This is a common problem. Skin changes are also part Lymphedema skin infections are common. breast enlargement or tenderness. So, its best to see a doctor in order to diagnose why one of your legs is bigger. As the name suggests, there are abnormalities with the veins in this condition. AskMayoExpert. Muscle atrophy can occur due to malnutrition, age, genetics, a lack of physical activity or certain medical conditions. Lymph is a type of fluid that circulates inside your body. This is a common problem. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management. This can prevent the blood from coming up to the heart. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. The tendency for cellulitis stems from several mechanisms. There are a few other conditions that can present with sudden unilateral leg swelling. (2017). 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. If this is the case, other symptoms are generally present, such as pain or numbness. Lymphatic massages use a special technique to stimulate the lymphatic flow in the leg. (2015). Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/21/2022. Patients will often hear a loud popping sound and feel a sharp pain when the rupture happens. And one leg usually doesnt get too big. Medication for venous insufficiency can improve symptoms and promote ulcer healing. Read about causes, seeing a doctor. Lymphedema Causes One Leg to Be Larger than the Other Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatments. For instance, we start blood thinners quickly when we suspect a blood clot. Lymphedema: What Causes One Leg to be Larger than the Other? Last Updated 01 March, 2023. Too much fluid in the body usually causes both legs to swell. Other than leg swelling, you might also notice pain, heaviness, and bluish coloration on the affected region. Our mission is to provide easy to read and in-depth medical information. John PR. In these cases, other symptoms like anaemia, weight loss, and fatigue will be there too. They can help you diagnose and address any imbalances you may have. Cellulitis will cause a red, hot, painful swollen leg. For instance, an ACL tear will cause knee swelling that can also involve the calf. Others recommend abdominal ultrasounds every three months until the age of 7. This leg swelling can be of different types. This is seen at birth or soon after birth. An AV-fistula is a connection between an artery and a vein. What are the chances of recovery from traumatic brain injury? Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. They may also order diagnostic imaging to screen for tumors. Secondary lymphedema is much more common and occurs when several different factors affect the lymphatic system. What Are Schmorls Nodes, and Should I Be Concerned About Them. Deciding when a patient can fly after a pulmonary embolism (PE) comes up a lot. A deep vein thrombosis, DVT, is a blood clot in the veins. Parental involvement in treatment has shown to be effective in some cases. People who have KTS may have the following features, which can range from mild to more extensive: KTS is usually identified at birth. Why is my one leg appearing slimmer than the other? 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. 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. A mutation on chromosome 11 is suspected to be associated with hemihyperplasia. Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS, Everything You Need to Know About Muscle Stiffness, What You Should Know About Primary Lateral Sclerosis. In that case, you might notice one leg bigger than other. Children with hemihyperplasia are at an increased risk for tumors, specifically those that occur in the abdomen. Diseases and other conditions that can affect these nerves include: The amount of time it takes for your muscles to atrophy depends on your age, fitness level and cause of atrophy. Massage: Speciality massages can be performed by trained medical professionals that help to stimulate the lymphatic drainage. These are also known as Cath procedures. 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. When one (the agonist) contracts, the other (the antagonist) relaxes. In turn, this will help the doctor advise you on the means to prevent further slimming. Then they can multiply and cause tissue destruction. Instead of transporting blood, it transports lymph, a protein-rich fluid in the body. Lymphedema Causes One Leg to Be Larger than the Other Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatments. Lymphedema can be a difficult illness to manage, due to the disfiguring from the swelling and skin changes, but also the difficulty to perform normal tasks. They are quickly replacing surgery for many indications. They are actually more like a combination, Many people undergo catheterization procedures. Learn about causes of uneven hips, such as scoliosis. These are also known as Cath procedures. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. And if that cyst ruptures, fluid comes out and goes down to the leg. Here's more information about the causes: 1. 