Swelling of the legs: causes and treatment - drug treatment of swelling of the lower extremities

What is leg swelling

Swelling of the legs is an external manifestation of the accumulation of fluid in the body. At the same time, the limb itself noticeably increases in size, the skin on it becomes loose, and when pressed, dents appear that do not disappear instantly.

Swelling usually occurs in the evening, although it can still cause discomfort the next morning. It is localized:

in the feet;
in the ankles;
in the legs;
from socks to knee.

Depending on the reasons, either one leg or both may swell. Symmetrical distribution often indicates generalized edema, which may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition.

If this trouble appears rarely, then you can fight it with folk remedies. The regularity of occurrence indicates a disease of the internal organs. Therefore, it is important to establish the nature of the swelling.

Causes of leg swelling

When there is too much fluid in the tissues, it means that there is a malfunction in the functioning of the body. Most often, swelling is caused by:

protein metabolism disorder;
damage to cell membranes, increasing their permeability;
changes in pressure differences in tissues and vessels;
impaired blood circulation.

There are many reasons for such failures. Some are temporary (allergic reaction, bruise, infection). Others indicate the development of pathologies of the lower extremities (varicose veins, thrombophlebitis). Still others indicate serious diseases of the internal organs (heart, kidneys, lymphatic system).

A person cannot independently determine why his foot is swollen: because of uncomfortable shoes or because of a blocked blood vessel. Therefore, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor for subsequent treatment.

Where does swelling come from?

It is simple to explain the appearance of swelling with lip augmentation - this is a reaction to tissue injury and the introduction of filler; any drug, even the “lightest” one and administered in small quantities, causes a response from the body. The ultra-thin needles and minimal dosages of filler do not guarantee the absence of tissue swelling. Since hyaluronic acid is a hydrophilic substance, it attracts liquid, and this is completely normal (otherwise the skin would not acquire such a youthful, toned appearance thanks to it, and the lips would not become plump and “juicy”).

There is always swelling after injections. Even if it seems to the patient that it is not there, the physiology of the process of injection lip augmentation is such that swelling is present to one degree or another, although it may be comfortable and indistinguishable from the further effect of lip augmentation, when the swelling reaction goes away and the filler “stands up”, creating required volume. Usually the swelling goes away on its own within 3-14 days, sometimes it can persist longer. If swelling lasts longer, contact the doctor who performed the procedure. An examination after lip augmentation is usually scheduled two weeks after the procedure.

Why does one leg swell?

If the swelling is asymmetrical, its cause is localized directly in the affected limb. Swelling may occur due to bruises on the legs or more serious injuries:

ankle joint injuries;
meniscus tear;
separation of the calf muscle;
bone fracture;
tissue compression.

Venous edema is also most often unilateral. Varicose veins cause fluid stagnation, but they are localized in one limb where the vessels are affected. This is indicated by the characteristic venous network.

Thrombophlebitis disrupts blood circulation, and at the same time the outflow of fluid from tissues. In this case, swelling is accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms: fever, pain, compaction in the blockage area.

Why do both legs swell?

If by the end of the day both lower limbs are swollen, it means that excess fluid is present throughout the body. Most often this condition is caused by:

heat;
excessive fluid intake;
obesity;
uncomfortable shoes (tight, high heels, completely flat soles);
flat feet;
unhealthy diet (lots of salty and spicy foods in the diet);
standing on your feet for a long time or in an uncomfortable position.

Fluid stagnation in these cases is caused by improper load distribution. None of the above indicates a threat to life, and the swelling goes away in a day or two. For some, it is enough to take off their shoes and relax, while others resort to folk remedies to relieve discomfort. But symmetrically swollen legs can also indicate more serious diseases that require urgent treatment.

When general swelling indicates danger to life

Sometimes swelling of the lower extremities is a symptom of a general imbalance in the body's hydrobalance. In the case of heart failure, the body's main muscle cannot cope with pumping blood. The fluid in the body is distributed unevenly, and too much accumulates at the bottom. If the patient stands or sits in one position for a long time, his feet and legs swell.

Kidney failure can also lead to swelling. It appears not only on the legs, but also on the arms, face (mainly under the eyes), and abdominal wall.

