Swollen Legs and Ankles Treatment by Dr. Brandon Maijala
Swelling in the leg or ankle can happen due to an injury, heart failure, infection, or other health conditions. The treatment can depend on the underlying causes. If you experience frequent or continuous swelling, our experts at Care Podiatry can help you with a treatment plan. Our podiatrists will check the cause of swelling and help you recover from the condition. We also help patients with other common ankle problems.
Why Swelling in Legs and Ankles Happens
Swelling in your legs, feet, or ankles, also known as oedema, happens when fluid builds up in the tissues of your lower body. Most people notice it at the end of a long day, after a long travel, or in warm weather. In most cases, it is not even serious, but sometimes it can be a sign of an underlying health issue that needs medical attention.
Why Your Legs and Ankles May Swell
Swelling occurs when fluid leaks from the small blood vessels into the surrounding tissues. Common causes include –
Every Day, Harmless Contributors
- Pregnancy
- Hot weather
- Standing or sitting for long periods
- Being overweight
Medications
Some medications, such as certain blood pressure drugs, hormone therapy, or steroids, can cause puffiness.
More Serious Medical Conditions
Sudden or persistent swelling can sometimes indicate a serious health issue. There can be a problem with your liver, heart, kidneys, or circulation. Fluid buildup can also occur after injuries or infections.
What Swelling Feels Like
Common signs of swelling include –
- Legs, ankles, or feet look bigger than usual
- Skin feels tight or shiny
- Legs feel heavy or uncomfortable
Checklist for the Patients
Question to Ask Yourself
Does it improve overnight?
Do I have chest pain or breathlessness?
Is the skin painful or hot?
Is the swelling new or sudden?
What We Check For
Swelling that improves with rest is often less serious
Requires emergency assessment
May indicate a clot or an infection
Sudden swelling needs faster evaluation
Why Early Attention Matters
Sometimes swelling can be one of the signs of conditions such as heart failure, where the heart is not pumping blood efficiently. Or, there can be problems with the liver or kidneys. Early recognition and treatment can help protect your health and prevent any complications.
When to Visit Us
Most swelling goes away on its own or with home care. However, you need to visit our podiatrist if the swelling is not improving even after a few days. Your one leg swells more than the other, and the area becomes warm, red, or painful. Also, check if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden weight gain. These are the signs of blood clots, kidney or heart problems, or other medical conditions. Visit us at our Lakewood or Anaheim, CA, offices when you experience such problems.
Other Common Ankle Problems We Treat
What Our Patients Say
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Best Treatment Option For Swollen Legs and Ankles?
Moving and walking. These can help move fluid back toward the heart.
When Should I Worry About Leg Swelling?
When it is sudden, painful, severe, warm, red, happens in only one leg, or is accompanied by other problems such as fever, breathing issues, or chest pain.
What Deficiency Causes Swollen Legs?
Leg swelling can be caused by severe malnutrition, which can lead to low protein levels. It allows fluids to leak from vessels due to deficiencies in iron or certain vitamins.