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. So, doctors treat this condition with an antibiotic. We should probably use Stasis pigmentation is the browning of the skin over the front of the shins. Varicose veins affect the superficial veins of the legs. This is because the artery has higher pressure and it is now connected to the vein. Rightfully so. Instead, your body will start to break your muscles down, which causes them to decrease in size and strength. There are two types of lymphedema, primary and secondary. Make an appointment as soon as possible. This happens when theres a leg injury like a broken bone or crush injury. The superficial veins get all tangled up. There are many valves that ensure that blood only goes from superficial to deep. Gait instability can be caused by a knee injury because the knee is what keeps the entire leg from falling over. Recently I have noticed that one of my legs is appearing thinner than the other. Often, these do not cause long-term harm (though, they can). Your muscle fibers get bigger or thicken. Treatment depends on ulcer type. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. So, swelling of both legs will be seen. In order to better understand lymphedema, it is first important to understand the lymphatic system. 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. This may cause the skin to feel tight and uncomfortable. In addition, your healthcare provider may order tests, including: Disuse (physiologic) atrophy can sometimes be reversed with exercise and a healthy diet. This type of injury often occurs after a person falls, bumps into something, or is struck on the calf. Lymphedema is a combination of two words, lymph, and 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. Why Do My Ribs Hurt When I Sit Too Long? This article summarizes, Ulcers can generally be divided into arterial, venous, neuropathic and atypical. Mayo Clinic. pain in other parts of your body, such as your back or lower abdomen. Kim T, et al. Especially in people with poor immune systems or people with lymphedema. A 2015 study on elite fencers showed that the heavy use of lunging while fencing results in an imbalance of the lower and upper limb muscles. For instance, acute gout can cause painful ankle swelling that can look like a blood clot to some doctors. Answer: Having one side that is a little (or a lot) bigger or stronger than the other is actually a fairly common problem. How can I develop muscle symmetry? So your body starts breaking them down, which causes them to decrease in size and strength. One arm or one leg is smaller than the other. There are many reasons for leg swelling, but ultimately, the reason stems from fluid buildup or inflammation from your joints or tissues. While theres no cure, treatments can help improve quality of life. Compression: Wearing compression garments such as stockings, socks, or wraps, helps to squeeze the legs to reduce swelling. Malformations in the lymphatic system can cause fluid buildup and swelling in the tissues of the arms or legs (lymphedema), skin breakdown and skin ulcers, leakage of lymphatic . https://youtu.be/hjojaLfsTWI Diagnosing lymphedema is usually done using two methods. 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. One leg feels cooler than the other. Here, blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs. Pain, psychiatric comorbidities, and psychosocial stressors associated with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. The most obvious symptom of hemihyperplasia is the tendency for one side of the body to be larger than the other side. With the bottle in your hand, you flex (contract) your biceps to bring the bottle to your mouth. The cause needs study. Remember that the thigh can contain as much as two liters of blood. Many chronic conditions can go unnoticed and then suddenly become apparent. Unilateral exercises can be responsible for this too. Place the cold pack in a towel and rest it on the affected area for twenty minutes. Sometimes even ibuprofen a medication you might take to decrease inflammation can actually cause the swelling. This gene is responsible for the growth of cells and the development of tissues in the body. Lymph moves inside lymphatic vessels much like blood is inside blood vessels. If all else fails, surgery can be done. The symptoms of lymphedema can range from being minimal to severe, affecting the ability to perform daily activities. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. And this is what causes the edema. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. By improving global muscle balance, the fencers lower extremity balance was improved during sport. Last medically reviewed on February 27, 2020. Start by standing on one leg, with your other leg slightly behind you. So, lack of pain does not mean you can ignore the swelling. Some research indicates that 40-70% of people have some form of leg length. Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to promote muscle healing. One swollen leg is generally less cause for concern than swelling in both legs. So, if you suspect a blood clot, make sure to seek medical attention quickly. There are a few ways to tell. Wilms tumor, which is a cancer that occurs in the kidneys, is the most common. What foods cause thigh fat? It includes putting more stress on one leg, deep vein thrombosis, tumor, venous insufficiency, lymphedema, etc. Disuse atrophy can be reversed with exercise and a healthy diet. Why is my right thigh bigger than left? Your first step in fixing a muscle imbalance is identification. It can be hard to stay motivated, but stick with the plan. In some situations, the more developed muscle may contract more and tighten up. Some of these conditions can be quite severe. Targeting key body parts, such as hips, hamstrings, shoulders, ankles, and lower back, with tailored exercises can improve mobility. It can be from birth, or a result of trauma. We dont always put equal stress on both legs all the time. Primary lateral sclerosis is a rare neurological disorder. This is why your doctor has advised you to undergo tests. A prior infection, radiation treatment for cancer, removal of lymph nodes during surgery, and certain cancers are common causes for secondary lymphedema. This can happen due to several causes. PAD occurs when plaque buildup within the arteries blocks blood flow to the legs, thighs, calves, buttocks, ankles, and feet. If you experience chest pain, fainting or dizziness, confusion, or difficulty breathing, call for an ambulance, as these could be signs of a very serious situation. For instance, someone is born with one leg larger than the other. Frieden IJ, et al. In some instances treatment is urgent. Having one leg longer than the other is relatively common. Sept. 9, 2021. A holistic approach to the health of your heart and veins. Sometimes, a build-up of fluid can cause the legs, ankles or feet to become swollen. 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. Sometimes, muscles may tear due to injury and cause leg swelling as well. Neurogenic muscle atrophy may develop sooner depending on your health condition. Jensen NA. There's a good reason why you have a muscle on one side that is bigger or stronger than the other side. As a result, the blood vessels leak into the muscle tissues. Primary Lymphedema is caused by specific genetic disorders and is much less common than secondary. Hemihyperplasia, formerly called hemihypertrophy, is a rare disorder in which one side of the body grows more than the other due to an excess production of cells, causing asymmetry. This guide by Dr. Almeida at the Miami Vein Center details the what lymphedema is, the symptoms, causes and treatment. Schoch JJ, et al. One thigh bigger than the other is a postural imbalance most often due to muscular imbalances. Treatment depends on ulcer, Diabetic ulcers are common in patients with diabetes mellitus. Here are the common causes of only one ankle swelling. Sometimes fever is the first sign. Knowing the cause will help you understand how to treat it. Over time, the muscle of that leg will grow bigger than the other. In many cases, relieving swelling in left legcan be as simple as a RICE treatment Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Sometimes the diagnosis is easy to make by examining the patient. In that case, get to the hospital as soon as you can. Complications and What to Eat. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. The cause needs study. Leg swelling is a common problem that people face. This one-sided leg swelling can be due to a variety of conditions. Ankle Sprain. (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. This is called oedema. But rest assured, the more common causes are nothing to worry about. This article summarizes suggested instructions after cath procedures. When it affects just one leg, which might be concerned, be sure to mention it to your doctor. +1(415)-323-0836 (Whatsapps), [emailprotected]. Water retention can be caused by something as simple as standing up all day, but it can also be the result of serious problems, such as kidney failure or heart disease. Some guidelines recommend screening for tumors for the first six years. Mayo Clinic. Theyll tell you to not wear tight clothing and to exercise. Does Lipedema go away? Most clots in the leg veins or in the lungs clear over time. These bacteria can access the deeper skin of the leg through cuts or breaks. Keys J. Some of them are malignant lymphoma, renal carcinoma, ureteric carcinoma, leiomyosarcoma, etc. This article will explain what causes one thigh bigger than the other and how to work in order to fix it. If more testing is required, it may be with a CT or with an MRI. Even if you cant actively move certain joints in your body, you can do still exercises wearing a splint or brace. Venous insufficiency may affect one leg more than the other and then the result could be one leg swelling. Between 8 to 12 million people living in the U.S. have a serious vascular disease known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). There are other things that might help you avoid or eliminate leg swelling. However, if you over-focus on some areas of the body while neglecting others, you may end up with a muscle imbalance. DVT can cause swelling, pain, and redness in the affected leg. Among them, a ruptured bakers cyst is commonly found. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Muscle atrophy is a loss of muscle mass. Muscle atrophy is the wasting or thinning of muscle mass. Some women experience one leg swelling in the context of their menstrual cycle. Keep its knee bent at 90 degrees. It is commonly caused by fluid retention and is often seen to varying degrees after standing or sitting for long stretches of time. Muscle hypertrophy is an increase of your muscle mass. To book a consultation click here or call (239) 300-0586. Many patients worry that this can result in a problem in the heart or a stroke., Do your legs pain at night? 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). Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. These are the superficial veins. Exercise: Performing low impact exercises at least 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week, can help to reduce swelling by having the muscles of the legs squeeze the excess fluid up and out of the legs. (2018). So, if you had one of these procedures recently, seek medical attention quickly to avoid bad outcomes. 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? This fluid is formed from the excessive fluid outside the cells. Diabetes: Drinking More Water Can Help Reduce Blood Sugar; Follow These Tips To Increase Water Intake, Weight Loss: 7 Tips That Will Help You Practice Mindful Eating, Mental Health: Worst Foods For Stress, As Shared By An Expert. This fluid forms the lymph. But sometimes one leg will swell more than the other. The cause will dictate treatment. When these valves are blocked, then varicose veins develop. This can also be a very painful condition that can make it difficult to move or bend your leg, or even to put weight on the affected limb. Sometimes it is obvious that the swelling is chronic. Sudden one leg swelling is almost always meaningful. A:The fact that one of your legs is slimmer than the other suggests that the muscles in that leg may be wasting away. 2019; doi:10.1016/j.tvir.2019.100634. If you stop using your muscles, your body wont waste the energy it needs to take care of them. A ruptured Bakers cyst can cause acute pain and calf swelling. The most obvious sign of muscle atrophy is reduced muscle mass. Board Certified Vascular Surgeon & Vein Expert in Miami. Other signs of muscle atrophy may include: If you have muscle atrophy in your limbs, you may feel tingling, numbness or weakness in your arms and legs. Lymphatic system malformations. 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. Receive an email when we publish a new post, Copyright 2023Miami Vein Center| All Rights Reserved |1501 South Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33129, {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, Sclerotherapy Over Laser Therapy for Spider Vein Treatment. 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? If youre experiencing muscle imbalance, you may be able to address it via targeted exercise. Journal of Children's Orthopaedics. Learn about its causes and home exercises that can help. Well tell you the symptoms, how its treated, and how to improve your bone, Muscle stiffness often goes away on its own. This is usually caused by a knee injury or an ankle injury. So, if you have sudden pain and swelling after an accident, its best to go see a doctor immediately. Muscle length and strength between opposing muscle groups need to be in balance for normal movement and function. Some causes are urgent, and potentially dangerous. Accessed July 6, 2021. 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. 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. Genetics seem to play a role, but the genes that seem to cause hemihyperplasia can differ from person to person. However, it is also sometimes a sign of something more serious, such as arthritis, water retention due to organ failure, or a blood clot. Dr. Anderson explains, "It may simply be due to the way a person stands, placing more weight on one leg over another. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30390273/), (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30390245/), (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003188.htm), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. Heilstedt, H. A., & Bacino, C. A. To correct this imbalance, you may need to stretch and strengthen both calves equally. One method of identification is biometric testing. What are the chances of recurrent seizures? Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. If you notice certain parts of your body look smaller or feel weaker, reach out to your healthcare provider. In turn, this will help the doctor advise you on the means to prevent further slimming. Some of the fluid remains in the space outside the cells. (2016, March 31). Tumors are abnormal growths that can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancer). They have also been used in, Vascular Literature Review September 15th, Vascular Literature Review September 6th. 1. All rights reserved. The swelling is perhaps due to arthritis or recent injury, or because the leg has been overused during workouts. Policy. Like anything else in medicine, the diagnosis starts with listening to the story. Muscle atrophy is the loss or thinning of your muscle tissue. Gastrocnemius tear is one of the causes of unilateral leg swelling. The swelling is a result of the fluid from the cyst flowing down to the calf. These findings most often affect one leg but may occur in an arm or elsewhere. While a diagnosis of muscle atrophy isnt easy, its important to remember that disuse (physiologic) atrophy can be reversed. That's when the tissue in your leg dies. Can Spider Veins Turn into Varicose Veins? Diet to reduce thigh fat The biggest culprits are pasta, white rice and bread, pastries, sodas, and desserts. But there are many reasons for calf and other leg pain when walking. When you remove the finger, does the indentation stay there? These tumors do so by compression effect. A common warning sign of moderate to severe PAD is chronic numbness, tingling, or coolness in . You can think of it like blood. And this might make it seem like you have one leg bigger than other. Overuse of the right calf muscle can cause it to become bigger than the left. The symptoms of lymphedema can range from being minimal to severe, affecting the ability to perform daily activities. Masses can be benign or malignant. Sometimes, a test called lymphoscintigraphy is needed to make the diagnosis of lymphedema. It's important to get a prompt, accurate diagnosis and appropriate care to treat symptoms and prevent complications. The condition is known as leg length discrepancy. Accessed July 6, 2021. Lets break down what this disease does from its name. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Keep taking all your medications, and if your leg swelling is causing pain, take some over the counter medications to help. Although there is no cure for KTS, treatment goals are to improve symptoms and prevent complications. If one of the legs lymphatics is obstructed, that leg may swell up. So beware! So understanding the causes and treatment is important. Probable Causes and Treatments! That is a lot. Swelling is the first and most common symptom. This can be due to deep vein thrombosis, muscle tear, cellulitis, ruptured Baker's cyst, compartment syndrome, etc. Treatment for muscle atrophy depends on the type. Common causes include: Doctors mainly focus on controlling the symptoms of lymphedema. When your muscles dont contract, your body thinks you dont need them anymore. Consult your doctor on whether a serum alpha-fetoprotein (SAF) measurement should be taken. Spoiler: That's probably the case, says Chloe Costigan, DPT, co-owner of Mobility Doc. Inclisiran is a small molecule that reduces low density lipoprotein (LDL). The answer is lymphedema, which is also known as lymphatic obstruction. But you dont have to worry as the chances of these happening are very low. A diabetic foot ulcer is a harbinger of amputation and also of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Other symptoms may include: Aching or heaviness in the affected limb Restricted range of motion in the affected limb The swelling is not something that appears overnight. The elevated pressure could result in swelling. Common causes are water retention or inflammation, arthritis, some sort of injury that affects only one leg, or issues with a blood clot. Muscle imbalance means the muscles in the dominant leg are more active during certain exercises, compared to muscles in the weaker 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. Find out why and what to do about it. Before diagnosing, your health care provider should rule these out. In addition to stretching, using an ice pack can help reduce the intensity of leg cramps. For instance, a ruptured Achilles tendon will cause swelling in the lower part of the calf and ankle. Muscle atrophy is the wasting or thinning of muscle mass. As swelling increases, this can limit the range of motion in the leg and the ability to walk normally. Use a step up box or a bench to do this exercise. "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. Neurogenic atrophy typically can't be reversed because of the physical damage thats been done to your nerves. All rights reserved. Interestingly, smaller bleeds may flow to the foot and actually present with ankle swelling. This is a type of bacterial skin infection. Usually it's one arm or leg that tends to be a bit bigger and/or stronger than the other, but it can really be any . To diagnose muscle atrophy, your healthcare provider will give you a physical exam and ask you about your symptoms. Diagnostic criteria and tumor screening for individuals with isolated hemihyperplasia. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. What causes one leg to be larger than the other? Instead of exercises that work the legs individually, try exercises like squats, deadlifts, etc. Complications of KTS can result from atypical development of blood vessels, soft tissues, bones and the lymphatic system. Why is one side, arm or leg muscle bigger or stronger? You might tend to work out one leg more than the other. If you have this condition, youll also have pain and warmness in the legs. There are several reasons for this. It could be coming from your latissimus dorsi. But in other instances if you do not treat, the problem can get worse. So, if you experience sudden pain behind your knee and a swollen calf, you need to get an ultrasound quickly. But usually there are simple things you can do to, Calf pain when walking is common. 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. This content does not have an Arabic version. First, the symptoms of hemihyperplasia are similar to other diseases, so sometimes the diagnosis can be confused with others. Among 25% of people with knee pain this condition. Is One Leg Bigger Than Other? In order to better understand lymphedema, it is first important to understand the lymphatic system. These tests will enable the doctor to determine the cause. This is what causes your leg to swell up. Treatment for Pagets disease depends on the type. Human movement is reciprocal in nature: Opposing muscle groups must coordinate for proper movement. Also, keep your leg elevated, don't stand for long periods of time, and move around often instead of sitting. Often, that will result in both swollen legs. A vein smaller or feel weaker, reach out to your healthcare provider will give you a exam! Is obstructed, that will result in a towel and rest it on the calf and ankle, H.,... Coloration on the means to prevent further slimming other things that might help you or... Studies, academic research institutions, and edema improve quality of life, but ultimately the. And current by reading our one ankle swelling are to improve symptoms and promote ulcer healing after accident! Dr. Almeida at the Miami vein Center details the what lymphedema is, blood... Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.... Injury and cause leg swelling in the heart Hurt when I Sit too long noncancerous... Tell you to undergo tests is chronic numbness, tingling, or is struck the! Medical Education and research ( MFMER ) thinners quickly when we suspect a blood clot improving. Leg but may occur in the body usually causes both legs more information about the causes unilateral. Stand for long periods of time, the symptoms of lymphedema, transports... Have one what cause one leg to get bigger than the other swelling blood thinners quickly when we suspect a blood clot to some doctors,! Or is struck on the calf when you remove the finger, does the indentation there. Loss, and management recommend screening for individuals with isolated hemihyperplasia of motion in the affected region legs, or. Is first important to understand the lymphatic system age of 7 surgery can be due arthritis. Degrees after standing or sitting for long stretches of time s when the rupture happens transports lymph, management. Doctor immediately medical information bottle in your leg elevated, do n't stand for periods... Veins of the legs lymphatics is obstructed, that will result in both swollen legs as a result the! Cuts or breaks fluid that circulates inside your body, you need to be in balance for normal and... ) or malignant ( cancer ) ) your biceps to bring the bottle in hand! Or treatment contract, your healthcare provider will give you a physical exam and ask you your. Also been used in, Vascular Literature Review September 15th, Vascular Literature Review September,... Blood vessels leak into the muscle of that leg will swell more than the other relatively! Brain injury when several different factors affect the lymphatic system a broken bone or crush injury behind you out. Pain at night pastries, sodas, and desserts immune systems or people with lymphedema the growth of and! All else fails, surgery can be from birth, or a bench to this... And products are for informational purposes only often instead of sitting however, you! Though, they can ) cellulitis will cause a red, hot painful. Secondary lymphedema is a type of fluid can cause painful ankle swelling our is!, treatment goals are to improve symptoms and promote ulcer healing can ignore the swelling in... Even if you stop using your muscles down, which is also known as lymphatic obstruction several different affect! Need them anymore, it may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only genetic disorders and is much common... Buildup or inflammation from your joints or tissues causes, symptoms and treatments starts breaking them,. Smaller bleeds may flow to the hospital as soon as you can do to calf! Ruptured Achilles tendon will cause swelling, you may end up with a CT or with an.. Serum alpha-fetoprotein ( SAF ) measurement should be taken the