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As part of a series of articles focused on analyzing causes and choosing suitable treatments for different types of pain, we bring another article dealing with pains and swellings of the legs. These types of problems are among commonly occurring health issues that trouble many people, both men and women of various ages.
They can be caused by a whole range of factors, so it is important to find the cause and then try to choose the right treatment accordingly. Eliminating leg pain and swelling can significantly improve a person’s quality of life. Leg swelling generally occurs as a result of fluid accumulation.
The most common causes of fluid accumulation in the legs include the following:
Prolonged sitting or standing
The problem tends to worsen in hot weather, when fluids can accumulate mainly in the feet, ankles and calves.
Malfunctioning venous valves
With increasing age or in cases of overweight, there is increased wear on the heart valves that are supposed to prevent backflow of blood. Thus blood is not returned from the legs to the heart, but remains and accumulates in the legs.
Chronic lung diseases
Typical lung conditions that cause leg pain and swelling include shortness of breath and chronic bronchitis, which increase pressure in the veins leading from the heart to the lungs. This pressure then reflects back on the heart and can also cause pain and swelling in the legs.
Congestive heart failure
This is a disease in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively, which subsequently causes fluid to accumulate in the lungs and other parts of the body. These swellings are most clearly visible in the legs.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the fetus developing in the uterus can press on some of the veins leading to and from the legs. Swelling during this period is quite common. Fluid accumulation during pregnancy can also be caused by other, more serious conditions (for example, preeclampsia).
Low blood protein levels
This problem most often arises as a result of malnutrition, improper diet (for example in vegetarians who have a poorly composed menu), but also due to poorly functioning kidneys or liver.
Proteins help keep salt and water in the veins and therefore in a healthy state fluids do not leak into surrounding tissues. However, if the level of the blood protein called albumin falls below a certain level, fluids begin to accumulate mainly in the tissues of the feet, ankles and calves.
Lymphedema
In lymphedema, lymphatic fluid accumulates in the limbs as a result of a poorly functioning lymphatic system or as a consequence of removal of lymph nodes. Lymphatic fluid is rich in proteins that normally flow through an extensive network of lymphatic vessels and capillaries, while lymph nodes cleanse it of toxins and bacteria.
If the flow of lymphatic fluid is somehow restricted, the fluid then begins to accumulate and cause swelling accompanied by pain in the affected areas. We most often see this type of problem in people who have undergone conventional cancer treatment with radiation, chemotherapy or removal of lymph nodes.
Infections
Infections are often the cause of swelling and pain in the legs. The risk of infection is higher in people suffering from diabetic neuropathy. If you have diabetes, it is very important to inspect your feet every day and check for blisters or rashes, because damaged nerves may not signal the problem early enough.
The spread and infection of unnoticed blisters can progress very quickly, so their timely detection is very important.
Side effects of medications
A large number of medications can cause leg pain and swelling as side effects.
The most common drugs that have such an effect on the body include hormonal drugs (estrogens), contraceptives, testosterone, hormone therapy, calcium channel blockers, blood pressure medications, steroid medications (anabolics and corticosteroids), antidepressants, common painkillers (ibuprofen) and diabetes medications.
The manifestations of fluid accumulation in the legs can vary, but generally the affected area will have stretched and shiny skin. To choose the correct treatment for leg swelling, it is always necessary to know its correct cause. Sometimes it is difficult for a layperson to uncover the cause, so in these cases it is appropriate to visit a conventional doctor for diagnosis, who has adequate instrumental equipment. The treatment method is then chosen by each patient themselves — whether they opt for conventional treatment, alternative treatment or a combination of both.
Common examinations to determine the cause at the doctor’s include urinalysis (to determine albumin levels), blood tests and an electrocardiogram (ECG). Last but not least, a chest X‑ray, ultrasound for blockages of veins and arteries in the legs, or to detect malfunctioning valves are used.
Treatment of leg pain and swelling is then focused on correcting the identified problem. Among the most common general recommendations are a diet low in salt (sodium). A widespread but not ideal recommendation is also fluid restriction.
This can partially remove the problem of their excessive accumulation, but on the other hand it deprives the body of the ability to properly clear itself of toxins. If fluid restriction were practiced long‑term, it could conversely lead to kidney problems and thus to a further worsening of existing issues.
Other general recommendations include giving the legs rest during which they are placed in an elevated position above the level of your heart. This can only be practiced if a person does not suffer from shortness of breath. In an elevated position, swellings usually subside over time.
Conventional doctors also often prescribe diuretic pills, which in our opinion is not a very correct approach. Pills can be used short‑term to remove acute problems, not long‑term, because their overuse could harm a person’s health more than help.
In the case of swollen legs during pregnancy, it is possible to try positioning them above heart level and avoiding lying on the back in order to improve blood circulation.
If your legs swell due to valve dysfunction in the heart, you should regularly elevate your legs and in addition the wearing of compression stockings is usually recommended. In this case, doctors recommend a procedure called endovenous ablation, which aims to improve blood flow in the veins and arteries of the legs.
Regardless of the cause of the swelling, the affected area should in all circumstances be protected from pressure, injury and extreme temperatures. Over time, the skin in the affected areas becomes more fragile and more easily injured.
Healing of areas affected by swelling after cuts, hangnails, scratches and burns takes much longer than healing of skin in healthy areas, and there is also an increased risk of infection. The good news is that with early detection and the right approach to treatment, the vast majority of leg pains and swellings can be successfully overcome.
In our next article we will take a closer look at several natural herbs that are effective in treating and alleviating problems with swollen legs.
