Leg Swelling (Oedema)
A term referring to excess fluid in tissue. The 2 most common causes of leg swelling are congestive heart failure and chronic venous insufficiency. Leg-swelling may happen for many reasons. One of the most common symptoms of a circulation problems in the leg is leg swelling.
Venous reflux(Chronic venous insufficiency) , blood clots, varicose veins and lymphedema are the common circulation conditions leading to leg swelling.
Veins in the legs are responsible for transporting blood up to heart. Normal veins of the legs have one way valves that prevent the backward flow of blood within them . Chronic venous insufficiency means that the veins are enlarged and there is dysfunction of the valves. CVI leads to the backup of blood and increased pressure in the veins thereby resulting in edema of the legs and feet. Leg swelling also can occur with an episode of deep vein thrombosis and then also increases back pressure in the leg veins.
CVI is also a risk factor for deep venous thrombosis which can be a very dangerous condition. CVI is a problem that is localised to the legs ankle and feet.
CVI, DVT, varicose veins and lymphedema are progressive over time. It is therefore very important to get evaluated by a Vein Specialist should you develop swelling in your legs. They can provide both diagnostic testing as well as offer all potential treatment option for the vascular condition leading to limb swelling.
In contrast, systemic diseases(congestive heart failure ) almost always causes the same amount of edema in both legs and can cause edema elsewhere in the body.
The response to diuretic drugs in patients with chronic venous insufficiency tends to be unsatisfactory. This is because the continued pooling of fluid in the lower extremities makes it difficult for the diuretics to mobilise the fluid in the legs. Elevation of the legs during the day and use of compression stockings may temporally help the swelling but chronic venous insufficiency is a mechanical problem that responds to mechanical solutions commonly performed today such as endovenous laser ablation