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  • If yous have swollen legs and ankles, especially if you work on your feet, it could be a sign of edema. Edema is a condition in which fluid builds up in certain tissues of the body, namely in the arms and legs.
  • Edema can be acquired by temporary water retentivity issues, vein blockage, valve problems, muscle pump failure, adverse effects of a medication or an allergic reaction. It can also appear every bit a symptom of a more than serious affliction.
  • To prevent leg and ankle swelling, habiliment loose-fitting clothing and shoes, become enough exercise, limit your common salt intake and wear back up stockings.

Swollen Legs and Ankles: When to Visit the Physician

If y'all've begun to notice an abnormal amount of swelling in your legs and ankles, you may want to schedule an appointment with your principal care physician. Bloated legs and ankles along with red blotchy pare tin occur for a variety of reasons, but several may require examination and treatment.

If you have swollen legs and ankles, specially if yous oftentimes work on your feet all day, information technology could exist a sign of what's called edema. Edema is a condition in which fluid builds up in certain tissues of the trunk, about commonly in the hands, arms, ankles, legs and feet in what's known equally peripheral edema. According to the National Found of Health, signs of edema include:

  • Swelling in your lower extremities, feet, ankles, and legs
  • Swelling in your upper extremities, easily and arms
  • Swelling in your face or abdomen
  • Skin that is puffy, shiny, or looks slightly dented subsequently being pressed
  • Shortness of jiff, a cough, or irregular heartbeat
  • Article of clothing and jewelry feels tightened

Edema itself can be attributable to a variety of causes. Some more serious than others. It'due south important to run across a doctor and cheque what is causing it to make certain it gets treated correctly.
Edema can be caused past:

  • Temporary h2o retention problems that should have intendance of itself
  • A symptom of a more serious affliction that requires handling
  • An obstruction or blockage in the veins, such as from a tumor or deep vein thrombosis.
  • A trouble with the valves in the veins.
  • A muscle pump failure due to inactivity, neuromuscular disease, aging, arthritis, or sedentary lifestyle, such as being on your anxiety for long periods of time.
  • Adverse furnishings of medication or an allergic reaction

Make an appointment with your healthcare provider right away if you begin to notice swelling stretched or shiny red skin and hurting. Helping your doctor answer questions about your medical and life history can help them make an accurate diagnosis.

Factors that tin play a role in affecting your apportionment tin can include diabetes, liver or kidney illness, loftier blood pressure level, obesity, multiple pregnancies, heart disease and more. Even work/living conditions can play a role, whether it exist continuing or sitting all day. Phone call 911 immediately if y'all feel

  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Breast hurting

Steps to Prevent Swollen Legs and Ankles

If you do experience symptoms of edema, make an date with your primary intendance dr. before attempting any treatment. Your doctor may make the following recommendations:

Go more comfy

Wearing more loose-fitting clothing and shoes tin help ease swelling. Additionally, try to avoid beingness in the same position all mean solar day, in other words, don't be on your feet all mean solar day and don't sit down all twenty-four hour period. When laying down, elevate your anxiety with a pillow.

Low-cal exercise

Your dr. may likewise recommend light exercise to assist improve your leg circulation. This can include walking, stretching or bicycling. However, you may not be advised to walk or stand also much.

Limit salt

Avoiding salty and loftier-fatty foods such as salary, chips or french fries tin can assistance lower your risk of high claret pressure level.

Support stockings

Support stockings help to back up your veins and muscles in the lower legs, thus assisting with your lower leg circulation. You should put the stockings on commencement affair in the morning before your legs commencement to swell.

For more than information well-nigh swollen legs and ankle treatment, make an appointment with your primary care physician. Call one (833) VLLYWSE to make an appointment today.

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279409/

Quick Tip Now

Exercise yous suffer from one or more of the edema symptoms listed in a higher place? Don't wait to seek assistance — the sooner you get handling the meliorate. Schedule a virtual or in-person engagement today!

About the Writer

Anne Henderson

Dr. Anne Henderson - Surgery

Anne Henderson, Doc, FACS, is a District Medical Group physician and provides Vascular services in the Surgery Clinic at Valleywise Comprehensive Health Center – Phoenix. Dr. Henderson, formerly Dr. Klemens, is board certified by the American Board of Surgery in both Full general Surgery and Vascular Surgery. She is a Beau of the American College of …

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