When to seek emergency medical care for leg swelling?
Leg swelling (also known as leg edema) can be the sign of a more serious condition and you should seek emergency care if you have any of the following signs or symptoms, which may indicate a blood clot in your lungs or a serious heart condition:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath with exertion or lying flat in bed
- Fainting or dizziness
- Coughing blood
Also, seek immediate care if your leg swelling:
- Occurs suddenly and for no apparent reason
- Is related to a physical injury, such as from a fall, a sports injury or a car accident
- Occurs in one leg and is painful, or is accompanied by cool, pale skin
Schedule a Doctor’s visit
Non-emergency problems related to leg swelling still need prompt care. Leg swelling that is the side effect of a drug can look just like leg swelling caused by a kidney disorder.
Make an appointment with Dr. Naar as soon as possible so that he can diagnose the underlying problem. Heart, liver and kidney problems can lead to leg edema.
Before your appointment, consider the following tips:
- Restrict the amount of salt in your diet.
- Put a pillow under your legs when lying down, which may lessen swelling related to the buildup of fluid.
- Wear elastic compression stockings, but avoid stockings that are tight around the top (if you can see the indentation from the elastic, they may be too tight).
- If you need to stand or sit for long periods, give yourself frequent breaks and move around, unless the movement causes pain.
- Don't stop taking a prescription medication without talking to your doctor, even if you suspect it may be causing leg swelling.
- Over-the-counter (nonprescription) pain medication may lessen painful swelling.
Venous disease, causing leg swelling, can be corrected with significant improvement of the leg swelling.
Lymphatic disease, like lymphedema, can be improved with daily compression, elevation, massage and sequential compression pumps. These pumps have a similar shape to a boot. Treatment involves using this device twice to three times a day for 60 minutes.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Naar at Premier Vein Clinic to discuss your treatment options.
