There are times you experience swollen legs caused by minor injuries, and mostly they heal on their own. But you should be concerned if you experience excessive unexplained swelling because it could be a sign of an underlying problem. It’s advisable to visit any New York leg pain & swelling specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. So, what causes leg pain and swelling?
Common causes of swollen legs
Mild swelling can be a result of fluid buildup on your legs. Most people experience swollen legs after a long airplane flight or car ride because of gravity. Also, being inactive, being overweight, and wearing tight stockings can contribute to swollen legs. Pregnant women can also experience swollen legs during their last trimester.
The fluid buildup commonly causes painfully swollen legs, but in some cases, it is caused by different diseases such as:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Cirrhosis
- Coronary artery disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)
- Venous insufficiency
- Lymphedema
Certain medications can trigger edema. Here are some drugs that can cause swollen legs.
- High blood pressure and diabetes drugs such as calcium channel blockers
- Corticosteroids
- Antidepressants, especially tricyclic antidepressants and MAO inhibitors
- Hormonal contraceptives such as estrogen
- Pain relievers like naproxen and ibuprofen
When to see a doctor
There are cases where you can manage swollen legs, but you need to see a doctor if you have the following symptoms.
- If you experience difficulty when breathing
- You have chest pains
- Dizziness and fainting
- If you’re coughing blood
- Your swollen leg starts getting cold and pale
- If the swelling is accompanied by fever
Moreover, seek medical attention if your leg suddenly becomes painful and swollen or if you get a physical injury. A doctor will do some tests to determine what makes your legs swell. However, your doctor may refer you to a specialist if you have a history of chronic medical conditions.
Home remedies for a swollen leg
You can manage minor leg swelling using the home remedies below.
- If your legs become swollen after a long ride or flight, try to take frequent breaks,
- You stop wearing stockings that are too tight.
- Minimize the amount of salt you take into your diet
- You wear compression stockings
- If the swelling is caused by the prescription you’re taking, ensure you talk to your doctor.
- Normalize wearing elastic compression leggings that are not too tight.
- Use over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen to ease the pain.
- Place a pillow beneath your legs when lying down to avoid fluid buildup.
Always pay attention if you experience blistering, redness, pain, or swelling in the legs. The swelling can disappear after a while, or you might need to see a doctor. If your legs are not getting better after trying the home remedies mentioned above, book an appointment with Dr. Radwaner. He will first determine the cause of your swelling and recommend the best treatment option for your condition.
