When should you go to the hospital for swollen feet and legs?

If you experience any of the following symptoms along with swollen legs, call 911 or seek immediate help: Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Coughing blood. Chest pain.

Why would one leg swell and not the other?

Some of the causes for swelling in only one leg include: Infection in the foot or leg. Muscle strain or tear in the affected leg. Blockage of the leg’s lymphatic system.

When should I be concerned about leg swelling?

Seek medical care right away if your legs swell for no apparent reason, especially if you have unexplained leg pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain or other warning signs of a blood clot in your lungs or a heart condition. Many factors — varying greatly in severity — can cause leg swelling.

What causes painful swollen feet ankles and legs?

Swelling in the ankles, feet and legs is often caused by a build-up of fluid in these areas, called oedema. Oedema is usually caused by: standing or sitting in the same position for too long. eating too much salty food.

How do I get rid of fluid in my legs and feet?

Lifestyle and home remedies

1. Movement. Moving and using the muscles in the part of your body affected by edema, especially your legs, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart.
2. Elevation.
3. Massage.
4. Compression.
5. Protection.
6. Reduce salt intake.

Will drinking water help with edema?

1. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Though it might seem counterintuitive, getting enough fluids actually helps reduce swelling. When your body isn’t hydrated enough, it holds onto the fluid it does have.

Can heart problems cause swelling in one leg?

If you have congestive heart failure, one or both of your heart’s lower chambers lose their ability to pump blood effectively. As a result, blood can back up in your legs, ankles and feet, causing edema. Congestive heart failure can also cause swelling in your abdomen.

How do you know if you have a blood clot in your leg?

Symptoms of DVT ( blood clot in the leg ) include swelling, pain, redness, warmth to the touch, leg cramps, or bluish/whitish discoloration of the skin. Signs and symptoms of a blood clot in the leg or deep vein thrombosis occur in the affected leg when a clot obstructs blood flow and causes inflammation.

What causes swelling in one leg and foot?

Excess body mass can decrease blood circulation, causing fluid to build up in the feet, legs, and ankles. Standing or sitting for long periods. When the muscles are inactive, they can’t pump body fluids back up toward the heart. The retention of water and blood can cause swelling in the legs.

What to eat to reduce swelling in feet?

Extra water in fruits can reduce foot swelling by flushing out extra water. Other vegetables, like cucumber and asparagus, are natural directs that eliminate water in your body. Drinking lots of water will also help your foot and ankle mobility with less swelling.

How can I reduce swelling in my legs and feet?

Home Care

1. Put your legs on pillows to raise them above your heart while lying down.
2. Exercise your legs.
3. Follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid buildup and swelling.
4. Wear support stockings (sold at most drugstores and medical supply stores).
5. When traveling, take breaks often to stand up and move around.

Does lemon water help edema?

The antioxidants in lemons are also powerful anti-inflammatory agents. They can help to reduce swelling (even minor internal swelling), thereby enabling your body to repair any damaged tissue.

Does walking help swollen ankles?

Simple changes to reduce or prevent swelling You can make small changes to your everyday life to help reduce swelling: Take a short walk every hour. Drink eight to 10 glasses of water daily. Drinking less actually promotes swelling.

What happens if edema is left untreated?

Edema left untreated can cause skin stretching to a point of pruritus and discomfort accompanied by painful swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking. Swollen areas are at increased risk of skin ulcers and infection.

How do you get rid of swollen ankles fast?

7 Helpful Ways to Reduce Swollen Feet and Ankles

1. Walk it Out.
2. Drink Lots of Water.
3. Sleep on Your Side.
4. Enjoy Some Pool Time.
5. Limit Your Salt.
6. Wear Compression Socks.
7. Elevate Your Feet.