If cardiac edema develops gradually (over weeks), then renal edema develops very quickly. With cardiac diseases, the skin becomes colder, with kidney diseases it maintains a normal temperature.

Fluid retention can also be caused by lymphedema, which is damage to the lymphatic vessels. The swelling in this case is dense; after pressing on the skin, there is no indentation.

Why do feet swell during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the outflow of fluid is often disrupted. This is explained by large-scale changes occurring in the body:

weight gain;
changes in hormonal levels;
compression of the inferior vena cava by the enlarging uterus;
decreased mobility;
diet correction.

In most cases, swelling is considered as a variant of the physiological norm. There is no need to resort to drug treatment; it is enough to keep the situation under control. However, the spread of edema throughout the body can result in serious pathologies, such as preeclampsia.

The expectant mother should monitor the dynamics of the increase in calf circumference, blood pressure and the ratio of fluid consumed and excreted. The kidneys experience increased stress during pregnancy, so at the first alarming symptoms it is better to be examined by a nephrologist.

Treatment of leg swelling

The treatment package depends on the cause of the unpleasant symptom. If it is not associated with serious diseases, but is caused by improper distribution of the load, it is enough to locally relieve the swelling. This can be done at home.

If it is caused by local reactions (bruise, allergy, infection), then it is necessary to provide the victim with the necessary assistance:

treat the damaged area;
apply ice;
give medicine.

Sometimes this can be done at home, sometimes medical attention is required. After a few days, the swelling will disappear as the tissue heals.

Drug treatment under the supervision of a phlebologist is required for varicose veins and thrombophlebitis. If the disease is advanced, surgery may be required. After restoration of venous tone and normal blood circulation, external symptoms will disappear.

Bruised lip: medications and folk remedies

In the case of concussion, a visual examination of the patient is sufficient to assess the scale of the tragedy. Injuries that are not too serious can be treated at home. Ask your pharmacist and he will definitely advise you on effective measures. Daily manipulations include:

constant treatment of the wound area with antiseptics;
Washing the internal wound with a decoction of chamomile, propolis in water, sage;
treating lips with Troxevasin ointment. The product relieves swelling, fights hematomas;
The healing process will be accelerated by Badyaga gel;
lotions with lead water. The product has an analgesic effect and solves the problem of swelling.

Badyaga gel - a remedy for bruises and bruises

Remedies that are available in every home will also help with bruising of the lower and upper lip and the appearance of a bruise:

cabbage leaf A small piece is put on and sealed with plaster;
A mixture of crushed aloe leaf and 1 tablespoon of honey. Apply to the sore spot for 15 minutes, then rinse your mouth thoroughly;
black tea lotions. Dip the bag in a little hot water, take it out, squeeze it and apply it to the bruise for a few minutes;
If it's summer outside, you need to find celandine. The juice of the grass is squeezed out. Periodically apply a cotton pad soaked in juice to the bruise;
Potato starch is an excellent remedy for hematoma. It is diluted with water to form a paste and applied to the wound.

Bright orange, milky celery juice accelerates the healing of bruises.
The recovery process usually takes several days. If after 3-4 days the situation has not changed or worsened, consult a doctor immediately. They will assess the condition, help remove the hematoma and tell you how to reduce swelling after a bruise on the lip.
What not to do if you have a bruised upper or lower lip
In order not to aggravate the situation and cause even greater swelling on the lip, in no case should you take the following measures:
Apply something warm to the bruise and also apply ointments with a warming effect. They dilate blood vessels, causing bruising;
Use iodine or verdigris. These products may cause chemical burns to sensitive mouth skin;
Use of cosmetics and decorative cosmetics. If these products come into contact with a wound, it will cause inflammation;
Avoid foods that are too cold or too hot;
prolonged exposure to the sun or frost.

If there is a strong blow and cut, the bruised wound may bleed. In this case, you will need to sew. You should not do such manipulations on your own - it is better to seek help from a doctor. What are the consequences after a bruised lip?

Although bruising and swelling of the lip are not serious in themselves, treating a bruised lip incorrectly or not treating it properly can lead to complications. The worst consequence of a bruised lip is infection, followed by pus deposits and blood poisoning. Deep trauma causes lip deformation, which requires surgery.

