in hormone levels can occur during pregnancy and a woman's menstrual cycle.
A blood clot in the leg
Injury or infection
Pericarditis
Lymphoedema
Preeclampsia
Cirrhosis
Treatment
There are several treatments you can try at home if your feet, legs, and ankles become swollen regularly.
Elevate your legs whenever you are lying down. Your legs should be elevated so they are above your heart. You may want to put a pillow under your legs to make them feel more comfortable.
Keep healthy and concentrate on the legs being spread and moving.
Reduce your salt intake, which can decrease the amount of fluid that can collect in your legs.
Avoid wearing garters and other restrictive clothing around your thighs.
Maintain a healthy body weight.
Wear support stockings or compression stockings.
Get up or move around at least once an hour, especially if you are sitting or standing for long periods.
Diagnosis
Your doctor can order one or more of the following tests to help diagnose the cause of the swelling:
Blood tests, including blood counts, kidney and liver function studies, and electrolytes assess various organs
Your doctor would typically prescribe home care if your swelling is due to a lifestyle habit or a minor injury. If your swelling is the result of an underlying health condition, your doctor will first try to treat that specific condition.
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