Venous edema. Venous edema of the legs treatment. Venous edema: a symptom of varicose veins and vascular insufficiency

Varicose veins are a serious disease that causes a lot of discomfort and is very dangerous because of its consequences. At the first signs of this disease, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor to begin complex treatment. First of all, it is necessary to eliminate factors that complicate the course of the disease and make treatment difficult, for example, swelling of the legs with varicose veins.

- a disease associated with disruption of the cardiovascular system. It is characterized by the expansion of the veins located on the surface of the lower extremities.

The reasons for this phenomenon are the failure of the venous valves, as well as the delay in the outflow of blood.

Important! Varicose veins require urgent treatment, because it can subsequently flow into - inflammation of the venous walls.

This leads to the formation, and in more severe forms, the pulmonary artery can develop, and this disease is often fatal.

Why does swelling occur with varicose veins?

Varicose veins are often accompanied by various complications, such as swelling of the legs. Most often, this problem occurs in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle. The fluid rushes to the lower extremities, and due to disturbances in the work of the cardiovascular system, the outflow of blood and lymph does not occur properly.

Puffiness increases in the evening and at night. This problem causes great discomfort: severe pain does not allow normal movement, and also disturbs during sleep.

Attention! To recognize swelling, you need to slightly press on the limb. A depression forms on the skin, which remains for a long time. Also, with varicose edema, the skin has an unhealthy sheen, becomes thin and seems transparent.

What happens to veins with swelling?

Photo of swelling of the legs with varicose veins

Varicose veins and puffiness are interconnected. With edema, the volume of fluid passing through the lymphatic vessels increases.

Pressure in the saphenous veins is growing, as a result of which their walls expand. Valves fail to close slow down the flow rate, so the swelling becomes more intense.

Thus, edema negatively affects the condition and functioning of the veins, and therefore requires urgent treatment.

Effective treatment for swelling of varicose veins

When this problem occurs, the question arises of what to do with swelling of the legs with varicose veins. First of all, you need to see a doctor- who specializes in pathologies associated with the veins of the lower extremities.

There are many effective medications that help get rid of puffiness:

Indomethacin. This drug is available in the form of tablets and ointments for external use. Tablets help relieve pain, eliminate inflammation and also have an antipyretic effect. The ointment has the same effect, but is more popular due to faster penetration into inflamed tissues. Therefore, the reduction of swelling and pain occurs in a shorter time, and the patient can return to their daily activities.
. This drug is an excellent anticoagulant: prevents thrombosis and promotes the resorption of existing blood clots. Also heparin ointment helps to eliminate inflammatory processes. Due to the content in the preparation of such an anesthetic as benzocaine, the ointment provides local anesthesia.
. It comes in the form of a gel, so it is very convenient when applied to the skin. It has an anticoagulant effect, and also strengthens the thin, weakened walls of the veins, which prevents the outflow of exudate into adjacent tissues. This helps reduce puffiness. The gel has a light structure, due to which it is quickly absorbed into the skin and has an analgesic effect.
. The gel performs several actions that contribute to the fight against edema: strengthens the walls of blood vessels, therefore, foreign liquids do not enter their cavity; normalizes blood flow and reduces inflammation.

It is necessary to use these drugs only after consulting a specialist, because. they have a number of contraindications:

individual intolerance to the components that make up the drug;
the period of pregnancy and feeding;
violation of the integrity of the skin at the site of application of the ointment or gel.

Important! The duration of the course of treatment and the dosage of the drug should be determined by the attending physician.

It is necessary to strictly follow the rules for taking the medicine or applying the ointment or gel in order to avoid side effects:

skin itching;
hives;
rhinitis;
irritation.

In addition to medications, there are other methods that are an excellent addition to the main treatment.

Decongestant baths

An effective remedy for strengthening blood vessels and reducing inflammation and pain are herbal baths and hydromassage.

To prepare an herbal infusion, you need to take a tablespoon of dry leaves of birch, nettle, burdock and pour them with a liter of boiling water. The broth must be cooled, and then the feet should be immersed in it. 30-50 minutes.

Foot hydromassage is done with a cold shower. Every day it is necessary to gradually lower the temperature, because the desired effect is achieved only when using cold water.

To ensure effective treatment of leg edema with varicose veins, the following rules of a healthy lifestyle must be observed:

Proper nutrition. Fatty, spicy and sweet foods provoke the formation of blood clots and clogging of blood vessels. It is necessary to think over your daily diet, excluding harmful foods from it.