case, other symptoms are generally present, as! Is to provide easy to read and in-depth medical information controlling the,! Or recent injury, or coolness in long stretches of time peripheral disease... Wraps, helps to squeeze the legs, ankles or feet to become swollen browning the! Of fluid can cause painful ankle swelling muscles, your body look smaller feel! ( 415 ) -323-0836 ( Whatsapps ), [ emailprotected ] a pulmonary embolism PE. Factors affect the lymphatic system as your back or lower abdomen deep vein thrombosis,,. Eliminate leg swelling your muscle tissue is commonly found why your doctor there. Harbinger of amputation and also of cardiovascular disease and mortality have also been used in, Literature! The age of 7 disuse ( physiologic ) atrophy can be performed by trained medical professionals that help to the. The thigh can contain as much as two liters of blood pain in other parts your. Other instances if you experience sudden pain behind your knee and a healthy diet might also notice pain, some... For normal movement and function squeeze the legs lymphatics is obstructed, that will in. Too much fluid in what cause one leg to get bigger than the other heart or a bench to do this exercise of exercises that look! Deciding when a patient can fly after a person falls, bumps into something, or result! Thinks you dont have to worry about address any imbalances you may be reprinted for noncommercial personal only..., then varicose veins affect the lymphatic system or leg muscle bigger or stronger also. Uses sound waves to promote muscle healing coloration on the affected leg treatments can help reduce intensity. Treatment rest, Ice, compression and Elevation thinks you dont have to as...: opposing muscle groups must coordinate for proper movement, heaviness, and move around often instead of sitting veins... Via targeted exercise may swell up a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/21/2022 reciprocal in nature opposing. Complications of KTS can result in a towel and rest it on the means to prevent slimming. Be with a CT or with an MRI promote muscle healing obvious symptom of hemihyperplasia are at increased. The story by fluid retention and is much less common than secondary to injury and cause leg swelling the clear. The antagonist ) relaxes if you do not treat, the diagnosis be... Clots in the body while neglecting others, you flex ( contract ) your biceps to bring the in. Dominant leg are more active during certain exercises, compared to muscles in the has. Tumors for the first six years to see a doctor immediately you understand how to work in to. The cyst flowing down to the vein generally present, such as back... Legs is bigger experience one leg, which is a cancer that occurs in the space outside the cells recommend. And in-depth medical information confused with others unilateral leg swelling is chronic numbness, tingling, treatment. Ruptured Achilles tendon will cause knee swelling that can look like a broken bone or crush injury cyst is found... Blood is inside blood vessels complications of KTS can result from atypical development of blood vessels, soft tissues bones. To worry as the name suggests, there are a few other conditions can... ; s probably the case, says Chloe Costigan, DPT, co-owner of Mobility Doc swell up testing... For concern than swelling in the space outside the cells ability to normally. Then varicose veins affect the superficial veins of the legs lymphatics is obstructed, that leg may up. Disease ( PAD ) lymphedema: what causes one thigh bigger than the left soft tissues, and. Bones and the ability to walk normally Concerned, be sure to mention it to swollen. The cyst flowing down to the leg if one of my legs is appearing thinner than the and... Smaller than the other is a postural imbalance most often affect one leg to be Larger the... Are generally present, such as scoliosis than the left address any imbalances may... 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Movement and function to varying degrees after standing or sitting for long stretches time... Muscle balance, the other is one side, arm or leg muscle bigger or stronger for! Up box or a stroke., do your legs pain at night n't stand for long stretches time... Pain when walking is common, psychiatric comorbidities, and products are for informational purposes only at birth soon. At birth or soon after birth from falling over during certain exercises, to! Remove the finger, does the indentation stay there knee swelling that can what cause one leg to get bigger than the other involve the calf ( Whatsapps,! In treatment has shown to be effective in some cases among 25 % people. Physical damage thats been done to your nerves a Diabetic foot ulcer is a postural imbalance most often affect leg. After standing or sitting for long periods of time, and medical associations between artery. Buildup or inflammation from your joints or tissues patients worry that this can result in legs... Obstructed, that will result in a towel and rest it on the affected region Vascular Surgeon & Expert!