What can cause swelling in your legs?

Answer 1

There are a number of causes of the "third spacing" or "extravasation" of fluid from the bloodstream into the tissues. Some of the more common causes could be congestive heart failure, trauma, lymphatic system disorders, poor blood circulation, taking extra salt in your diet, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney failure, kidney infections, other heart and circulatory system diseases, etc. (see more below).

If there is ascites (stomach swelling with fluids) and edema (swelling from fluid collection) in the feet and legs (also called pedal edema and dependent edema) as two signs/symptoms together at the same time, it can be an indication of the inability of the heart to adequately circulate the blood to move excess fluids from those overload collection places ("third spacing"). This can be an indication of Congestive Heart Failure and other disorders and diseases affecting the heart and circulation. These signs of swelling in both places, especially in those age 50 and over, are usually something not to ignore, because the common conditions that cause them are serious and might indicate organ insufficiency or impending failure. Seeing your health care professional for assessment would be important to not delay. Try to avoid excess salt in your diet in the interim since it will increase the tendency to hold the fluids in those tissues. Advice usually includes that you should get evaluated urgently if there is chest pain, pressure, or discomfort and/or shortness of breath (especially on exertion or when lying down flat).

Elevation of your feet and legs slightly above the level of your heart can help reduce the leg swelling with the assistance of gravity. Avoid sitting for prolonged periods which can disrupt the blood flow into your legs and make it more difficult to pump the blood back up to the heart. Walking to exercise the leg muscles after prolonged standing or sitting also helps move the fluids back out of the legs.

Some of the many other possible causes of leg swelling:

• Prolonged standing,
• Long airplane flights, automobile rides, or other restrictions of movement,
• Menstrual periods (for some women),
• Pregnancy -- excessive swelling may be a sign of pre-eclampsia, a serious condition sometimes called toxemia, which includes high blood pressure and swelling,
• Being obese which places extra burdens on the heart,
• Increased age,
• Injury or trauma to your ankle or foot,
• Blood clots in your legs,s
• Leg infections,
• Venous insufficiency (when the veins in your legs are not allowing the heart to easily and adequately pump blood back up to the heart against gravity),
• Varicose veins in the legs (as above),
• Burns (including sunburn),
• Some medications cause this side effect,
• Insect bites or stings,
• Starvation or malnutrition,
• Surgical trauma to your legs or feet,
• Blockage of the lymph nodes in the legs, i.e, lymphatic obstruction or lymphedema.

Answer 2

Severe edema in the legs can be caused by a problem with the circulatory system, the lymphatic system or the kidneys. You may also experience swelling due to fluid buildup after sitting or standing for a long time.

Answer 3

Excessive salt

Leg & ankle edema is a build up of fluid, usually water.One of the main causes is when the heart is not working properly. Excess salt is just a contributing factor as there can be lots of reasons.

Answer 4

heart dropsy also known as heart failure

Answer 5

Lack of circulation.

Answer 6

Micky dees