5-10 minutes

Conclusion

Thus, varicose veins and swelling are two problems that are in close interaction. They require an urgent visit to the doctor, who will prescribe a course of special drugs that have the effect of removing swelling and inflammation, as well as strengthening the walls of blood vessels. In order for the treatment to be more productive, it is necessary to follow the rules of a healthy lifestyle.

Very often people have swelling of the legs with varicose veins, what to do in this situation? First, you need to understand what this disease is.

Edema with varicose veins occurs for this reason: varicose veins lead to relaxation and deformation of the veins, which leads to impaired blood circulation. Because of this, the blood stagnates in the veins, the pressure rises, the fluid enters the intercellular space of the surrounding tissues, forming edema.

Many essential trace elements are also excreted with the liquid. This leads to seizures. Leg cramps at night with varicose veins are spontaneous sharp and severe muscle spasms. A person cannot relax it for some time, which causes pain.

Most often, these phenomena occur at night, because during sleep, the already slow blood flow becomes completely insufficient. Muscles try to push blood through the vessels and for this they begin to contract impulsively.

But, having contracted, the muscle itself can no longer relax, so varicose veins provoke a slow reproduction of the ATP molecule, which is responsible for this mechanism. With varicose veins, leg cramps become a regular occurrence over time.

How to treat leg swelling and cramps with varicose veins? How to remove swelling with varicose veins? Getting rid of edema and cramps, which are only symptoms, comes down to treating the disease itself..

Treatment involves a whole complex, including not only a cure for swelling of the legs with varicose veins in conjunction with traditional medicine, but also making the necessary changes in your lifestyle, physical education, following the recommendations of the attending physician.

Photo: what swelling of the legs looks like with varicose veins

What to do with seizures?

When a cramp suddenly pierces the leg, almost everyone grabs the leg and begins to rub it hard, trying to restore blood circulation. But this method may not always help quickly.

How can I quickly remove this syndrome?

Lifestyle Correction

To cure varicose veins and to relieve swelling of the legs with varicose veins, you should follow a few rules of a healthy lifestyle. So that the blood does not stagnate in the limbs, it is necessary to move.

It is advisable to take at least half an hour walks in the fresh air every day.. Walking speed should be measured, you need to monitor your breathing (inhale-exhale every three steps).

Refusal of bad habits - alcohol, smoking, is also an integral part of the treatment program. Compliance with the regime of the day, good rest - these are the components that cannot be ignored.

Special compression knitwear will also help to get rid of pain, tightening the muscles and preventing the formation of puffiness. Shoes should not be narrow and constrain the leg, high heels are unacceptable.

You should reconsider your diet - give up salty, spicy foods that contribute to the accumulation of fluid. Food should contain the required amount of vitamins and minerals, because their lack provokes night cramps.

It is necessary to avoid serious physical, as well as prolonged static loads. Try not to walk too much, you can not overload your legs. If the work is sedentary and standing, then it is necessary to do warm-ups regularly several times a day.

At least in the morning and evening, and, if possible, during the day, perform a special set of exercises. It will be good to complete physical education with a contrast shower, which has a tonic effect.

Advice! Very often, with varicose veins, the leg swells. In the evening and, if possible, several times during the day, it is useful to lie down with a pillow under your feet so that they are above the level of the heart, which will ensure the outflow of blood.

Sports in the fight against the problem

To restore the elasticity of the veins and normalize blood circulation, playing sports without overstrain will help. During the movement, the muscles contract, chasing blood faster through the veins and not allowing it to stagnate.

Going to the gym is not contraindicated, but only moderate physical activity is acceptable. You should avoid pressure even on your own weight on your legs, and do not exercise using weights - barbells, kettlebells, etc.

Important! Eliminate all power loads, perform all movements smoothly, without sudden movements, jumps!

The best option is water sports (water aerobics, swimming). Water has a high density, eliminating almost completely the load of its weight on the vessels, and when swimming, all movements are performed in a horizontal position, which also eliminates the load on the legs, distributing it evenly over the entire body.

Intense breathing in water also helps to speed up blood circulation.

Everyone who is faced with a violation problem must perform a special complex daily, including exercises such as:

Medications

The most important thing in the event of symptoms of varicose veins, such as swelling and cramps, is a timely visit to the doctor. After the examination, the doctor will prescribe the necessary medications in the required dosages.

It can be pills for swelling of the legs with varicose veins and other medicines. Do you have swelling with varicose veins? Urgently run to the doctor!

