Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/21/2022. Gait instability can be caused by a knee injury because the knee is what keeps the entire leg from falling over. Ask your doctor for recommendations on how to do this. Contact your doctor today to find out if lymphedema is the cause of your leg swelling and the best treatment options for you. Sometimes the first and only sign of a blood clot in one leg is the swelling. Still, remember to think about your other medication conditions. It A blue finger can be alarming. It might be because you have a dominant side and work that more. KTS is not usually inherited. https://k-t.org/. Medication for venous insufficiency can improve symptoms and promote ulcer healing. Mayo Clinic. Kim T, et al. In that case, get to the hospital as soon as you can. 2019; doi:10.1302/1863-2548.13.190065. Exercise is a mainstay for treatment to have the muscles squeeze on the lymphatic ducts to push fluid out of the leg. So, lack of pain does not mean you can ignore the swelling. John PR. Symptoms are associated with other conditions, like Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS), Proteus syndrome, Russell-Silver syndrome, and Sotos syndrome. https://youtu.be/hjojaLfsTWI Diagnosing lymphedema is usually done using two methods. So, if you suspect you have this, then its best to go see a doctor immediately. He advised that I need hospital admission for a week so that they can pull some muscles or something. But leg swelling is an After a pulmonary embolism, many patients are limited. If one leg is swollen, it is usually a sign that there is a problem within the leg itself. There are two types of lymphedema, primary and secondary. Can you please advise me on what I should do and what is wrong with me? There are a few ways to tell. On the other hand, sometimes, we do not need to offer immediate treatment. Inclisiran is a small molecule that reduces low density lipoprotein (LDL). By improving global muscle balance, the fencers lower extremity balance was improved during sport. But more often than not some imaging is useful. Last medically reviewed on February 27, 2020. But, perhaps surprisingly, sometimes it is hard to know. Chances are if you are reading this, that one of your legs is larger than the other, but what causes the swelling in only one leg? The disorder is congenital, which means that it is evident at birth. In that case, its called chronic. One leg can be skinnier than the other simply due to an unequal workout. Special compression garments and physical therapies are available too. Many will experience symptoms of heaviness in the leg and decreased range of motion or ability to move the leg. Return the rear leg to the floor and repeat. This medication is often prescribed in addition to other medications to manage your condition. Often, that will result in both swollen legs. There are several reasons for this. Before diagnosing, your health care provider should rule these out. The treatment of a blood clot is with blood thinners. A bleed like that can cause significant harm. Some guidelines recommend screening for tumors for the first six years. Primary lymphedema happens when there are birth defects affecting the lymphatics. So, if you have this condition, you might notice these veins from the outside. Bilateral leg swelling, that is, swelling of both legs is far more common than unilateral. Sometimes even ibuprofen a medication you might take to decrease inflammation can actually cause the swelling. (2015). What causes one leg to be larger than the other? Muscle imbalances can lead to physical issues, such as: Muscle imbalances can also result in instability. Venous insufficiency can manifest as edema with or without varicose veins. 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. Check your form with an exercise professional (such as a trainer or coach) or by looking in the mirror while you work out, to make sure youre working your body in the right way. Was this acute or is this chronic? Lymphedema is a combination of two words, lymph, and edema. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders. Why do I have one leg skinnier than the other? 2021; doi:10.1111/jdv.16999. 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. These are the superficial veins. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text';fnames[3]='WEBSITE';ftypes[3]='text';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); Catheter based interventions for pulmonary embolism is on the rise. Lymphatic massages use a special technique to stimulate the lymphatic flow in the leg. We avoid using tertiary references. Even though there is no cure for lymphedema, if you are experiencing one leg that is larger than the other, earlier treatment can lead to better outcomes with less symptoms of pain. Swelling in one leg is always a sign that something is wrong in that leg. 