What causes swelling in the legs and feet?
Disease description:
In winter, after sitting for a long time or keeping the legs suspended for an extended period, one may experience mild swelling in the legs and feet. Why does this happen?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Leg and foot swelling, known as lower limb edema, may be caused by various factors:
1. Physiological factors: Poor circulation in the lower limbs due to prolonged standing or sitting can lead to slower blood return, causing leg and foot swelling. This type of swelling usually subsides after rest or elevating the legs.
2. Cardiovascular diseases: Heart failure is one of the most common causes. When the heart's pumping function declines, blood return becomes obstructed, venous pressure increases, and fluid leaks from blood vessels into surrounding tissues, resulting in lower limb edema.
3. Kidney diseases: Conditions such as nephritis and nephrotic syndrome can cause proteinuria, leading to reduced plasma proteins, decreased plasma colloid osmotic pressure, and fluid leakage out of blood vessels, resulting in edema.
4. Liver diseases: In advanced cirrhosis, reduced liver function leads to decreased albumin synthesis, lowering plasma colloid osmotic pressure. Combined with portal hypertension, this can cause lower limb edema.
5. Lymphatic system diseases: Obstruction of lymphatic vessels or impaired lymphatic drainage following lymph node removal can lead to localized or generalized edema.
6. Venous diseases: Deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, and other conditions affecting venous return in the lower limbs can cause lower limb edema.