For treatment, complex treatment is prescribed, including drugs of the following types:

You can’t get carried away with taking diuretic pills, you should not seek an instant solution to the problem. You need to drink a course selected by a doctor for a particular case, otherwise you can greatly harm yourself.

Attention! Diuretics remove vital minerals from the body along with the liquid, disrupting the body's water and electrolyte balance, and therefore they should be drunk simultaneously with supporting vitamins.

Diuretic tablets for swelling of the legs with varicose veins can create a visual illusion of getting rid of the problem, but only temporarily relieve the symptom of varicose veins - swelling. Treatment should be complete and comprehensive.

In addition to medicines, the doctor may also recommend decoctions of herbs - for example, calendula, hawthorn, viburnum, parsley, birch leaves, mint. Herbal baths or compresses are used to alleviate the suffering from edema. But also only on prescription.

Even if the swelling of the legs with varicose veins and cramps are minor, you should not try to get rid of them with diuretics, since the appearance of these symptoms indicates circulatory problems in the body.

Do not self-medicate and do not let the disease take its course, the consequences of varicose veins are deadly - this is the formation of blood clots, trophic ulcers. And then only a surgeon can help at best.

It is necessary to start treating thrombosis in the early stages, only a timely visit to a doctor will help restore health or protect yourself from mortal danger. Therefore, what to do if your legs swell with varicose veins? The first step is to go to the doctor!

Useful video

For more information on how to treat leg swelling with varicose veins, you will learn from the video below:

Varicose veins are a disease not only of the elderly, but also of young people. Most often, the pathology affects the legs. If untreated, venous edema occurs. The disease is accompanied by pain in the venous vessels, swelling. The patient's condition worsens with physical inactivity, physical exertion on the legs. When diagnosed with varicose veins, edema is a common symptom.

Who has puffiness?

Edema with varicose veins is typical for people who are in a static position for a long time. Fluid stagnation occurs. Kidney problems can provoke swelling of soft tissues. More often, the feet and lower legs are subject to pathological changes due to increased functional load.

People who lead an active lifestyle, even with varicose veins, are less prone to edema. This is due to the fact that the blood begins to circulate faster through the vessels, its movement through the circulatory system is simplified. At risk are people who wear high heels and tight clothes.

Venous edema is a serious and dangerous pathology that, if not treated promptly, can seriously impair the quality of life.

Symptoms

Swelling with varicose veins causes discomfort. Pathology is visible to the naked eye. Clinical manifestations:

feeling of heaviness;
muscle spasm;

Puffiness manifests itself in different ways. Pathology may progress or remain stable in clinical manifestations. For patients who have swelling of the legs, varicose veins, pain in the legs is a common symptom.

Alarm symptoms:

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pasty. It manifests itself in the form of light traces after pressure on the skin. Sock marks are also characteristic of this symptom.
Local edema. Pathological changes are localized on one or both legs at the ankles or around the ankle.
Severe swelling. Pathological changes begin with the foot and can spread to the knee and above. When pressing on the skin for a long time, a slight depression remains.

Venous edema can occur due to a large number of diseases

trophic changes. Characterized by severe swelling, excessive stretching of the skin. Cracks appear on the surface of the dermis, turning into erosion and ulcers.

The presence of one of the alarming symptoms is a reason to see a doctor.

Causes

Edema is not a separate disease, but should be considered as a symptom of one of the diseases.

Causes of pathology and its clinical manifestations:

Overloading of the lower extremities in healthy people. The lower leg and foot on both legs swell to the same extent. Appears after work, especially if it is associated with a long stay in one place or lifting weights.
Heart failure. The pathology is characterized by constant venous congestion. Edema differs in localization and severity. Both limbs are affected by pathology. In the morning, the severity of symptoms is slightly reduced.

Most vascular and vein diseases in an advanced form lead to the appearance of long-term non-healing ulcers, the formation of blood clots leading to disability

Diseases of the kidneys. Clinical manifestations of the pathology are most pronounced in the ankle area. Edema is more pronounced in the morning, and in the evening its severity decreases. Puffiness is more characteristic of the face than the limbs.
Varicose veins and swelling of the legs. The severity of symptoms is mainly on one limb, mainly in the lower leg and ankle. Puffiness is dense, aggravated after a motionless position. To reduce the severity of symptoms, you need to take a horizontal position and place your feet on the pillow.
Diseases of the lymphatic system. Characterized by unilateral localization, increased density. Located on the back of the foot.
Inflammatory and purulent tissue lesions, injuries. Puffiness is limited in localization. The severity of symptoms varies. With a purulent lesion, the entire area swells. Injuries are characterized by locality.