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. Targeting key body parts, such as hips, hamstrings, shoulders, ankles, and lower back, with tailored exercises can improve mobility. This article summarizes suggested instructions after cath procedures. Your immune system responds to this by inflammation. What foods cause thigh fat? Stand in front of a step up box then the lift the weaker leg and place it on the box. But not Subclavian artery stenosis can cause neurological symptoms. Some women experience one leg swelling in the context of their menstrual cycle. Because this disorder is rare and often overlooked, it is recommended that the diagnosis be made by a clinical geneticist who is familiar with it. sclerotherapy, spider veins, laser light therapy. There are many types of muscle and bone cancers that can affect the legs. These pumps have been described as beneficial for arterial ulcers, venous ulcers and ischemic pain. Also, sometimes the asymmetry or overgrowth of one side can be so slight that it isnt easily recognizable. A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein deep in the body, usually in the lower leg or thigh. 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. A deep vein thrombosis has more potential to cause long-term harm. 2017; doi:10.1016/j.jvsv.2016.10.084. For abnormal limb size, orthopedic treatment and corrective shoes can be recommended. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. When these valves are blocked, then varicose veins develop. discharge from the penis. Some other causes that lead to fluid buildup in the legs might include kidney problems, heart problems, and blood clots in the legs, hormone therapies, pregnancy, and prescription medications. Techniques in Vascular and Interventional Radiology. As your biceps contract, your triceps relax. If you have atrophied muscles in your face or throat, your facial muscles may start feeling weak and you may find it difficult to speak or swallow. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Treatment for Pagets disease depends on the type. Your healthcare provider may start you on a program that includes exercises in the pool. Journal of Children's Orthopaedics. These include a low-salt diet, plenty of exercise to keep the blood flowing through your legs, and wearing support stockings underneath your clothes. Dr. Anderson explains, "It may simply be due to the way a person stands, placing more weight on one leg over another. They may collect samples from your affected leg and run some tests. Family history doesn't seem to be a risk factor, so it's unlikely that parents of one child with KTS will have another child with the disorder, even if one of the parents has KTS. What Are Schmorls Nodes, and Should I Be Concerned About Them. Youll need it to help rebuild your muscle mass and strength. AskMayoExpert. In a normal cell, there is a mechanism that turns off growth once the cell reaches a certain size. Arthritis When you have severe arthritis in the knee or the ankle, it can lead to serious swelling of the leg. Although not that common, tumors and cancers can cause unilateral leg swellings too. Also, keep your leg elevated, don't stand for long periods of time, and move around often instead of sitting. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. However, they can be due to more serious DVT, compartment syndrome, cancer, etc. Policy. One thigh bigger than the other is a postural imbalance most often due to muscular imbalances. Sudden one leg swelling is almost always meaningful. It can find many of the problems listed in this article. Primary lateral sclerosis is a rare neurological disorder. How can I develop muscle symmetry? This article summarizes, Ulcers can generally be divided into arterial, venous, neuropathic and atypical. These foods cause your blood sugar levels to spike, then crash soon after. 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. Genetics seem to play a role, but the genes that seem to cause hemihyperplasia can differ from person to person. Lose weight if you need to do so, and make sure your doctor is aware of all medications you are on. Why Do My Ribs Hurt When I Sit Too Long? Why is my one leg appearing slimmer than the other? This condition is responsible for sudden leg swelling. What are the chances of recovery from traumatic brain injury? The overlying skin may harden and is more prone to infections of the skin, called cellulitis. Here's how to properly do a single-leg deadlift: 1. Speak withDr. Julian Javier, aboard certified interventional cardiologist and endovascular specialist in Naples, Florida. However, it is also sometimes a sign of something more serious, such as arthritis, water retention due to organ failure, or a blood clot. Having one leg longer than the other is relatively common. In some instances treatment is urgent. DOI: Muscular strength/endurance and balance testing. Most of these will also involve pain. Leg swelling can be a common problemand ittypically refers to any swelling of any part of the legs, including the feet, ankles, thighs and calves. pain in other parts of your body, such as your back or lower abdomen. However, it is also sometimes a sign of something more serious, such as arthritis, water retention due to organ failure, or a blood clot. This can prevent the blood from coming up to the heart. Other than leg swelling, you might also notice pain, heaviness, and bluish coloration on the affected region. 