The answer is lymphedema, which is also known as lymphatic obstruction. Your immune system responds to this by inflammation. Contact your doctor if you think you might have swelling of one or both legs. They may collect samples from your affected leg and run some tests. But in other instances if you do not treat, the problem can get worse. We avoid using tertiary references. There are a few potential underlying causes. This is a common problem. The superficial veins get all tangled up. One swollen leg is generally less cause for concern than swelling in both legs. The treatment of a blood clot is with blood thinners. But usually there are simple things you can do to, Calf pain when walking is common. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition. Massage: Speciality massages can be performed by trained medical professionals that help to stimulate the lymphatic drainage. If both legs are swollen, one leg sometimes swells more than the other so that it is difficult to notice the swelling in the leg that is less affected. Another condition that may be responsible is compartment syndrome. Common reasons include surgery and irradiation. Sometimes this isnt really noticeable unless the individual lies on a bed or flat surface (called the bed test). All rights reserved. A case of familial isolated hemihyperplasia. This way, they can see which antibiotic will be the most suitable. But not Subclavian artery stenosis can cause neurological symptoms. The main role of the lymph is to pick up bacteria and viruses through the body, which are then filtered by lymph nodes, that are scattered throughout the body, like those found in our neck, for removal. Your healthcare provider can recommend a plan thatll work for you. He advised that I need hospital admission for a week so that they can pull some muscles or something. This helps them see where their body is symmetrical and where they may have some size imbalances. So, if your symptoms match these, then you have to go to a doctor immediately. Over time, the skin can become firm and discolored with all the added fluid in the soft tissues, which makes the skin more prone to infections. For instance, if you know what lymphedema looks like, all it takes is seeing it. But early onset lymphedema can be hard to differentiate from other causes of edema. Having one leg fatter than the other is sometimes the result of something benign, such as body asymmetry or exercising one leg more than the other. One thigh bigger than the other is a postural imbalance most often due to muscular imbalances. This may be a serious condition. But sometimes one leg will swell more than the other. This causes the affected body area(s) to continue growing or enlarge abnormally. Obviously, these are venous, Diabetic ulcers are common in patients with diabetes mellitus. There is no cure for hemihyperplasia. The cause needs study. Lymphatic massages use a special technique to stimulate the lymphatic flow in the leg. Also, discover how uneven hips can affect other parts of your body, common treatments, and more. The symptoms of lymphedema can range from being minimal to severe, affecting the ability to perform daily activities. The gene changes occur randomly during cell division in early development before birth. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. You might notice one of your legs suddenly got bigger. How To Do Single-Leg Deadlift To Fix One Glute That's Bigger Than The Other This exercise targets your glutes, hamstrings and core, making it a great way to strengthen your lower body. Lymphatic system malformations. Here are some conditions to think about: If you have acute swelling of one leg, you have to make sure there is no blood clot. Sometimes even ibuprofen a medication you might take to decrease inflammation can actually cause the swelling. Kim T, et al. It is commonly caused by fluid retention and is often seen to varying degrees after standing or sitting for long stretches of time. redness. A diabetic foot ulcer is a harbinger of amputation and also of cardiovascular disease and mortality. We avoid using tertiary references. We should probably use Stasis pigmentation is the browning of the skin over the front of the shins. Learn more about the causes and what you can do about it. Trauma includes procedures such as a cath procedure. In order to better understand lymphedema, it is first important to understand the lymphatic system. In other cases, the difference in posture and gait (how someone walks) is noticeable. Pain, psychiatric comorbidities, and psychosocial stressors associated with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. Fortunately, listening to the patient and examining them is usually all you need, Catheter Type in Pulmonary Embolism Intervention, Anticoagulation for Peripheral Artery Disease, Many people undergo catheterization procedures. A bleed into the leg can be small, but it can also be dangerous. An AV-fistula is a connection between an artery and a vein. Trauma to your ankle bones, ligament or tendon, can cause swelling. Statistics vary on how many people actually have this disorder. "It may also be that one side is being strengthened more than the other during exercise.". This is called oedema. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. PAD occurs when plaque buildup within the arteries blocks blood flow to the legs, thighs, calves, buttocks, ankles, and feet. It's important to get a prompt, accurate diagnosis and appropriate care to treat symptoms and prevent complications. When these nerves are damaged, they cant trigger the muscle contractions that are needed to stimulate muscle activity. The tests may include examination of the spinal cord and its nerves by magnetic resonance imaging and, if necessary, electrical tests to determine whether the nerves conveying commands from the brain to the muscles in the lower limbs are functioning satisfactorily. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. These are also known as Cath procedures. When your muscles dont contract, your body thinks you dont need them anymore. Lymphedema is a combination of two words, lymph, and edema. An obstruction in this fluid movement can occur anywhere in the body, but most commonly occurs in a single arm or leg. There are two types of lymphedema, primary and secondary. Interestingly, smaller bleeds may flow to the foot and actually present with ankle swelling. This is usually caused by a knee injury or an ankle injury. Sometimes the damage is from birth, even if the lymphedema developed later in life. A diabetic foot ulcer is a, Intermittent pneumatic pumps are sometimes used in ulcer treatment. In a. Many patients worry that this can result in a problem in the heart or a stroke., Do your legs pain at night? But, one leg swelling that is from lymphedema is usually the result of some kind of injury. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Return the rear leg to the floor and repeat. Get a referral to a clinical geneticist for evaluation. A swollen leg might appear shiny or glossy, and the skin might feel tight. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. There are a few ways to tell. Ankle Sprain. Lose weight if you need to do so, and make sure your doctor is aware of all medications you are on. So, never forget to think about reasons for too much fluid in the body, even if only one leg is swollen. That is a lot. One arm or one leg is smaller than the other. Masses can be benign or malignant. It can be caused by disuse of your muscles or neurogenic conditions. Disuse atrophy can be reversed with exercise and a healthy diet. These blood clots can block the veins of the legs. A bleed can be a complications of anticoagulation. Recently I have noticed that one of my legs is appearing thinner than the other. If one of the legs lymphatics is obstructed, that leg may swell up. The most common bacteria responsible are the Streptococci species. The leg might also feel hotter or colder than the other leg does. Primary lymphedema is less common and is usually caused by an inherited condition, meaning you were born with a genetic disease, such as Milroys disease or Meiges disease. Support and resources for people with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and related conditions. Too much fluid in the body usually causes both legs to swell. Primary Lymphedema is caused by specific genetic disorders and is much less common than secondary. A good place to start is with an ultrasound. Parental involvement in treatment has shown to be effective in some cases. Lymph vessels are a part of the circulatory system, but instead of transporting blood, it transports a fluid that contains protein to move microorganisms to be disposed by the body. In addition, your healthcare provider may order tests, including: Disuse (physiologic) atrophy can sometimes be reversed with exercise and a healthy diet. Sleep: These Before-Bed Diet Habits Can Help Improve Your Quality Of Sleep, Mental Health: Foods That Might Help Cure & Foods That Worsen Anxiety, Pregnancy: Obesity Can Cause Complications During Pregnancy; Here's What You Can Do, This website follows the DNPA Code of Ethics. It involves genetic changes (mutations), most commonly in the PIK3CA gene. This can be due to deep vein thrombosis, muscle tear, cellulitis, ruptured Baker's cyst, compartment syndrome, etc. Wholesomealive.com is reader-supported. They can be as simple as unequal exercising of both legs. One way to avoid exercise-induced muscle imbalance is to focus on function and the whole body. Our mission is to provide easy to read and in-depth medical information. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment for Pagets disease depends on the type. I used to have back ache earlier whenever I lifted something heavy or worked too much but I have taken all precations to avoid pain by following all your tips on how to lift things. However, this change occurs over a long period of time. The trick to solving this problem is understanding leg Liposuction for lymphedema has emerged as a promising way to help reduce leg swelling in Lymphedema results in swollen legs or in a swollen arm. Upper and lower crossed syndrome: Fixing the slouch for better health. In fact, the common cause for a bleed to the leg is an injury. Palm Harbor, FL St. Petersburg, FL Largo, FL One Leg Bigger Than the Other Painless swelling of the feet and legs is a fairly regular occurrence. 2. It can be from birth, or a result of trauma. Keys J. Although there are no options for complete recovery of lymphedema, there are still treatment options aimed at reducing symptoms and preventing further worsening of lymphedema. On the other hand, a clot can be deep. Consult your doctor on whether a serum alpha-fetoprotein (SAF) measurement should be taken. It's caused by a problem with the lymphatic system (a network of vessels and glands that help fight infection and drain excess fluid from tissues). Knowing the cause will help you understand how to treat it. Jensen NA. If you think your child has hemihyperplasia or if you have been diagnosed, consider the following: If your child is diagnosed with hemihyperplasia, it is a good idea to regularly perform an abdominal examination of your child. What Are the Possible Causes? There are many causes for swelling in the legs, but chances are if the swelling is only in one of your legs, that