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When determining provoking factors, the patient's condition and the clinical picture are taken into account.

They are localized and generalized, but whatever it is, timely recognition of the disease, competent and timely treatment are required.

Classification

Edema is divided into 2 types:

Dairy. They are the initial symptom of thrombus damage to deep blood vessels. The skin becomes pale in color, the lower limbs swell down and hurt a lot. Treatment is carried out in a hospital. Perhaps surgery.
Blue. Are more dangerous. The skin becomes blue, the lower limbs are very sore, cold to the touch. The earlier therapeutic measures are started, the more likely it is to avoid surgery. The disease progresses and can provoke trophic ulcers or gangrene.

Symptoms are characterized by the manifestation of swelling either on two legs, or only on one leg.

There is another classification of edema depending on the cause of the pathology:

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Hydremic - provoked by an excessive amount of fluid in the body and kidney disease.
Congestive - caused by vascular permeability.
Neuropathic - pathology provokes diabetes and alcohol abuse.
Cachectic - associated with exhaustion of the body and cardiovascular diseases.
Mechanical - provoked by trauma, pregnancy and the presence of neoplasms.
Allergic - the reaction of the body to an allergen.

Each type of pathology has its own therapeutic measures.

Taking phlebotropic agents (Anistax, as well as Detralex and Phlebodia) is another part of the treatment process

Swelling of the legs with varicose veins: treatment

Pathology requires complex therapy:

Compression jersey. Maintains the tone of the venous walls, does not allow the accumulation of fluid in the tissues.
Appointment of venotonics. The medicine improves the tone of the veins. The most common: Furosemide, Cyclo-3-fort.
Creams with decongestant effect. Apply to the skin. Relieve itching with a cooling effect. The most common drugs: Troxerutin, Lyoton.
Adjust lifestyle. The diet should contain a sufficient amount of nutrients. To prevent fluid stagnation, it is imperative to move more. Smoking and drinking alcohol adversely affect blood vessels.

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If you have swollen legs with varicose veins, treatment should be immediate. In chronic pathology, tissue death is possible. Surgical treatment consists in removing the affected vessel. This allows you to eliminate swelling without disturbing blood circulation.

Ointments, creams, gels are the necessary means to combat heaviness in the legs and restore the functions of the skin

Edema with varicose veins: how to remove?

Elimination of symptoms does not mean getting rid of the disease. Effective treatment is aimed at eliminating provoking factors and reducing the severity of clinical manifestations.

Depending on the cause that provoked the swelling, measures are taken to eliminate it:

With hydrostatic edema in healthy people, it is recommended:

reduce the load on the limbs;
do a massage, place your feet on a pillow;
use compression stockings;
ointments and gels.

Renal and cardinal edema. To eliminate the pathology use:

diuretics - Hypothiazid, Lasix;
preparations containing potassium - prescribed in combination with diuretics;
cardioprotective drugs - strengthen the heart.

Edema of the legs occurs in many, but few people think that at this moment there is a failure in the venous and lymphatic system.

Venous and lymphatic insufficiency is one of the most common diseases. They are closely related and often accompany each other. For example, in patients with post-thrombotic syndrome or congenital vascular syndromes, disorders of venous and at the same time lymphatic outflow are diagnosed.

Chronic venous insufficiency is well studied in world medicine, while lymphatic failure is subject to little attention. This is due to the fact that diseases of the lymphatic system are very rare.

The main problem of these pathologists is the edema of the lower extremities. What do we know about leg swelling?

Edema of the lower limb is an increase in the volume of tissue fluid, which leads to an increase in the volume of the leg. Any swelling of the legs is a sign of an imbalance between capillary filtration and lymphatic drainage.

For example, if there is a strong venous pressure, so that edema does not occur, the lymph flow must correctly increase. Therefore, the lymphatic system in the body acts as a compensator for increased filtration. If the lymphatic system fails, it is very difficult to stop the occurrence of edema.

On the contrary, a decrease in lymphatic drainage will lead to a corresponding decrease in capillary filtration, that is, an increase in tissue fluid pressure and tissue colloidal osmotic pressure. As a result, a chronic pathology develops - lymphedema.

Venous and lymphatic insufficiency

Constant load and increased venous pressure leads to increased filtration. To protect the edema, the compensatory action of the lymphatic drainage must work properly.

