What causes swelling and pain in the lower leg?
Nov 14, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jian
Introduction
Leg pain and swelling may be caused by overexertion, prolonged inactivity, fractures, varicose veins, or rheumatoid arthritis. It is important to maintain a balanced schedule of exercise and rest, avoid maintaining the same posture for extended periods—especially prolonged sitting or standing—and perform appropriate lower limb exercises to promote blood circulation. Additionally, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits can help prevent the occurrence of leg pain and swelling.
Generally, leg swelling and pain may be caused by excessive exercise, prolonged sitting, fractures, varicose veins, rheumatoid arthritis, and other reasons. If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Excessive Exercise
Prolonged or high-intensity physical activity can lead to overuse of calf muscles, resulting in the accumulation of large amounts of lactic acid and microscopic muscle damage, which triggers muscle fatigue and inflammatory responses, causing swelling and pain. In daily life, physical activity should be reduced to allow muscles adequate rest.
2. Prolonged Sitting
Maintaining a seated position for extended periods with insufficient movement slows blood circulation in the lower limbs and impedes venous return, ultimately leading to blood congestion and edema in the calves, causing swelling and discomfort. Elevating the lower limbs during rest can help improve venous return and alleviate symptoms.
3. Fracture
Trauma caused by impact, tearing, or pulling may result in broken bones in the lower leg, damaging surrounding tissues and causing severe pain, thereby producing the aforementioned symptoms. This condition may be accompanied by abnormal mobility or crepitus (grating sensation). Treatment should be conducted under medical supervision using medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, cefixime capsules, and Huoxue Zhitong capsules.
4. Varicose Veins
Varicose veins may be triggered by genetic factors, prolonged sitting, or venous valve insufficiency. These conditions weaken the venous walls, impair blood return, cause blood to pool in the veins, and lead to vein dilation and twisting, resulting in leg swelling and pain. Symptoms may include lower limb edema and skin pigmentation. Medications such as diosmin tablets, warfarin sodium tablets, and sodium aescinate tablets should be used according to medical advice.
5. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis may be associated with autoimmune disorders, genetic factors, or infections. It causes congestion and edema in soft tissues around joints, compressing nerves and blood vessels, leading to swelling and pain in the lower legs. Symptoms may include joint pain and stiffness. Patients should take medications such as diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets, methotrexate tablets, and prednisone acetate tablets as directed by their physicians.
To prevent calf swelling and pain, it is important to maintain a balanced routine of exercise and rest, avoid maintaining the same posture for long periods—especially prolonged sitting or standing—and engage in appropriate lower-limb activities to promote blood circulation. Additionally, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits is essential.