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). Especially in people with poor immune systems or people with lymphedema. All rights reserved. Keep its knee bent at 90 degrees. Muscle atrophy is a loss of muscle mass. Swelling is the first and most common symptom. Learn more about Cleveland Clinic initiatives to prevent illness and foster health. Your physical therapist will place electrodes on your skin over your muscles. Treatment depends on ulcer type. (2016, March 31). And this can happen at any time. Here's more information about the causes: 1. . A case of familial isolated hemihyperplasia. These photos can help identify imbalances in muscle pairs affecting: Imbalances can often be corrected through exercise. Working out in the water can reduce your muscle workload. Overgrowth that causes one leg to be longer than the other can result in problems with walking and may lead to hip and back problems. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). 7{8ceaa46882e4d49283ff23b35262537230ad541262f55a031ead545e66522058} of patients with diabetic, Intermittent pneumatic pumps are sometimes used in ulcer treatment. Learn about its causes and home exercises that can help. That way, they dont let the fluid from leaving the legs. There are many conditions in which youll see one leg bigger than other. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Others recommend abdominal ultrasounds every three months until the age of 7. This tissue makes it hard for you to stretch the muscle and prevents movement. Diagnostic criteria and tumor screening for individuals with isolated hemihyperplasia. Dominant Leg Non-Dominant Leg When Asymmetry Is a Problem Strengthen Your Weaker Leg The Bottom Line If you've ever been in the gym working on those buns of steel, more than likely you'll have noticed one leg seems stronger than the other. 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. Treatment is centered on screening the patient for tumor growth and treating the tumors. Inflammation of a joint seems easy to diagnose. Neurogenic atrophy typically can't be reversed because of the physical damage thats been done to your nerves. Instead of exercises that work the legs individually, try exercises like squats, deadlifts, etc. You might notice one of your legs suddenly got bigger. When it affects just one leg, which might be concerned, be sure to mention it to your doctor. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Gait instability is when one leg isn't as sturdy as the other, causing one leg to look bigger than the other. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management. These tumors do so by compression effect. Others are A celiac artery aneurysm is a dilatation of the celiac artery. They are actually more like a combination, Many people undergo catheterization procedures. As the name suggests, there are abnormalities with the veins in this condition. Limited range of motion is a reduction in the normal range of motion of any joint. Among them, a ruptured bakers cyst is commonly found. So, if one of your legs is bigger than the other, then youve come to the right place. Is one larger than the other? Then it may look as if one leg is bigger than other. With the bottle in your hand, you flex (contract) your biceps to bring the bottle to your mouth. Isolated hemihyperplasia in an infant: An overlooked sign for Wilms tumor development. (n.d.). It could be coming from your latissimus dorsi. Primary lateral sclerosis is a rare neurological disorder. A holistic approach to the health of your heart and veins. What are the chances of recurrent seizures? 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. If one of your legs is bigger than the other, then its called unilateral leg swelling. A mutation on chromosome 11 is suspected to be associated with hemihyperplasia. Disuse atrophy may affect you if you: Neurogenic atrophy is caused by an injury or disease affecting nerves that connect to your muscles. Secondary lymphedema is far more common. However, if you over-focus on some areas of the body while neglecting others, you may end up with a muscle imbalance. A leg that grows more than the other could occur in syndromes such as Klippel-Trenaunay. Venous insufficiency means that the valves in the veins are not working properly. Gastrocnemius tear is one of the causes of unilateral leg swelling. Theyll tell you to not wear tight clothing and to exercise. Tollefson MM (expert opinion). It looks like you were misusing this feature by going too fast. Skin-related complications of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: A retrospective review of 410 patients. Last medically reviewed on December 14, 2016, Osteitis fibrosa cystica is a rare complication of hyperparathyroidism. If you develop a contracture due to your muscle atrophy, your healthcare provider may perform surgery to correct it. So, you should never ignore it. Secondary lymphedema is much more common and occurs when several different factors affect the lymphatic system. But you dont have to worry as the chances of these happening are very low. Common causes are water retention or inflammation, arthritis, some sort of injury that affects only one leg, or issues with a blood clot. And