Regardless of age, people may have problems with lower limb swelling. The intensity of the manifestations depends on the general state of health, the pathological processes present, as well as on age. That is why it is important to know about the possible causes and methods of treatment to take action.
In order to be guaranteed to get rid of the symptoms and manifestations of swelling, you will need to undergo a special examination, as well as follow the recommendations of specialists.
Why legs swell
Puffiness is divided into local and local. The reasons for such a negative reaction on the part of the body are diverse, doctors divide them into several categories:
- exposure to chronic disease;
- acute pathology in the body;
- diseases of various systems and organs;
- age changes;
- body reaction to drug therapy.
Also, edema may be accompanied by an allergic reaction of the body to a particular irritant.
Diseases that have this symptom in their clinical picture:
- Diseases of the heart and blood vessels - heart disease, lung disease, arterial hypertension, angina, arrhythmia.
- Vein diseases - varicose veins, thrombophlebitis.
- Lung diseases - obstructive lesions, defects in the development of the system, diseases of an infectious nature, bronchial asthma.
- Pathology of the kidney - pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, tumor and traumatic damage.
- Liver pathologies - hepatitis (of any form), tumors and cirrhosis.
- Joint diseases - arthritis, gout.
Also, edemas are accompanied by allergies, lymphadenitis, boils, diabetes, poor diet, inflammation and osteomyelitis. That is why you can not carry out therapy alone.
In men
In men, there are additional reasons that can trigger the appearance of swelling in the lower extremities. In 80% of cases, the doctor during the diagnosis will detect one of the following problems:
- chronic venous insufficiency;
- genetic predisposition;
- edema syndrome (manifested after prolonged physical exertion);
- insufficient amount of fluid in the body (most often manifested in the warm season);
- long playing sports.
The use of tight shoes can negatively affect the processes in the body.
Among women
Women are characterized by such additional causes of puffiness in the legs:
- hormonal disruptions caused by biological processes in the body - premenstrual period, menopause;
- fluid retention;
- pregnancy;
- postpartum period.
Also, genetic predisposition and hereditary factors can cause problems with the appearance of edema in the legs.
In the elderly
In people over 65, the cause of the appearance of puffiness is a violation of blood circulation. This negatively affects the work of the heart and blood vessels. Fluid accumulates in cells and tissues. Cause similar symptoms associated diseases. Inflammatory processes, cellulitis, blood clots formed in the vessels, also belong to the causes of edema.
Causes of swelling in the ankles
Sometimes the edema on the legs appears on the ankles. Blood and lymph excrete water. If there are disturbances in the operation of these systems, the circulation in the required amount is interrupted. The accumulation of fluid occurs with age, as all biological processes slow down.
If the main problem is a violation of the normal lymphatic drainage, then knees, calves, ankles and ankles can greatly increase. Ankle swelling can also occur when there are problems with:
- heart;
- vessels;
- the kidneys;
- injuries of the lower extremities.
Similar symptoms are observed with diabetes mellitus, alcohol abuse. Congestion is also observed with fragile capillaries and high pressure.
Treatment
Treatment is prescribed based on the results of diagnosis. The combination of methods of exposure is developed by a doctor, since all procedures are selected individually.
Medicamentous
To remove the swelling, which has already appeared on the legs, will help modern medical drugs. If puffiness is caused by problems with the heart or kidneys, it is recommended to take diuretic drugs.
The course and amount of funds is selected taking into account the age and features of the existing pathologies in the body.
Drugs that can be prescribed for therapeutic effects:
- Hypothiazide;
- Furosemide;
- Dioflan;
- Troxevasin (ointment);
- Venoruton (tablets and ointment).
If varicose veins are diagnosed, then the basis of drug treatment is the use of special creams, gels and ointments prescribed by a specialist. The peculiarity of drugs is that they contain components that thin the blood. If, in case of edema, the calves of the legs hurt too much, then it is recommended to choose a cream for treatment, which contains horse chestnut extract.
Folk remedies
There are several effective recipes that allow you to produce high-quality treatment at home. Do well with the task herbal teas. They should be prepared with such plant components as:
- dog rose;
- Melissa;
- mint;
- chamomile;
- fireweed.
These herbs have a diuretic effect. To prepare you need to take 1 cup of boiling water and put in it 1 teaspoon of any of these herbs. Another option is to use black tea or karkade drink.
Actively cope with the removal of puffiness decoctions of plants such as cherries, cherries, watermelon, berries, cranberries, cranberries and black currants.
Broth hips is used as a beverage that displays excess fluid. In order to prepare this drink, boil 250 ml of water and then put 10 g of rosehips into it. The resulting drink should be infused for another 8 hours before use.
After that it is required to pour extract into a thermos. The resultant product should be drunk 100 ml 3 times a day before eating. To improve the taste, you can add to the drink natural honey to taste.
An effective recipe used in the treatment is a collection of wild rose berries (fresh or dried), viburnum and hawthorn. In this collection you should add a little lime blossom, calendula, blueberry leaves, plantain, and birch. All components are required to mix (the proportions should be the same).
For 2 glasses of water you will need to take 2 tablespoons of the composition. It needs to be poured over with boiling water, and then left to infuse for 10-12 hours. Treatment for this prescription lasts 3 months. The optimal reception - 50 ml 4 times a day.
Another proven popular recipe involves the use of parsley seeds. They need to brew - 1 cup of water will require 1 tbsp. seeds. The resulting liquid should be taken before meals (on an empty stomach) 2-3 times a day. The interval between meals and fluids is about 30 minutes.
Another option is fennel seeds, which should be prepared according to similar technology.
Proper diet
Restriction in nutrition is an additional element in the program to eliminate puffiness in the legs. It consists in excluding spicy and fatty foods from the menu, an excessive amount of sweets. You also need to give up salted and pickled vegetables, salads based on them.
Include in the daily menu you need fresh vegetables and fruits. Boiled meat and fish are also needed in the diet. The main thing - do not load the digestive tract, to relieve the load.
Greens or petioles of this plant should be added to fresh vitamin salads. Good to use for the treatment of fresh celery juice. This drink is used for edema 3 times a day for 1 teaspoon.
A decoction made from horsetail is used as a drink - 4 teaspoons of herbs are required for 500 ml of water. Leave for 20 minutes, then filter. Drink the broth to 3 tablespoons 4 times a day.
Preventive measures
In order to prevent the appearance of edema, you need to undergo a timely examination. This will help identify pathological processes in the initial stages of their development. It is important to limit the use of salty foods - fish, canned, ready-made salads.
Drinking alcohol should also be reduced. It is required to perform moderate exercise, walk in the fresh air, perform exercises to keep the body in good shape at any age.
Swelling of the legs is a common problem. It applies to people of different gender and age, so it is important to be attentive to the symptoms that the body gives. Treatment includes the use of medicines and folk remedies.
