A SPECIAL WORD ABOUT SYMPTOMS AFFECTING YOUR ARMS AND LEGS: IF ONE LEG BEGINS TO SWELL UP
If one leg begins to swell up, it may be a sign of phlebitis, in which a vein in the leg becomes blocked, or recurrence of an old case of deep-vein thrombosis, a condition in which a blood clot forms and can block a blood vessel. A swollen leg may also be a sign of a blockage in the abdominal cavity, such as a tumor that is pressing on the major vein. In addition, sometimes during a postsurgical period, especially after any kind of gynecological surgery, the lymphatic system can become blocked, which can cause a leg to swell up.
Sudden swelling of both legs can be an indication of either phlebitis or cellulitis, a skin infection. If, however, the swelling appears gradually, it may be a sign of an underlying kidney disease or the water accumulation that frequently occurs in cases of heart failure. In addition, if you have a history of phlebitis, the veins in your legs might have become damaged to the extent that body water begins to leak into the legs. This condition, which is known as postphlebitic syndrome, results in chronic swelling that is helped with the use of diuretics, surgical stockings, and elevation of the legs.
You should also compare the color and temperature of both of your legs and pay attention to whether old shoes or dress shoes that you don’t wear very often are now tight. Also, look for obvious skin marks that are left by socks and shoes, since these can be an indication of water retention, which is often a sign of heart failure.
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Tags: General health