Frequent stress on the legs leads to the development of edema. Initially, the first symptoms appear: heaviness in the legs, nocturnal muscle cramps, itching of the skin, goosebumps, numbness. Then there is a sudden sharp pain and swelling, most often in the evening.

The main causes are also varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, thrombosis and trophic ulcers. Varicose veins can occur without swelling of the legs. In patients with dilated veins and edema, lymphatic insufficiency is often detected.

After a series of diagnostic studies, it was found that in patients with trophic skin disorders, lymphatic drainage also cannot cope with its basic functions.

Venous insufficiency is common in older patients. People who spend a lot of time in a sitting position, upside down are susceptible. These are disabled people, drivers, office workers. Such a sedentary lifestyle not only leads to impaired lymphatic drainage, but is often the main cause of the development of lymphostasis.

Many are confined to a chair due to diseases of the heart, spine, arteries and veins, or prolonged bed rest. Often these people develop thrombosis and cellulitis. Violation of blood circulation and outflow of lymph leads to large edema (elephantiasis).

There is no conclusive evidence that a violation of the lymphatic system affects venous insufficiency. Most often they occur together and are the cause of a hereditary gene factor.

Consequences of edema

Venous insufficiency leads to the development of varicose veins. An inadequate assessment of the viability of the venous system can cause a sharp deterioration in a person's vital activity.

The development of lymphatic edema leads to dire consequences. Edema is very difficult to reduce, and sometimes it reaches gigantic proportions. This leads to a mental breakdown and, as a result, to complete bed rest.

Lymphatic and venous edema are terrible not only with severe edema, but with the appearance of infections, cellulite, purulent wounds, and blood clots. All this can bring not only to lifelong treatment, but also become an abyss of death.

Treatment and prevention of leg edema

If frequent edema is found, and it is suspected that you have lymphatic and venous insufficiency, treatment should begin with a diagnosis and a visit to the doctor.

Any treatment for swelling of the legs begins with compression therapy.

Pressure elastic bandages, compression stockings, bandages, stockings significantly improve the functioning of the venous and lymphatic systems. Pressure is distributed evenly throughout the limb, improves the outflow of blood and lymph, blood does not stagnate in the veins.

Compression treatment should be under the supervision of a physician. Often, unauthorized improper bandaging leads to deterioration and progression of edema.

In the event of edema, you must constantly keep your legs in an elevated position.

In this position, the blood flows back to the heart and does not stagnate. The lymphatic system also improves its work.

In the fight against progressive edema, medications and benzopyrones are used. The latter very well increase the outflow of lymph and reduce the fragility of capillaries. Benzopyrones include coumarin and diosmin.

Among the well-known drugs that quickly reduce swelling, detralex and phlebodia 600 are distinguished.

Skin care to prevent infection. This helps to increase the load on the lymphatic system, and improves the overall condition of the skin;
Massages to improve lymph outflow. Special lymphatic massage first releases the lymphatic system of the trunk, then normal areas adjacent to the areas damaged by lymphedema are released. This is followed by a massage of the limbs. It is always done in the direction of the lymph flow, that is, towards the body. It starts from the part of the limb that is closer to the trunk. Gradually, the entire large part of the limb is covered;
Compression bandage. Compression therapy is an essential procedure for fixing the results of physio and massages;
Physiotherapy. There are special exercises for the treatment of lymphedema and venous insufficiency of the lower extremities.

The result of treatment depends on whether the patient will comply with all the recommendations of the doctor. After all, even after complex treatment, the patient still needs to wear compression products for a long time.

Achieving a rapid decline in puffiness is very difficult. We must come to terms with the fact that treatment can drag on for months, and sometimes years.

Complex physiotherapy can also be used to treat chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, as well as trophic ulcers and traumatic edema.

In the most advanced stages, surgery is performed.

Swelling of the legs is a very common phenomenon, which can be the result of various diseases of the cardiovascular, urinary, lymphatic systems. Often, pain and swelling in the limbs causes a violation of venous outflow during prolonged stay on the legs and wearing tight, uncomfortable shoes with high heels. Therefore, most often this unpleasant phenomenon is faced by the fair sex. What to do in this case and how to get rid of an unpleasant condition? Before proceeding with treatment, the doctor must find out why the legs swell, and establish the root cause of this condition.

How does swelling of the legs manifest itself?

In medicine, the definition of "edema" means the state of the body, in which excess fluid accumulates in its organs and extracellular tissue spaces. This is facilitated by various pathologies, which are most often associated with impaired venous or arterial circulation, kidney disease, or problems with the heart and blood vessels.