How to relieve swelling after a bruise

Treatment for a leg bruise usually comes down to eliminating pain and swelling. The swelling in this case is caused by damage to the blood vessels and the accumulation of fluid from them under the skin. The latter puts pressure on the nerve endings, hence the pain. So eliminating swelling also helps to get rid of unpleasant sensations.

You can help a bruised limb at home:

stretch and provide peace;
apply a wet towel, ice or a heating pad with cold water;
apply a tight bandage.

You can also resort to drug treatment. External agents containing troxerutin or heparin will help. They strengthen capillaries, optimize blood viscosity and relieve inflammation.

Lip augmentation: swelling after the procedure is an unpleasant side effect

Despite all the charm and effectiveness of this mechanism for adjusting the shape of the mouth and filling it with splendor, the method provokes redness and swelling. Injections are made with very thin needles to minimize trauma to the skin. But it is inevitable, an injection is an injection, and the integrity of the epidermis is violated, barely noticeable dots appear. Sometimes such spots transform into severe bruises after lip augmentation.

The area of manipulation undergoes a process of inflammation. The doctor must warn you about this and give professional recommendations on what you will need to do: how to care for the piercing area after the session, what you should not do, what you need to do so that the swelling of the lips after the injections goes away as soon as possible. By following the advice of a specialist, you will help your body easily cope with swelling and redness quickly and without consequences. Most often, the first noticeable positive changes take from 2 to 7 days. Then the process goes faster, and after 10-12 days you will see the final result of the procedure without inflammation.

Of course, a week, ten days is quite a long time. And all this time you will have to walk around with an unpleasant side effect on your face. But if you had manipulations done in the clinic and your skin is not overly sensitive or allergic, then swelling after lip correction will be quite acceptable. Discomfort and unpleasant sensations in this case will be minimized. May you be reassured by the fact that no hyaluronate mouth correction procedure can be done without this side effect. Such painful, alarming swelling is just a consequence of internal changes in the lower layers of the epidermis. You will see daily changes for the better.

Make an appointment at the clinic on Vasilyevsky Island

How to relieve leg swelling caused by heat

The best medicine in this case is gravity. Arriving home and throwing away the shoes that have become a vice, it is enough to lie down and place your feet higher (at a minimum - on several pillows, at a maximum - against the wall).

When it becomes easier to move, you need to take a shower. Ideally, a contrasting one that trains blood vessels, but you can limit yourself to just cool. In this case, you should direct the pressure to the feet: such a hydromassage will restore blood circulation.

You can disperse the fluid with light exercises: pulling the toe towards you and away from you, rotating your feet, squatting. But if you don’t have the strength to do this, and your legs hurt, it’s better not to torture them.

Foot baths are also useful. Even plain water will provide relief, but you can enhance the effects with additives. This could be sea salt or herbal infusions. Compresses made from cabbage leaves or bandages soaked in a decoction of birch leaves improve the condition of the limbs.

How to prevent swelling after lip correction

In order not to provoke an increase in swelling and to speed up its resolution as much as possible, there are a number of restrictions after the procedure. Within 4-6 days you should exclude:

massage (meaning procedures in the facial area);
frequent touching of hands to and around the lips;
excessive physical activity, fitness or training (especially in the first days);
strong alcoholic drinks;
visiting saunas, baths, solarium;
smoking the first day after the procedure (can cause infection in the area of soft tissue punctures);
use of peelings, face and lip scrubs;
use of decorative cosmetics for lips;
performing wax depilation in areas near the lips;
visits to the dentist within the first two weeks after lip augmentation.

It is also recommended to eliminate the habit of licking or biting your lips, as this will negatively affect their condition and may cause increased swelling.

Kissing after lip augmentation

One of the most popular questions from the fair sex. Girls, we well understand your desire to immediately show the advantage of your new volumes to your halves. However, you should wait at least until the swelling subsides, and preferably 6-7 days after the procedure. Although light and airy kisses are completely permitted!

If I follow the rules, but my lips are still big?!

Additional reasons that cause severe swelling after the lip correction procedure are:

allergic reaction to the drugs or anesthetics used (tests are recommended before the procedure);
Exceeding the dose of filler and excessive “pumping” of the lips causes not only an unnatural and unaesthetic appearance, but also the appearance of serious swelling (since preparations based on hyaluronic acid tend to attract water);
development of secondary tissue infection if the rules for filler injection or lip care are violated;

If you feel that after visiting a cosmetologist something is wrong or the swelling persists longer than the specified period, you must definitely visit a doctor for consultation.