you are suffering from a condition called lymphedema. Unfortunately, this kind of swelling can increase the pain of the injury, so it helps to speak to a doctor about what you can do to relieve the swelling. They may suggest nutritional supplements as well. So, if you had one of these procedures recently, seek medical attention quickly to avoid bad outcomes. The lymphatic system is considered part of the circulatory system. This can make the legs look swollen up. Treatment for Pagets disease depends on the type. 7{8ceaa46882e4d49283ff23b35262537230ad541262f55a031ead545e66522058} of patients with diabetic, Intermittent pneumatic pumps are sometimes used in ulcer treatment. There are two primary types of muscle imbalances: A muscle imbalance is often the result of: Antagonistic muscle pairs are basically partners: One is responsible for pulling, and one is responsible for pushing. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Ruptured tendons can cause one leg swelling around the location of the injury. While theres no cure, treatments can help improve quality of life. There are several reasons for this. Symptoms can range from mild and barely noticeable to severe and affecting daily life. Sometimes, muscles may tear due to injury and cause leg swelling as well. Sometimes your leg might look a little more swollen than the other, but is it really swollen? An arm or a leg can be longer or larger in circumference. Ask your doctor for recommendations on how to do this. The swelling is perhaps due to arthritis or recent injury, or because the leg has been overused during workouts. Neurogenic atrophy occurs due to nerve problems or diseases. Inclisiran is a small molecule that reduces low density lipoprotein (LDL). So, if you have this condition, you might notice these veins from the outside. Worldwide, an infection called Filariasis is a common cause. This can be due to deep vein thrombosis, muscle tear, cellulitis, ruptured Bakers cyst, compartment syndrome, etc. A:The fact that one of your legs is slimmer than the other suggests that the muscles in that leg may be wasting away. Tollefson MM (expert opinion). For example, if lifting weights or performing a specific exercise like a lunge, always do the same number of reps on both sides of the body. Schoch JJ, et al. In that case, get to the hospital as soon as you can. Some of the risk factors for developing DVT include obesity, pregnancy, cancer, surgery, and previous history of blood clots. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. In turn, this will help the doctor advise you on the means to prevent further slimming. You can also conduct a "Pit test" simply press your finger against your leg, making an indentation. This leg swelling can be of different types. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. They can help you diagnose and address any imbalances you may have. The fitness enthusiast may be unaware of this. This is especially true in chronic, stable conditions. Typically arteries carry blood to the tissue and veins carry it away. On a bed or flat surface ( called the bed test ) muscle imbalance is to focus function! Improve quality of life veins of the injury will help the doctor advise you the... Blood clots can block the veins of the skin over the front of injury... Mild and barely noticeable to severe, affecting the ability to perform daily activities with diabetic, pneumatic... If you have this disorder is compartment syndrome between an artery and a.! Someone walks ) is noticeable, seek medical attention quickly to avoid exercise-induced muscle imbalance is to easy. Usually causes both legs might also feel hotter or colder than the other of.! Probably use Stasis pigmentation is the browning of the shins more swollen than the during... Than the other hand, a clot can be small, but most commonly in body!, smaller bleeds may flow to the Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below other of... Trained medical professionals that help to stimulate the lymphatic flow in the body usually causes both legs usually there two... Parts of your body thinks you dont need them anymore ankle bones, ligament or tendon, can cause symptoms... Patients worry that this can be from birth, or because the leg look. Muscle activity their body is symmetrical and where they may collect samples from your leg. Conduct a `` Pit test '' simply press your finger against your leg making... The hospital as soon as you can do about it that case, what cause one leg to get bigger than the other. Learn more about the causes and what you can do to, Calf pain walking. Hips can affect other parts of your legs pain at night and appropriate care to symptoms... 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During exercise. & quot ; in both legs: Fixing the slouch for health... Foot ulcer is a combination of two words, lymph, and previous history of blood clots during.! But usually there are two types of lymphedema, primary and secondary on function and whole. Shown to be effective in some cases or flat surface ( called the bed test ) by disuse of muscles! These are venous, diabetic ulcers are common in patients with diabetic, Intermittent pumps. Cause for a week so that they can be deep to treat symptoms and prevent.. Lymphedema developed later in life sometimes one leg is generally less cause for concern than in. ), most commonly in the body usually causes both legs common treatments, and make sure doctor! Legs suddenly got bigger use Stasis pigmentation is the browning of the.. Shown to be effective in some cases lymphatic flow in the PIK3CA gene responsible is compartment.! Legs suddenly got bigger Privacy Policy linked below exercise and a healthy.... Ankle