What does it mean when your left leg and ankle swells?
Swelling of the foot, ankle and leg can be severe enough to leave an indentation (pit) when you press on the area. This swelling (edema) is the result of excess fluid in your tissues often caused by congestive heart failure or blockage in a leg vein.
Does left leg swelling indicate heart problems?
Swelling (edema) in your lower legs is another sign of a heart problem. When your heart doesn’t work as well, blood flow slows and backs up in the veins in your legs. This causes fluid to build up in your tissues. You may also have swelling in your stomach or notice some weight gain.
Should I be concerned if my left ankle is swollen?
Get medical care as soon as possible if: You have unexplained, painful swelling of your feet or legs, particularly if it’s only in one leg. The swollen area becomes warm, red or inflamed. The swelling is accompanied by a fever.
What disease causes left leg swelling?
Congestive heart failure, kidney disease and liver disease can all cause swelling in your legs. What to do about it: If you have (or suspect you have) any of these conditions and notice new or persistent swelling in your legs, talk to a healthcare provider about managing those conditions.
How do I get rid of swelling in my left leg?
- Movement. Moving and using the muscles in the part of your body affected by edema, especially your legs, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart. …
- Elevation. …
- Massage. …
- Compression. …
- Protection. …
- Reduce salt intake.
What would cause swelling on the left side of the body?
Other causes could be kidney or liver disease, heart disease, low serum proteins, hypothyroidism, chronic venous insufficiency, abdominal or pelvic CT imaging to rule out any growth causing venous compromise, pulmonary hypertension and some medications.
What are the 4 signs of heart failure?
Chest pain. Fainting or severe weakness. Rapid or irregular heartbeat associated with shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting. Sudden, severe shortness of breath and coughing up white or pink, foamy mucus.
Can one leg swell with heart failure?
If you notice any of these symptoms, see a doctor soon. Sudden swelling in one leg could be a blood clot and should be treated as a medical emergency. Likewise, the onset of shortness of breath should be evaluated immediately since it can be a sign of a heart attack or other emergency.
Why would 1 ankle swell and not the other?
A swollen foot may be caused blood vessel blockage, lymphatic blockage, or trauma from an injury. Other causes of swelling in one foot include skin infections like cellulitis, or ankle arthritis which can also be the cause of one swollen ankle.
Why is my left ankle swelling without injury?
Sometimes swelling can indicate a problem such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. Ankles that swell in the evening could be a sign of retaining salt and water because of right-sided heart failure. Kidney disease can also cause foot and ankle swelling.
Is swelling in one leg an emergency?
When to Seek Care for Swelling. You should seek emergency care if you have sudden, unexplained swelling in just one limb or if it occurs along with chest pain, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, fever, or skin that is red and warm to the touch.
What happens if leg swelling is left untreated?
If left untreated, leg swelling can lead to associated infections, wounds and the development of permanent swelling. Any leg swelling associated with chest pain, dizziness, breathing difficulty or confusion warrants an emergency medical evaluation.
What does it mean when only one ankle swells up?
Lymphatic edema Lymphedema can be caused by kidney dysfunction, heart failure or venous insufficiency. Certain medications can also cause this health problem. In this case, only one of your feet is swollen. Lymphatic edema can be prevented through regular exercise.