Leg Swelling Treatment

WrongDiagnosis.com lists 560 possible causes of leg swelling. These causes can vary from simple, easy-to-remedy reasons to dangerous medical conditions. Perhaps you may even have a hereditary condition causing your discomfort. In any case, seeking relief from uncomfortable leg swelling is not necessarily a complicated process.

Consider the Cause

• Your legs might be swelling because of a fluid buildup in your leg's tissues. This condition is known as peripheral edema, according to the MayoClinic.com.

  Think about what recent activities you may have participated in that could have caused your leg to swell. Perhaps you have been on your feet more than usual. You might have been sitting for a prolonged period of time, traveling on a plane or bus for a long trip. You might be participating in a new sport or physical activity. Do you have swelling in both legs or only in one leg? Do you have pain accompanying the swelling? This information will help you determine your next step to treating the issue.

  Some prescription medications can also cause your legs to swell. If you are taking hormones, blood pressure-lowering drugs, steroids or certain antidepressants, including tranylcypromine, nortriptyline, desipramine, and amitriptyline, they may be the culprit.

Common Remedies

• If your symptoms can be explained by behaviors you have engaged in, at-home remedies may do the trick.

  Elevate your legs above your head and lie down. Wear support stockings. These can be found at many drug stores and medical supply outlets.

  A diet containing too much salt can also result in leg swelling. Cut back on the sodium in your diet.

Visit Your Doctor

• HealthProfessor.com tells us that swollen legs may a symptom of a much larger problem. Heart failure, kidney failure or liver failure could be potential suspects. Swelling can also be caused by conditions, like arthritis or gout. There are numerous other conditions that can cause leg swelling, too, such as blood clot, infections, circulation issues, allergies or dietary issues. If you or your family has a history of any of these issues, contact your doctor right away.

  When there is not a simple explanation for your leg swelling, a trip to visit your doctor is in order. He will be able to evaluate your condition and run any tests necessary to make sure that your symptoms are not being caused by any serious health issue. However, your leg swelling may be your body warning you that medical attention is required, so ignoring it is never recommended.