here are numerous different causes for thick legs . The range extends from pathological disorders of fat storage on the thighs or hips (lipedema, colloquially riding pants syndrome) to diseases of the lymphatic vessels, the venous system or the internal organs. Tumors can also be responsible for the fat legs. In addition, certain metabolic diseases are sometimes the cause of the symptoms. One of the most common triggers for swollen legs is the venous disease shown below.
Table of Contents
- Circulatory disorders and the venous system
- Most common venous disorders that lead to swollen legs
- Venous insufficiency
- Course of venous insufficiency
- Varicose veins
- Consequences of varicose veins
- Phlebitis
- Venous thrombosis
Circulatory disorders and the venous system
By far the most common causes of thick legs and swollen feet include circulatory disorders . These are often caused by weakness in the veins, which causes a backlog of blood and other body fluids in the legs. The pressure conditions in the human organism, which ensure that the body fluids in the inter-cell spaces, cells and vessels are in harmony, are out of balance. The blood coming from the heart supplies all areas with the necessary substances such as nutrients or oxygen and takes care of the disposal of the used substances on the way back to the heart.
(Image: Olaf Gedanitz / fotolia.com)
The residual products of the metabolism, such as carbon dioxide or so-called slags, are absorbed via the venous system (through the so-called venous hair vessels) and then transported away with the blood. If, for example, the function of the venous valves is impaired, the blood builds up and the vessels begin to expand. The pollutants and used substances can no longer be sufficiently removed and the pressure conditions of the body fluids become out of balance. Liquid deposits form in the tissue (edema).
Most common venous disorders that lead to swollen legs
The most common venous disorders that cause thick legs include varicose veins, but also phlebitis, which often occurs as a result of a varicose vein. In the worst case, a so-called venous thrombosis (phlebothrombosis, occlusion of the vein by a blood clot) underlies the swelling of the leg. This is also referred to as a so-called calf vein or leg vein thrombosis. The main vein disorders that can result in leg swelling are therefore
- Venous weakness,
- Varicose veins,
- Phlebitis,
- Venous thrombosis.
Venous insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency (chronic venous insufficiency) is characterized by permanent functional impairment of the venous valves. As a rule, the venous insufficiency is due to high blood pressureunderlying, which results in a change in the vessel walls, which in turn leads to impairment of the venous valve function. Since the veins in the leg are most struggling with gravity, venous weakness mainly occurs here. For example, sitting or standing for long periods of time can cause blood to build up in the leg veins. The veins cannot pump enough blood against the force of gravity towards the heart and the pressure conditions of the body fluids in the legs get out of balance. The support from the muscles is no longer sufficient to transport the blood away, and so fluid collects in the legs. The affected legs usually swell in the area of the feet and / or ankles, but in some patients the lower legs are also affected.
Course of venous insufficiency
In the initial stage, the swelling will decrease as soon as the legs are raised for a long time (such as when sleeping). But later there is permanent swelling on the legs, which can be accompanied by dark blue skin changes in the area of the outer side of the foot or on the ankle. The skin in the area of the lower leg also changes color in the course of the disease. There are also inflammatory ulcers due to impaired wound healing and fat accumulation. The legs start to itch and allergic reactions are not uncommon. To avoid more serious health problems, therapeutic help should be sought immediately after the first symptoms appear.
Varicose veins can also cause significant leg swelling. (Image: hriana / fotolia.com)
Varicose veins
Varicose vein is the pathological dilation of the superficial leg veins. An often congenital weakness of the vein wall means that the vessel walls expand and the venous valves can no longer close properly. The consequence is the backflow of blood and the increased blood pressure, already described in the section on venous insufficiency. Varicose veins occur more often in women because they are much more susceptible to varicose veins than men due to their weaker connective tissue and hormonal influences. The main risk factors for varicose veins are lack of exercise, obesity and activities in which those affected have to stand or sit for a long time. The varicose veins are not difficult to recognize as such. The pathologically dilated leg veins run like a net or wiggle as bulges over the legs. The varicose veins are usually bluish in color.
Consequences of varicose veins
In the further course of the disease, in addition to the usually unilateral leg swelling, increased itching and sometimes nighttime leg cramps. Scarring of the skin, eczema and (vein) inflammation can be further consequences of untreated varicose veins. Those affected also face the risk of developing ulcers, which in the worst-case scenario may form an open, weeping wound over the lower leg (so-called “open leg”; ulcus cruris).
Phlebitis
Inflammation of the vein (thrombophlebitis) is often the direct result of varicose veins. The inflammation of the superficial veins often results in the formation of blood clots, which in turn can then trigger the dreaded thrombosis. An inflammation of the vein can be seen on the red, swollen vein strands, which are usually sensitive to pressure and can be felt as hardening. The symptoms are local, but can cause considerable leg swelling in the affected area. Due to the high risk of subsequent venous thrombosis, a doctor should be called in immediately if the typical signs appear.
Venous thrombosis
Venous thrombosis is one of the most serious causes of swollen legs. They are triggered by a blood clot (usually in the area of the calves), which leads to constipation or occlusion of the deep veins. A number of factors can trigger the formation of the blood clot, with phlebitis being one of the more common causes. Surgery can also increase the risk of thrombosis. Sitting for long periods of time, being bedridden and generally lacking in movement slow the blood flow, thus increasing blood clotting and possibly also causing thrombosis. In addition, certain liver diseases and medications (e.g. birth control pills) are considered to be possible triggers of thrombosis. Diseases that have an influence on blood coagulation and tumors are mentioned in the specialist literature as further risk factors for thrombosis. The blood clots usually dissolve on their own, but in some patients more and more platelets are deposited on the blood clot until the affected vein section is blocked.
This causes a massive decrease in blood flow and an increase in blood pressure, which in turn can lead to varicose veins and phlebitis. With a thrombosis, the affected leg swells up to the lower leg or even completely, becomes warm and shows a bluish discoloration of the skin. The patients suffer from pulling pain and a feeling of tension or pressure in the leg. The pain usually increases when the foot is pressed or bent. The thrombosis is not uncommon for feveraccompanied. If all veins in one area are closed (phlegmasia coerulea dolens) and the blood can no longer flow back to the heart, the supply of fresh blood via the arteries is also stopped. The result is a death of the affected leg, which can have life-threatening consequences for the patient. Immediate medical care is essential in this medical emergency. Against the background of the fact that the blood clots can loosen and migrate towards the lungs, so that life-threatening pulmonary embolism threatens, medical help should always be sought in the event of a thrombosis.