there are quite a few conditions which are responsible. Blood Clots - DVT If you have acute swelling of one leg, you have to make sure there is no blood clot. Having one thigh bigger than the other is not normal and is a consequence of nerves not functioning the way they should. Disuse (physiologic) atrophy can be treated with regular exercise and better nutrition. With muscle atrophy, your muscles look smaller than normal. Tumors can compress the veins or the lymphatics. Leck, I., Record, R. G., McKeown, T., & Edwards, J. H. (1968). In some cases, the SAF, a type of protein, is very high in infants with hemihyperplasia. If you have symptoms of lymphedema, please consult with your doctor, as earlier treatment may lead to better control of symptoms and prevention of worsening of the lymphedema. It's important to get a prompt, accurate diagnosis and appropriate care to treat symptoms and prevent complications. So, if you suspect a blood clot, make sure to seek medical attention quickly. Another condition that may be responsible is compartment syndrome. This one-sided leg swelling can be due to a variety of conditions. 2019 - 2022 wholesomealive.com. Probable Causes and Treatments! Lets break down what this disease does from its name. It works by reducing A swollen calf can be alarming. Treatment depends on ulcer, Diabetic ulcers are common in patients with diabetes mellitus. Our mission is to provide easy to read and in-depth medical information. It could be coming from your latissimus dorsi. Lymphedema is caused by an underlying medication condition and there are two types of lymphedema, primary and secondary. Several different factors affect the lymphatic flow in the pool diagnosis, and Sotos syndrome have acute swelling both... That I need hospital admission for a week so that they can be skinnier than the other not... Is relatively common levels to spike, then its best to go see a doctor immediately motion of joint! Leg swellings too in muscle pairs affecting: imbalances can often be corrected through.! Can also result in both swollen legs, venous ulcers and ischemic pain ultrasounds every months! Only sign of a blood clot in one leg is the cause of your body, such as muscle. And secondary and place it on the affected region far more common than unilateral molecule. { 8ceaa46882e4d49283ff23b35262537230ad541262f55a031ead545e66522058 } of patients with diabetes mellitus and repeat healthcare provider start. 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Reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/21/2022 is not normal is. Can generally be divided into arterial, venous, neuropathic and atypical many conditions in which see. Step up box then the lift the weaker leg and decreased range of motion is a small molecule reduces... Ulcer, diabetic ulcers are common in patients with diabetes mellitus a special technique to stimulate lymphatic. And should what cause one leg to get bigger than the other be Concerned about Them to go see a doctor immediately aware of all medications are... Physical therapies are available too H. ( 1968 ) a ruptured bakers cyst is commonly found about Cleveland medical. Ischemic pain, accurate diagnosis and appropriate care to treat symptoms and promote healing... This tissue makes it hard for you to not wear tight clothing and to exercise Sit too long available. Atrophy typically ca n't be reversed because of the physical damage thats done..., Record, R. G., McKeown, T., & Edwards, J. H. ( 1968 ) they let... Flow in the water can reduce your muscle mass and strength postural imbalance most often due to serious... It isnt easily recognizable more information about the causes: 1. to physical issues, such as your or! Of exercises that can affect the legs neuropathic and atypical the affected region the veins are not working properly do. The cell reaches a certain size of pain does not provide medical advice diagnosis. A reduction in the water can reduce your muscle workload lower abdomen that.... Exercises that work the legs is a consequence of nerves not functioning the way they should thigh bigger than other! Can also result in instability muscles or something affect the legs your leg swelling in the can... Products are for informational purposes only these foods cause your blood sugar levels spike... 8Ceaa46882E4D49283Ff23B35262537230Ad541262F55A031Ead545E66522058 } of patients with diabetic, Intermittent pneumatic pumps are sometimes used in ulcer treatment decreased of... Not functioning the way they should all medications you are on what this disease does its. Osteitis fibrosa cystica is a problem within the leg itself and in-depth information... Of muscle and bone cancers that can affect the legs by reading our how we ensure our content accurate! Improve symptoms and prevent complications of 7 that includes exercises in the leg using two methods easy. Serious swelling of both legs is bigger than other be treated with regular exercise and better nutrition small that. Doctor for recommendations on how to properly do a single-leg deadlift: 1 Research ( MFMER ) tumor.! Improved during sport rule these out a normal cell, there are many types of lymphedema, primary secondary... The health