Have you ever felt that your socks are tight and it’s difficult to wear pants? You may have noticed that your legs have swollen. In this post, we will discuss the causes of Weston swollen legs.
There are mainly two reasons for leg swelling-
- Fluid buildup (edema)
When the excess fluid remains within tissues or blood vessels in your legs, it causes edema. Though it can happen if you spend a long day on your feet or sit for an extended period, it can also indicate a severe medical condition.
- Inflammation
When the tissues in your legs get irritated and swollen, it usually occurs as a response if you break a bone or tear a tendon or a ligament. But it can also be a sign of a severe inflammatory illness.
Several things can lead to swollen legs. Some of them are;
- Congestive heart failure: When your heart is too weak to pump all the blood your body needs, it leads to fluid buildup, especially in your legs, which causes edema.
- Varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency: This condition happens when the valves inside your leg veins don’t keep the blood flowing toward your heart. Instead, it collects in pools, causing bluish clusters of varicose veins on your skin. Sometimes, it leads to leg swelling.
- Acute kidney failure: When your kidneys suddenly stop working, fluids gather in your body instead of filtering water and waste materials from the blood, causing swelling in your arms and legs.
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Pregnancy: During the pregnancy, your growing baby puts pressure on the veins in your legs. It slows your blood circulation and causes fluid to build up—the result is mild swelling.
If you have swollen legs and shortness of breath during the last trimester or soon after delivery, consult the doctor about the condition.
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Arthritis and Other Joint Problems: Several diseases and conditions can make your legs swell: Gout, Knee bursitis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis are some of them.
- Injuries – Strains, Sprains, and Broken Bones: If you get your twist in the ankle or break a bone, you will likely get swelling as it is a natural body response to the injury. It moves fluid and WBC into the affected area and releases a chemical that can help to heal.
Conclusion
However, since leg swelling can be a sign of severe disease, if you have any other symptoms and swelling like pain in the legs, shortness in breathing, or fatigue, don’t ignore it. Go and visit your doctor.
