Lower leg plain or swelling of the leg can be painful. There can be several causes for this disturbance. Pain in the lower leg can be caused by overuse or from a fall. These are common causes. Pain in the lower leg can also be caused by heart and circulatory diseases, such as congestive heart failure, blood clots, or inflammation in the veins of the legs. The main symptom of these diseases is swelling in the leg caused by extra fluid. This swelling is known as edema.
If the swelling is chronic and is not caused by over exertion or from a fall, it is important to call a doctor. This can be serious and may require medical care. The following are some of the reasons for chronic swelling in the leg.
Phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein. This inflammation is sometimes accompanied by a blood clot. The symptoms of phlebitis are aching, swelling, and redness in the lower part of the leg. This blood clot can increase the swelling and can block the flow of blood to the heart. Since the blood cannot enter the heart, it seeps out of the vein into surrounding tissues which then causes a swelling. If a person has these symptoms, and suspects that it is phlebitis, it is very important to get medical care because this clot can move into the lungs or heart.
Another cause for swelling in the leg is due to congestive heart failure. Swelling is in both legs if it is congestive heart failure. Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart muscle is weakened. The heart can be weakened by a heart attack and therefore is not able to pump blood as it should. If the swelling is due to congestive heart failure, there is no pain in the legs. This is the difference between phlebitis and congestive heart failure.
When the heart is not pumping as it should, the blood backs up and this backup leads to a buildup of fluids in both legs. This buildup can cause liver and lung problems. When fluids collect in the lungs, this can cause shortness of breath. Raising the legs may relieve swelling, but if there are symptoms such as shortness of breath or any other unusual symptom, it is important to call a doctor.
Other causes for the legs to swell are drugs such as testosterone, estrogen, blood pressure drugs, birth control pills, and long term corticosteroid. If you have swelling in the legs and use one or more of these drugs, make certain you contact your doctor. Better to be on the safe side.
Another cause for leg pain is what is known as intermittent claudicating. This is when there is narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis creates a buildup of fluid in the leg and keeps the lower leg muscles from getting oxygen. This condition occurs in older adults and heavy smokers. Activity can cause pain. If there is pain after certain activities, stop the activity. This can cause the pain to be relieved. See a doctor if pain continues.
Source: A Practical Guide to Everyday Health Decisions
Chapter: Self-care for Common Problems Page 126
