We all are well aware of the Mumbai winter’s intensity. It’s not just the chilly winds and dry skin, but Mumbai ‘s winters bring many ailments and diseases. It becomes mandatory to visit general physicians in Mumbaiwho can better guide you regarding protection from winters. To cover your medical expenses, you can think about getting a Bajaj Finserv health EMI card that offers you cashless treatment and many other benefits.
When we talk about ailment during winter, swollen legs are among the most commonly occurring issues. There are several causes of swollen legs and ankles, like prolonged standing, walking, or chilly winters. However, sudden and severe swollen legs and ankles can pose a danger to your health.
In this article, we will discuss more on the swollen legs and ankles along with their cause and treatments.
Swollen Legs and Ankles: Causes and its Treatments
Here are the most common causes and effective treatments of swollen legs and ankles.
#1 Injury
Injury to your foot or ankle can sometimes lead to swelling, and it is one of the common causes of a sprained ankle. It accompanies extreme pain and immobility in the foot or ankle.
Treatment:
The best treatment for swelling due to injury is the RICE procedure-
- Rest: Adequate rest has to be provided to the affected area to prevent damage.
- Ice: Apply ice to the injured area that will numb the pain and decrease the swelling. You can wrap an ice towel around the area or apply an ice pack for at least 10-15 minutes.
- Compression: Compression bandages are also a great way to reduce the swelling in the area.
- Elevation: Keep the affected foot or ankle in an elevated position to reduce the swelling.
#2 Infection
Infection in your ankle or foot can be a significant reason for swelling. People having diabetes are the most at risk of developing an infection in the ankle or feet. Hence, it is advised to take care of scrapes, cuts, and bruises.
Treatment:
Treatment varies according to the severity of the infection. Typically, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to reduce bacterial infection and swelling. In case the infection has become gangrene, you may have to remove your damaged toe or foot through surgery.
#3 Lymphedema
It is a rare condition wherein excess fluid gets accumulated in the tissues and leads to swelling. Lymphedema happens when the lymph nodes are damaged or removed during surgery. If you have lymphedema, you may feel heaviness and swelling in your legs or the affected part.
Treatment:
- Apply bandage to the affected area
- Compression stockings
- Massaging the nodes to increase drainage
- Gentle exercised to increase drainage
- Good skincare to prevent the risk of infection
- Get in touch with your general physicians in Mumbai for valuable advice and health suggesting.
#4 Venous Insufficiency
There are special valves in the veins that prevent the backward flow of the blood. Those valves will not function adequately in venous insufficiency that can pump some blood back to the heart. The blood will flow back to the legs and get trapped in the tissues leading to swelling.
Treatment:
- Avoid sitting in crossed leg position when sitting or lying
- Keep legs elevated every once in a while
- Perform regular exercises
- Compression stockings
#5 Blood Clot
The clotting of blood will also cause swelling in the legs or ankles. The blood clots in the legs are developed on one side. There are two types of blood clots: superficial and deep vein blood clots. Superficial clots are closer to the surface, whereas DVTs are caused deep in the body.
Treatment:
There are anticoagulant medications that help make the clots bigger and prevent the clots from forming at all. Heparin and warfarin are two common anticoagulants.
#6 Live Disease
Albumin is a protein produced by the liver that prevents the leakage of fluid from the blood vessels. A diseased liver may not produce albumin that can pool the fluid into the legs and ankles, causing swelling.
Treatment:
A liver transplant is an ideal treatment for liver cirrhosis. This treatment is meant to manage and prevent complications. People having swelling due to cirrhosis may need diuretics. Reduction of salt in the diet is also a great way to reduce the chances of liver diseases.
The Bottom Line
Irrespective of the cause of swollen ankles and legs, effective treatments can better the situation. Be it injury or clotting; swelling can be irritating and painful. Hence, it is essential to take the matter into hand and find swollen legs and ankles’ proper treatment.
