Have you noticed lately that your socks are tight and your pants feel snug? Leg swelling can occur in any part of the legs, including the feet, ankles, calves and thighs. Leg swelling can result either from fluid buildup (fluid retention) or from inflammation in injured or diseased tissues or joints.
Causes of leg swells
This information are gotten from WebMD published on 23rd January 2023
Fluid buildup (edema): It happens when the tissues or blood vessels in your legs hold more fluid than they should. This can happen if you simply spend a long day on your feet or sit for too long. But it may also be a sign that you’re overweight or don’t get enough exercise, or of more serious medical conditions.
Inflammation: It happens when the tissues in your legs get irritated and swollen. It’s a natural response if you break a bone or tear a tendon or ligament, but it also may be a sign of a more serious inflammatory illness, like arthritis.
Acute kidney failure: when your kidneys suddenly stop working it can also cause swollen legs, ankles, and feet. But it usually happens when you’re hospitalized with other problems.
Pregnancy: By the third trimester, your growing baby puts pressure on the veins in your legs. This slows the circulation of your blood and causes fluid to build up which results in mild swelling.
And finally, Seek medical care right away if your legs swell for no apparent reason, especially if you have unexplained leg pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain or other warning signs of a blood clot in your lungs or a heart condition.