Swelling of the legs can manifest itself in different ways, depending on the cause that causes them. If the edema is mild and manifests itself as a slight looseness of the tissues due to the accumulation of fluid, they speak of such a phenomenon as pastosity. Pastous edema most often appears in the lower leg and ankle joint on both limbs.

Severe swelling of the legs can occur against the background of kidney or heart failure, varicose veins and other severe pathologies. In this case, there is a pronounced swelling of the feet and legs, which can extend to the knee joint.

Such swelling of the legs often causes trophic skin lesions, because due to overstretching, cracks form on it, which then transform into erosion or trophic ulcers. Such severe manifestations are usually observed in elderly people suffering from venous insufficiency and thrombophlebitis.

Lymphatic edemas are characterized by high density, they do not disappear for a long time and can remain on the legs for a long time. Their appearance is facilitated by the accumulation of a liquid with a high protein content in the thickness of the skin. Edema delivers significant discomfort to its owner, causes a feeling of heaviness in the legs, makes it difficult to move, and makes it impossible to wear habitual shoes.

Doctors distinguish several main types of edema:

(arise as an immune response of the body to the penetration of foreign agents);
cachetic (develop with pathologies of the cardiovascular system or severe exhaustion of the body);
hydremic (formed with kidney damage);
mechanical (may be the result of injuries or accompany the course of pregnancy);
neuropathic (develop with diabetes mellitus or chronic alcoholism);
congestive (appear with increased vascular permeability, problems with blood circulation and lymph flow, chronic venous insufficiency).

Edema can appear on one or both legs at once, have varying degrees of severity, be unilateral or bilateral, affect only the ankle area, or spread all the way to the thigh.

Causes of swelling of the legs

Puffiness of the limbs in a healthy person can be provoked by completely harmless physiological reasons:

wearing uncomfortable shoes with high heels;
long walking or work associated with constant being “on the legs” (hairdressers, sellers, waiters);
drinking plenty of fluids, especially before bed;
an uncomfortable position of the body, in which blood circulation in the legs is disturbed;
excess weight;
period of pregnancy;
malnutrition, with an excess of pickles, marinades or spicy dishes;
flat feet and other anomalies in the development of the foot.

Good to know

If the legs swell in the ankles, the cause may be improperly selected, tight shoes, high loads on the legs associated with professional activities, regular alcohol abuse or taking certain medications that cause fluid retention in the body (hormones, NSAIDs, antihypertensives, oral contraceptives ).

Pathological causes of leg edema are concomitant diseases. Among them:

varicose veins, thrombophlebitis;
cardiovascular pathologies;
kidney disease,;
endocrine diseases, thyroid dysfunction (diabetes mellitus, myxedema):
dysfunction of the lymphatic system (lymphedema, elephantiasis);
limb injuries (, bruises, fractures);
infectious and inflammatory diseases (, osteomyelitis, infectious arthritis, erysipelas);

Let us consider in more detail how edema manifests itself in various pathological conditions.

Varicose disease

It becomes the cause of varicose veins, and causes prolonged swelling of the legs, which is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the limbs, painful symptoms, and rapid fatigue after a short walk. The legs swell especially strongly in the evening, strongly dilated, tortuous veins become visible under the skin. Usually, after a long rest, the puffiness disappears and reappears by the end of the working day. In this case, the swelling on the right leg may differ from the swelling of the left leg in size or location.

The advanced stages of the disease, in addition to edema, are accompanied by circulatory disorders in the limbs, severe pain. In severe cases, the formation of trophic ulcers is possible. A complication of the disease is thrombophlebitis of the deep veins of the lower extremities, accompanied by the formation of blood clots in the lumen of the vein and its inflammation.

With thrombophlebitis, extensive edema, a feeling of numbness and tingling in the limbs appear, there is an increase in temperature, a deterioration in the general condition. If left untreated, the risk of thromboembolism increases - a detached blood clot can clog the vessel and lead to death.

Heart failure

Symptoms of heart failure occur with pathologies such as heart disease, coronary artery disease, heart rhythm disturbances and, in addition to characteristic pain and shortness of breath, are accompanied by swelling of the legs in the late afternoon. This is explained by the fact that with heart failure, the main pumping function of the heart muscle is disrupted. As a result, the blood does not rise well from the legs up, and if a person spends the whole day in motion, by the evening the resources of the heart are depleted.

