Why does my leg feel hard and swollen?
Leg swelling can result either from fluid buildup (fluid retention) or from inflammation in injured or diseased tissues or joints. Many of the causes of leg swelling, such as an injury or prolonged standing or sitting, are common, easily identified and no reason for concern.
Why would only my left leg swell?
One of the first symptoms of DVT or thrombophlebitis is one swollen leg (especially the calf), as blood pools in the area. Check with your doctor right away if you have swelling in one leg or any of these other symptoms: Leg pain, tenderness, or cramping. Skin that’s tinged red or blue.
Should I be concerned if one leg is swollen?
Chronic swelling in the legs as a symptom by itself isn’t typically a medical emergency. “Call and make an appointment with your primary care physician or cardiologist,” said Dr. Bhakta. The biggest concern with vein-related leg swelling is that the signs could also be connected to pulmonary hypertension.
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.
What are the signs of a blood clot in the leg?
- throbbing or cramping pain in 1 leg (rarely both legs), usually in the calf or thigh.
- swelling in 1 leg (rarely both legs)
- warm skin around the painful area.
- red or darkened skin around the painful area.
- swollen veins that are hard or sore when you touch them.
What happens if leg swelling is left untreated?
Once recognized, it is important to seek urgent medical care. 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.
Can heart failure cause only one leg to swell?
A chronic illness such as congestive heart failure or liver or kidney disease can increase your risk of edema. Also, surgery can sometimes obstruct a lymph node, leading to swelling in an arm or leg, usually on just one side.
How do you know if swelling is serious?
If the swelling does not go away or it occurs repeatedly, it is essential to make an appointment with a doctor to determine whether there is an underlying cause. If swollen feet occur alongside shortness of breath, chest pain, or pressure in the chest, call the emergency services immediately.
How do you drain fluid from your legs?
- 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 is the most common cause of leg edema?
You may have it in one or both legs. Venous insufficiency is the most common cause of peripheral edema. It affects up to 30 percent of the population. When people over 50 have peripheral edema and systemic disease is ruled out, the cause is usually venous insufficiency.
Why is my left leg bigger than my right?
Lymphedema swelling caused by lymph fluid buildup may be caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system or when lymph nodes are removed (as may be done as a part of cancer treatment). Lymphedema is most commonly seen in the arms or legs. It is what can cause one leg to swell and become larger than the other.
Is walking good for swollen legs?
Exercise-The most effective forms of exercise to help combat leg swelling are swimming, walking, and biking. Exercising in a pool is a great form of exercise for swelling because the water applies full-body compression. This helps fluid travel from the tissues to the vessels getting fluid back into the circulation.
When should I go to the ER for leg swelling?
Seek emergency medical care if you have leg swelling and any of the following signs or symptoms, which can indicate a blood clot in your lungs or a serious heart condition: Chest pain. Difficulty breathing. Shortness of breath with exertion or lying flat in bed.
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.
What are the first signs of a weak heart?
- Shortness of breath with activity or even at rest.
- Peripheral edema (swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet)
- Ascites (abdominal bloating of to fluid buildup)
- Rapid, pounding, or fluttering heartbeat.
- Chest pressure or discomfort.
- Cough while lying down.
- Difficulty lying flat to sleep.
Will blood clot in leg go away?
A DVT or pulmonary embolism can take weeks or months to totally dissolve. Even a surface clot, which is a very minor issue, can take weeks to go away. If you have a DVT or pulmonary embolism, you typically get more and more relief as the clot gets smaller.
What are the 10 signs of a blood clot?
- Swelling in the leg or arm.
- Tenderness or cramps in the leg.
- Out of breath, or shortness of breath.
- Passing out or feeling lightheaded.
- Chest pain or back pain when breathing.
- Leg discoloration, either a red or blue hue.
- Overdrive, when your heart is racing.
- Time to call 911.
How do doctors check for leg blood clots?
An ultrasound is the most common diagnostic test for DVT and uses sound waves to create a picture of the arteries and veins in the leg. Doctors also can order a blood test known as the D-dimer test. Computed tomography (CT) scans are typically used to diagnose PE.
What does deep vein thrombosis feel like?
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) symptoms can include: Leg swelling. Leg pain, cramping or soreness that often starts in the calf. Change in skin color on the leg such as red or purple, depending on the color of your skin.
Is edema in the legs life threatening?
Swelling in the legs and ankles can be normal in some cases, but if it is sudden, unexplained, or accompanied by additional symptoms, contact a healthcare professional. Some health issues that result in this swelling can be life-threatening without treatment.
How do you get rid of fluid in your legs?
- 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.