What Are the Main Causes of Swelling in a Single Leg?

Swelling in the legs and other parts of the body is called edema. It’s caused when the blood vessels in your legs or other parts of the body hold more fluid. It can happen if you are overweight or lead a sedentary lifestyle, but it may also indicate more serious medical concerns.

If caused by an injury, swelling in a single leg is logical. However, if there have been no serious injuries lately, it can lead to serious medical conditions like vein issues. This article discusses what causes swelling in one leg and how to treat it.

What are the reasons for one leg swelling?

There can be several reasons for swelling in one leg, including a serious injury or infection in one leg that leads to swelling. Some of the other major reasons for leg swelling are:

1. Living a sedentary lifestyle

If you do not exercise much, or if you lead a sedentary life, sitting for long periods can take a toll on your body. It can affect the veins in the lower part of your body. Standing or sitting for a longer period makes it difficult for your body to pump back the blood to the heart, causing the veins to swell up.

2. Obesity

If you are overweight, the excess body weight leads to putting excess pressure on your veins and body. It aggravates vein damage, which can manifest as leg swelling. The swelling can be in both limbs, but often it only shows up on one leg.

3. Thrombosis

If blood clots just beneath the skin surface, it can lead to swelling. It is known as Superficial vein Thrombosis (SVT). If SVT is not diagnosed, it can lead to a more serious deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT can break loose from your leg and go up to your heart, which may cause fatality.

4. Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and lack of exercise can also cause chronic venous insufficiency, which can be a reason for your swollen legs. Venous insufficiency causes dilated veins that can lead to either spider veins or varicose veins, along with leg swelling that often worsens with time.

How to avoid swelling in a single leg

There are some simple tips that you can follow at home to avoid swelling in your legs. However, it is always best to consult a vein specialist if these tips do not relieve the swelling.

• Wear loose-fitting clothes.
• If you are sitting for a longer period, keep your legs up.
• If you have been given any medications for leg swelling, do not forget to take them.
• If you suffer from varicose veins, take frequent breaks and go for short walks multiple times a day.
• Try wearing support socks to reduce swelling.
• You can also wear compression stockings after consulting your physician.

These tips will generally help in controlling your leg swelling.

However, remember that any form of leg swelling, including varicose and spider veins, often indicates a serious medical condition. Do not these signs and get medical help for it.

At North Atlanta Vascular and Vein Center, we offer excellent vein treatment options to effectively treat most causes of swollen legs, including thrombosis, varicose veins, spider veins, and more. Contact our team today to schedule your appointment to get effective vein therapy solutions.