First, the legs swell in the ankles, the skin becomes cyanotic, and then the swelling spreads upwards, seizing the shins and thighs. Over time, the accumulation of fluid is observed in the abdominal cavity. Cardiac edema is usually mild - when pressed with a finger, a hole remains in the skin.

Kidney disease (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, renal failure)

Renal edema, unlike cardiac edema, usually appears in the morning. They arise as a result of impaired blood flow in the kidneys, or develop due to the difference in oncotic pressure. But renal edema rarely appears on the legs, usually patients with such pathologies suffer from morning swelling on the face. With kidney disease, edema is usually loose, captures the soles of the feet and passes quite easily and quickly.

Liver pathologies

Severe liver damage (, cancer) is often accompanied by swelling of the legs, the cause of which in most cases is portal hypertension. In this condition, not only the ankles of the legs swell, but also the anterior abdominal wall. In the future, the patient's condition is complicated by ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity), dilatation of the veins of the esophagus, and a tendency to bleed.

Limb injuries

With bruises, damage to soft tissues occurs, which is accompanied by the formation of hematomas and the formation of painful swelling. Such puffiness is treated by applying cold compresses or applying an iodine mesh.

Dislocations are often associated with weakness of the ligamentous apparatus. When the joint is displaced, severe pain appears, movements become impossible, dense swelling grows in the affected area, which, depending on the complexity of the injury, can last from several days to 2-3 weeks.

In case of fractures of the limbs (in the area of the feet, ankles, lower legs), there is severe pain, severe swelling, noticeable deformity of the limbs, hemorrhages under the skin. Of particular danger is a fracture of the femoral neck, as it causes a violation of blood flow in the bones of the limbs.

Infectious and inflammatory processes

knee arthritis is one of the causes

Rheumatoid arthritis is accompanied by an inflammatory process in large joints (usually knees), which is manifested by severe pain, swelling in the affected area, and limited mobility. A characteristic feature is that the swelling lasts for a short time and can occur on different joints.

The course of osteomyelitis is accompanied by edema on the left leg or edema on the right leg, depending on which limb the inflammatory process develops in the bones. In addition to edema, there are severe pains, impaired motor functions, and body temperature rises. In the absence of timely treatment, the risk of severe complications increases.

Erysipelas is caused by streptococcus and usually affects the lower extremities. Simultaneously with painful red spots, swelling increases, the temperature rises, and the general condition worsens sharply. If antibiotic treatment is not started on time, infectious complications may develop.

Lymphedema

This is a disease of the lymphatic system that can manifest itself as a congenital pathology from a very early age. Problems with the lymphatic vessels lead to the accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues and cause lymphedema. The same edema may appear after removal of the lymph nodes or after radiation therapy for cancer.

If the process becomes chronic, then dense edema constantly remains on the legs, the skin thickens, coarsens and acquires a brown tint. The last stage of lymphedema is called elephantiasis, in which the swelling of the legs is so severe that the limb increases in size several times. In this case, only one leg can be affected, while the other retains its normal size.

Causes of swelling of the legs in women

Swelling of the legs during pregnancy is a physiological phenomenon caused by the fact that the uterus presses on the veins in the pelvic area and provokes a violation of blood flow. This affects the condition of the veins of the lower extremities and causes swelling. After childbirth, the woman's condition stabilizes, and the swelling subsides quickly. Sometimes puffiness appears if a pregnant woman consumes a lot of salty and canned foods. In this case, you just need to reduce the amount of salt in the diet.

A dangerous condition is preeclampsia at the end of pregnancy, which is accompanied by jumps in blood pressure, headaches and severe swelling. In this case, puffiness covers not only the legs, but also the upper limbs, extends to the face.

After a caesarean section, a woman often has swelling in her legs that lasts for a long time. The cause of such a symptom may be hidden in a hormonal imbalance, venous insufficiency, or dysfunction of the heart. To find out the reasons, a woman needs to consult a doctor and undergo a full examination.

Edema treatment

How to relieve swelling of the legs, and what methods are used to treat this unpleasant phenomenon? It all depends on the cause of the swelling, to establish it is the primary task of a specialist. Only after the diagnosis is made, the doctor will select a treatment regimen taking into account the underlying disease.

With renal and cardiac edema, the following drugs are prescribed:

Diuretics (, Torasemide, Indapamide). The frequency of admission, dosage and duration of treatment, the doctor selects on an individual basis. In severe heart failure, loop diuretics are used in injections, followed by a switch to oral medications.
Potassium preparations (Asparkam, Panangin) must be prescribed to prevent the loss of potassium ions in the urine, which occurs when diuresis is stimulated. They are prescribed for cardiac edema, since such drugs are contraindicated in renal failure. In the treatment of renal edema, potassium-sparing diuretics are used - Amiloride, Veroshpiron, Triamiteren.
Drugs - cardioprotectors. Their action is aimed at strengthening the heart muscle, that is, eliminating the main cause of heart failure and associated swelling.

