What happens if swollen legs are left untreated?

What happens if swollen legs are left untreated?

If left untreated, edema can lead to increasingly painful swelling, stiffness, difficulty walking, stretched or itchy skin, skin ulcers, scarring, and decreased blood circulation.

What causes swelling on the left side of the leg?

Blood pooling in the legs, ankles, and feet will cause swelling. Congestive heart failure can arise due to hardened arteries, damage from a heart attack, coronary heart disease, damage from infection, and similar causes. Blood Clot. This is one of the few edema-related causes of left leg swelling that may only affect one leg at a time.

Is it normal to have swelling in your leg?

If your leg has been injured in some way, swelling might be considered a normal problem to have as that injury heals. A fracture of your leg, a serious bruise from bumping something, or other types of injury can lead to swelling of the leg.

How to tell if your leg is swollen from DVT?

One of the first symptoms of DVT or thrombophlebitis is one swollen leg (especially the calf), as blood pools in the area. Check with your doctor right away if you have swelling in one leg or any of these other symptoms: Leg pain, tenderness, or cramping. Skin that’s tinged red or blue.

How to know if you have edema on your legs?

The skin over the swollen area might look stretched and shiny. Pushing in gently on the swollen area with your finger for at least 5 seconds and then removing your finger will leave a dimple in the skin. You may have trouble walking if your legs are swollen.

Is anyone more swollen on the left than right leg?

There are many reasons for leg swelling, but ultimately, the reason stems from fluid buildup or inflammation from your joints or tissues. These are often brought on by an injury, prolonged sitting or standing, or a more serious disorder, such as a blood clot or issues with circulation. In some cases, your left leg can swell more than your right .

What are the symptoms of a swollen left leg?

Symptoms that can be associated with leg swelling include leg pain, numbness, redness, itching, rash, shortness of breath, and ulceration of the skin.

How to treat swollen legs with home remedies?

Home Remedies for Swollen Ankles, Legs, and Feet Exercise. Regular physical exercise is a great way to stimulate your blood circulation and stop fluid retention in your legs and ankles. Raise your legs. Another effective way to reduce fluid retention in your legs and ankles is to raise your legs above the level of your heart. Walk around. Compression socks. Foot massage. Reduce salt intake. Stop smoking.

Is leg swelling a sign of something serious?

Sometimes though, leg swelling may be a sign of something more serious. One possible problem is a blockage in your pelvic veins. One of your legs may swell when these veins are blocked. This condition typically comes on slowly. Rapid leg swelling, however, could be due to a blood clot deep in your vein.