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What Are the Causes of Unilateral Leg Swelling?

The legs consist of a complex network of vessels delivering and removing fluid to and from the tissues of the bones, muscles and skin. Abnormalities may arise within this network that may cause the swelling of one of the legs. Some conditions are more serious than others, and a physician should be consulted so the proper treatment may be administered.

  1. Deep Venous Thrombosis

    • The blood may become sticky or blood flow through the veins may become much slower, sometimes hardly moving, which presents a situation allowing red blood cells to form clots. People who are sedentary, obese, smokers, diabetic or have an inherited clotting factor condition are most likely to develop blood clots. Deep venous thrombosis is the development of clots in the deep veins of the arms or legs. The deep veins are the primary veins of the limb. When one of these veins is blocked, blood cannot return to the heart, resulting in edema of the affected leg. Thrombophlebitis, inflammation of the veins, can be associated with deep venous thrombosis and can also contribute to leg swelling.

    Venous Insufficiency

    • Blood is returned to the heart through the veins. The veins have very low blood pressure that decreases with proximity to the heart. Blood is returned to the heart with breathing and muscle contractions, and valves in the veins prevent blood from moving in the wrong direction. Sometimes, these valves may become calcified or broken, and blood is allowed to move away from the heart. Varicose veins are associated with venous insufficiency and are structures where blood can pool. This can lead to leg swelling since fluids are not being adequately returned to the heart.

    Cellulitis

    • Those with diabetes and obesity are at a higher risk for developing cellulitis, a skin infection affecting connective tissue. It is quite common on the legs. Many types of bacteria live on the skin. When cracks and cuts are present on the feet, the likelihood of contracting an infection is increased. This skin infection is cellulitis, which is characterized by the swelling of the affected leg.

    Lymphedema

    • The lymphatic system drains fluid from tissues throughout the body. This is done through a complex network of lymphatic vessels. It is responsible for immunity and contains many white blood cells. The spleen and lymph nodes are also important lymphatic organs. When a tumor or other growth arises, most likely with a lymph node, it may block a lymphatic vessel. This blockage prevents fluid from returning and can contribute to edema in one of the legs.

    Injury

    • Swelling is a natural response to injury. Knee and ankle injuries are frequently accompanied by swelling of the affected area. Blunt trauma causing a hematoma, or bruise, can also cause localized swelling. A hematoma may be deep in the muscle and may not be seen, although swelling may be present. More superficial bruising often produces skin discoloration accompanied by some swelling or a lump.

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