With venous edema, the treatment regimen includes:

Preparations - phlebotonics (Phlebodia, Troxevasin), the action of which is aimed at strengthening venous vessels, eliminating congestion and improving blood flow in the legs.
Blood thinners (Cardiomagnyl, Aspekard, Lospirin) help eliminate swelling caused by increased blood viscosity. Blood thinning improves its outflow, prevents congestion and thereby prevents the occurrence of edema.
External preparations (ointments, gels, creams) help reduce swelling and heaviness in the legs with various venous pathologies, eliminate pain and improve lymphatic drainage. Popular remedies are Lyoton gel, troxevasin ointment, heparin, Hepatrombin ointment and cream.

In addition, with venous insufficiency and varicose veins, compression underwear is used to eliminate edematous syndrome - stockings, socks, stockings or elastic bandages. With their help, it is possible to maintain blood vessels in good shape and prevent the progression of venous insufficiency.

All remedies for swelling of the legs should be prescribed by a doctor after passing the examination and making a diagnosis, you should not take medications on your own, otherwise unpredictable consequences are possible (especially with renal and cardiac edema).

Physiotherapeutic methods in the treatment of edema include the use of pressure therapy procedures or hardware lymphatic drainage. They are widely prescribed for physiological edema. In addition, moderate physical activity, swimming or water aerobics will help to cope with an unpleasant phenomenon. With venous edema, walking or jogging will be beneficial.

Physiotherapy

At home, you can do simple exercises that help eliminate congestion, improve blood circulation and prevent leg swelling. Every evening it is worth taking a little time to study:

first, do a little warm-up and walk barefoot on the floor for several minutes, rising on your toes;
then, standing in one place, alternately rise first on your toes, then on your heels;
scatter pencils, small balls on the floor and try to collect them with your toes;
put the right foot on the left foot, and from this position rise up as high as possible, then repeat the same action with the other leg;
from the “sitting” position, bend your toes down, and then sharply unbend;
stretch your feet for 15 minutes by rolling a small rubber ball on the floor.

Folk remedies for swelling of the legs

How to relieve swelling of the legs and accumulated fatigue if you returned home after a hard day's work? Use time-tested tips. Make a foot massage with pieces of ice, but not simple, but prepared from decoctions of medicinal herbs.

For this purpose, you can use a decoction of chamomile, sage, arnica, peppermint or yarrow. A decoction of these plants has anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, and if it is frozen, the cold effect of ice cubes will enhance this effect and help to quickly cope with swelling.

A good effect is the use of contrasting foot baths, they quickly relieve fatigue, tone blood vessels and eliminate puffiness. To do this, the feet are alternately lowered into cold and hot water.

Strengthen the therapeutic effect will help sea salt, which should be dissolved in water before the procedure. And if, after water procedures, self-massage is performed and the limbs are well stretched, starting with the big toe and ending with the thigh area, then heaviness in the legs will disappear and a feeling of lightness will appear.

You can rub your feet with a mixture of turpentine and caste oil, taken in a ratio of 1:2. The oil must be preheated to a comfortable temperature, add turpentine to it and vigorously rub the legs, then put on warm socks.

Another folk recipe recommends taking a decoction of astragalus for swelling of the legs. This remedy not only relieves edema, but also has a beneficial effect on cardiac activity. To prepare a decoction 2 tbsp. l. dry astragalus leaves pour 200 ml of boiling water, insist, filter and take 2 tbsp. l. three times a day. Treatment is continued for 2-3 weeks.

Prevention

To prevent physiological edema that is not associated with concomitant diseases, simple recommendations will help:

wear comfortable shoes with low, stable heels;
take time during the day to rest your feet;
during rest, you can massage your feet and lie down, placing a roller or a folded blanket under your feet;
in the evening it is useful to do contrast foot baths, foot massage and devote time to therapeutic exercises;
to prevent swelling, try not to drink a lot of fluids at night and do not eat salty or spicy dishes at dinner

If, despite the implementation of the above recommendations, the edema grows, becomes dense and painful, it is necessary to rush to see a doctor in order to find out the cause of this condition and start the treatment of concomitant diseases in a timely manner.