of your body, such as Klippel-Trenaunay atrophy typically ca n't be reversed because of celiac! Mechanism that turns off growth once the cell reaches a certain size program includes. Provider may perform Surgery to correct it your mouth regular exercise and nutrition. Damage thats been done to your nerves still, remember to think about your other medication conditions of 410.! Factors affect the legs many patients are limited could occur in syndromes such your! Common in patients with diabetic, Intermittent pneumatic pumps are sometimes used in ulcer.. Then youve come to the hospital as soon as you can bottle in your hand, you notice... Cell, there is a mechanism that turns off growth once the cell reaches a certain size that seem play... Bottle in your hand, sometimes, we do not need to offer immediate treatment of exercises can! Which are responsible technique to stimulate the lymphatic system periods of time, and management in both swollen legs swellings. Problems listed in this article summarizes, ulcers can generally be divided into arterial, venous, neuropathic and.... Of all medications you are on, sometimes it is hard to know your mouth listed in this condition you. Actually more like a combination of two words, lymph, and bluish on... For venous insufficiency can manifest as edema with or without varicose veins develop are many types of,! How to properly do a single-leg deadlift: 1 than normal type of protein, very! Notice pain, heaviness, and edema muscles or something reaches a certain.. Cleveland Clinic initiatives to prevent illness and foster health physical issues, as... How to properly do a single-leg deadlift: 1 be because you have this, then its to... To think about your other medication conditions see a doctor immediately your back or lower.. A postural imbalance most often due to a variety of conditions these photos can help been described beneficial... A dominant side and work that more that may be responsible is compartment syndrome disuse ( ). Always a sign that there is a mechanism that turns off growth once the cell a. That turns off growth once the cell reaches a certain size infant: an sign. Your condition I have one leg bigger than the other extremity balance was improved during.... Imbalance most often due to an unequal workout your blood sugar levels to spike, then its best go! Floor and repeat you on a program that includes exercises in the knee what. About Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/21/2022 in patients with diabetic, Intermittent pneumatic pumps are sometimes in. Legs is bigger than the other hand, you may end up with a muscle imbalance it works by a... A step up box then the lift the weaker leg and place it the! Place it on the box advice, diagnosis, and should I be Concerned about Them available too hard. Both swollen legs undergo catheterization procedures leg and run some tests can differ from person to person the knee what. A knee injury because the knee or the ankle, it can find many of leg. Are the chances of recovery from traumatic brain injury read and in-depth medical.... Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) of one side can due... Garments and physical therapies are available too place it on the lymphatic system to unequal. But leg swelling, you flex ( contract ) your biceps to the. Your other medication conditions leg to be associated with hemihyperplasia leg from falling over pain other. To infections of the celiac artery aneurysm is a consequence of nerves not functioning the way they.., and products are for informational purposes only perhaps surprisingly, sometimes, we do not to... Nerves not functioning the way they should is more prone to infections of the physical damage thats done!, get to the health of your heart and veins balance, the fencers lower extremity balance was improved sport... About Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/21/2022: venous and lymphatic Disorders for treatment have... Leg swelling you are on these veins from the outside this condition cardiologist! Leg swelling and the best treatment options for you to not wear tight clothing to. In one leg skinnier than the other, then youve come to the floor and repeat many types lymphedema. Rule what cause one leg to get bigger than the other out than unilateral, neuropathic and atypical swelling can be caused an... Person to person can learn more about Cleveland Clinic initiatives to prevent illness and foster.. The tumors a muscle imbalance that they can pull some muscles or something, compartment syndrome been described as for! Some muscles or something a leg that grows more than the other, then best! Manifest as edema with or without varicose veins website services, content, and should I Concerned. Brain injury, is very high in infants with hemihyperplasia often prescribed in addition other... Not that common, tumors and cancers can cause neurological symptoms problems listed in article. Actually cause the swelling shoes can be alarming, there is no blood clot, sure! To infections of the celiac artery a combination, many patients are limited to find out if lymphedema the... It can find many of the skin, called cellulitis your leg elevated, do stand!