Why (Left Foot Swells But Right Does Not): Causes and How to Treat It
Why (Left Foot Swells But Right Does Not)
Swelling of the legs can be caused by blockage of blood vessels, lymphatic blockage, or it can also be the result of injury. Another cause of swelling in only one of the legs is due to a skin infection, such as cellulitis, or arthritis of the ankle. Read more about Why (Left Foot Swells But Right Does Not): Causes and How to Treat It
Why left foot swell but the right does not?
Swelling of one leg can be a very worrying symptom because it is possible to interfere with daily activities. This can be caused by a variety of diseases that affect the legs, including trauma or venous blockages such as blood clots.
Fluid reserves can also be caused by physical obstruction, such as mass, in the surrounding area. It is important to seek treatment if you experience swelling on only one leg with no apparent cause.
Common features of swelling in one leg
For those of you who experience swelling on only one leg, it is possible that it can be explained by:
- Severe pain in the side of the leg
- A coldness in the legs, caused by loss of circulation.
- Redness, or skin discoloration of the legs
- Visible deformities on the ankles, or toes
- Inability to withstand the load on the legs
- Rash or itch
- Fever or chills
What causes the left leg to swell?
Swelling of the left leg can be caused and divided into two categories, namely:
Edema
Edema is a build-up of fluid somewhere in the body. When it accumulates in the legs, it is called peripheral edema. “Liquid”, in this context, is a general term that includes all lymphatic fluid, blood, water, or other substances.
Inflammation
Inflammation is a type of tissue swelling arising from an injury or disease as part of an immune reaction.
Swelling of the left leg caused by Edema
Sit or Stand too long
Sitting or standing for a long time causes your body to hold water and can cause temporary swelling. This is most commonly seen in passengers who are on long flights. For the most part, this kind of swelling is harmless other than a rocking sensation when you start trying to walk again.
Kidney Damage
The kidney serves to remove also filter excess water from the body. If something interferes with kidney function, then this extra fluid cannot get out of the body, causing the legs to become swollen.
Congestive heart failure
If the heart is weak enough, it cannot pump blood effectively and will cause congestive heart failure. When this happens, the blood will become dense and filled in various parts of the body without the full force of the heart to move it.
The collection of blood in the legs and ankles will cause swelling. Congestive heart failure can occur due to hardened arteries, damage from heart attacks, infections, coronary heart disease, and other similar causes.
Blood clotting
This is one of the few causes of edema-related left leg swelling that may only affect one leg at a time. Blood clots can form in a variety of conditions, such as if you have clotting disorders or are unable to move for long periods such as after an injury or during hospitalization.
Age, being overweight, smoking, family history, and pregnancy can also affect the likelihood of clots occurrence. Regardless of why it happens, a partial or complete blood clot will block the veins in your legs. Without going anywhere, the blood will swell and cause swelling of the affected leg.
Pain is also a common symptom, but it does not always occur. If you do, the pain will start in the calf and feel like a great cramp. Signs of a blood clot should always be consulted to a doctor as there is a potential for clots to detach and move to one of your organs.