Treatment of leg swelling due to heart or kidney failure

Patients with heart or kidney failure should be under the supervision of a physician. In acute attacks, resuscitation is required. If the disease takes a chronic form, swelling is removed as it appears with the help of diuretics and nutritional correction. Medicines should:

stabilize blood pressure;
remove excess sodium from the body;
prevent protein loss;
normalize blood flow speed.

When using diuretics (diuretics), it is important not to exceed the permissible dosage. Otherwise, there is a risk of getting the opposite effect in the form of drug-induced edema during withdrawal. They are caused by the kidneys’ reaction to a sudden change in the mode of fluid excretion.

Features of the lip augmentation procedure and swelling

In modern cosmetology, fillers based on hyaluronic acid are used to enlarge lips. The drugs do not cause complications (subject to the conditions of administration) and are administered using needles or cannula technology. This process causes slight injury to the soft tissues, which causes swelling.

The lip correction procedure should only be performed by an experienced cosmetologist who knows how to properly inject filler. It is generally accepted that the smallest number of punctures helps reduce injury and subsequent swelling. Our cosmetologists recommend making one puncture, after which you do not remove the needle completely, but simply change the direction of introducing fillers from one puncture.

Swelling after the lip augmentation procedure persists for two to three days, after which it disappears without a trace. Often swelling lasts longer - three to five days, it depends on the individual characteristics of the body. The tissues themselves take longer to recover, since during the procedure vascular damage often occurs, externally manifesting itself in the form of small hematomas.

Relieving swelling during pregnancy

In the body of a woman carrying a fetus, the concentration of the hormone progesterone increases. It is one of the causes of edema during pregnancy. In no case should it be reduced, because it is this that ensures the attachment of the embryo.

There is no need to fight physiological swelling. The main thing is to prevent it from getting worse. To alleviate the symptoms, you can carry out the mentioned water procedures and adhere to a healthy lifestyle (moderate activity, water consumption within the daily norm, adjusted for restrictions imposed by pregnancy, rest on your side).

The pathological nature of edema can only be determined by a doctor based on test results (in particular, protein in the urine). Having discovered the cause, he will prescribe treatment. It is prohibited to take any medications on your own.

I broke my lip, how to remove the swelling, what is prohibited to do?

The first thing you need to know when your lip is swollen from a blow is what you should never do:

Avoid any advice that recommends applying something warm to the damaged area, this will not relieve the swelling, but will only increase it;
For the same reason, do not use any ointments that have a warming effect. This will only cause more discomfort and worsen your well-being;
Do not use improvised means if you find an open wound from which blood is coming. In some cases, surgery may be necessary;
It will also not be possible to remove the tumor if you use any cosmetics during the process. This threatens not only increased inconvenience, but also the risk of infection in the wound;
After you break your lip, you shouldn’t eat food right away, take a short break. And during the recovery process, refrain from eating too cold or hot food;
In addition to changes in diet, give up cigarettes and alcoholic beverages for a while;
Do not touch your lips with your hands or bite them, this can also become a source of infection;
Avoid contact such as kissing and direct sunlight.

Prevention

Swelling cannot always be prevented, since it can occur under the influence of uncontrollable factors. There is no way to prevent a bruise or insect bite. But in general, maintaining hydrobalance in the body is easy:

Observe the drinking regime: fully quench your thirst, but do not drink more than you should.
Stick to a diet during the hot season: minimize the consumption of salty and spicy foods, eat more fruits, drink tea with lemon instead of coffee.
Arrange water treatments: contrast showers, foot baths.
Move more: walking, swimming, aerobics do not allow fluid to stagnate.

In summer, you should avoid tight, high-heeled shoes. It is useful to periodically place your feet on an elevation so that fluid concentrated in the lower part of the body drains. There is no need to abuse medications. Urinary and antihypertensive drugs should be prescribed by a doctor. Any diseases that have a similar symptom must be treated in a timely manner.

Tokareva Lyudmila Georgievna, therapist, medical offices 36.6.

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