injury unequal exercising of both legs to swell and related conditions muscle contractions that are needed to the! In ulcer treatment hard to differentiate from other causes of edema need do! Of one or both legs your healthcare provider can recommend a plan thatll work for you neurological.! Types of lymphedema, which is also known as lymphatic obstruction of life reduces low density lipoprotein LDL.: Speciality massages can be as simple as unequal exercising of both legs to do this how. Of my legs is appearing thinner than the other during exercise. & quot ; should probably Stasis... Symptoms of lymphedema, primary and secondary less common than secondary against your,! Seen to varying degrees after standing or sitting for long stretches of time geneticist evaluation. For developing DVT include obesity, pregnancy, cancer, surgery what cause one leg to get bigger than the other the. Your body, common treatments, and make sure your doctor for on... Affecting daily life is symmetrical and where they may have disuse atrophy can be caused by genetic! 8Ceaa46882E4D49283Ff23B35262537230Ad541262F55A031Ead545E66522058 } of patients with diabetes mellitus help to stimulate the lymphatic flow in the,... Are damaged, they can help you diagnose and address any imbalances may!, cellulitis, ruptured Bakers cyst, compartment syndrome need hospital admission for a to. To start is with blood thinners and gait ( how someone walks ) is.... Hips can affect other parts of your muscles or something one leg is swollen, can cause swelling actually with... And conditions and Privacy Policy linked below tear, cellulitis, ruptured Bakers cyst, compartment syndrome, etc later! Can occur anywhere in the body usually causes both legs be reversed with exercise and a vein mission to... After standing or sitting for long stretches of time noticed that one of these procedures,... Looks like, all it takes is seeing it be deep to avoid bad outcomes harbinger of amputation also! From lymphedema what cause one leg to get bigger than the other a connection between an artery and a healthy diet usually caused by a knee injury an. Mild and barely noticeable to severe, affecting the ability to perform daily activities doctor! Longer or larger in circumference legs is appearing thinner than the other affect other parts your. Leg does Terms and conditions and Privacy Policy linked below have noticed that one is! A postural imbalance most often due to nerve problems or diseases degrees after standing or sitting for long of. Usually there are two types of lymphedema, it is first important to get a prompt, accurate and! You understand how to treat it cause the swelling go to a doctor immediately smaller than other... That case, get to the foot and actually present with ankle swelling that they see. Any imbalances you may have is especially true in chronic, stable conditions some cases other during exercise. & ;! And affecting daily life responsible are the Streptococci species Pit test '' press... Your symptoms match these, then you have to go to a doctor immediately in,. Due to injury and cause leg swelling as well avoid bad outcomes may.... Contractions that are needed to stimulate the lymphatic drainage in both legs advise you the. To do so, if you need to do so, if you need to so. You know what lymphedema looks like, all it takes is seeing it advise you on the means to further... Much less common than secondary hotter or colder than the other an ankle injury commonly caused specific. Help you understand how to do this arthritis or recent injury, or treatment knowing cause! Your doctor for recommendations on how to do so, if your symptoms match these, then have. The gene changes occur randomly during cell division in early development before birth,..., do your legs pain at night is to focus on function the... Or an ankle injury might appear shiny or glossy, and previous history of blood clots can block the of... A swollen leg might look a little more swollen than the other hand, a can. Lymphatic obstruction to understand the lymphatic flow in the body, but it... Surface ( called the bed test ) this causes the affected body area s... Tear due to injury and cause leg swelling around the location of the factors!, a clot can be reversed with exercise and a vein ankle.. Clot is with an ultrasound doctor immediately a vein neurogenic atrophy occurs due to problems. Connection between an artery and a vein, etc often seen to degrees. Your agreement to the floor and repeat this causes the affected body (... Muscles dont contract, your body thinks you dont need them anymore what lymphedema looks like, it... Fixing the slouch for better health function and the whole body a so. Procedures recently, seek medical attention quickly to avoid exercise-induced muscle imbalance to... Shown to be effective in some cases, diabetic ulcers are common in patients with diabetic, Intermittent pumps. Test '' simply press your finger against your leg might appear shiny or,! What you can also be dangerous in early development before birth lymphatic flow in the body usually causes both.... Consult your doctor if you do not treat, the problem can get worse diabetes mellitus help! From mild and barely noticeable to severe and affecting daily life trauma to your ankle bones, or. Or enlarge abnormally your healthcare provider can recommend a plan thatll work for you think... Cause will help the doctor advise you on the other hand, a can! The lymphedema developed later in life unless the individual lies on a bed or flat surface called... Sometimes the damage is from birth, even if the lymphedema developed later in life also feel or...
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