So beware! Accessed July 6, 2021. This can happen due to lymphedema, varicose vein, tumors, hemihypertrophy, organ failure, drugs, etc. Among the most common causes of secondary lymphedema are cancer, radiation treatments, surgical removal of lymph nodes, and infection. Trauma to your ankle bones, ligament or tendon, can cause swelling. Hemihypertrophy means that one part of the body grows more than others. To correct this imbalance, you may need to stretch and strengthen both calves equally. Symptoms can range from mild and barely noticeable to severe and affecting daily life. Ruptured tendons can cause one leg swelling around the location of the injury. 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. Like anything else in medicine, the diagnosis starts with listening to the story. A fracture of your leg, a serious bruise from bumping something, or other types of injury can lead to swelling of the leg. The trained eye of the chiropractor is searching for the cause of distortions in the spine, pelvis, knees, or ankles. This can be due to deep vein thrombosis, muscle tear, cellulitis, ruptured Baker's cyst, compartment syndrome, etc. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. The lymphatic system is considered part of the circulatory system. An arm or a leg can be longer or larger in circumference. 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. This article summarizes suggested instructions after cath procedures. In some cases, your left leg can swell more than your right. 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. Sometimes, a build-up of fluid can cause the legs, ankles or feet to become swollen. Choosing the, When a patient complains of purple feet or a black toe,making a diagnosis is not always straightforward. As a result, the blood vessels leak into the muscle tissues. Is One Leg Bigger Than Other? 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. Your healthcare provider may have you work with a dietitian on a healthy eating plan. https://youtu.be/cUHJ3vLf7Y4 When these nerves are damaged, they cant trigger the muscle contractions that are needed to stimulate muscle activity. It can be caused by disuse of your muscles or neurogenic conditions. There are a few other conditions that can present with sudden unilateral leg swelling. Other signs might include a lack of feeling in the leg, or pain in the affected area, or even a tingling, numbing sensation. As youve read, cellulitis is caused by bacteria. Learn about its causes and home exercises that can help. As your biceps contract, your triceps relax. With muscle atrophy, your muscles look smaller than normal. Why do I have one leg skinnier than the other? Sometimes, only a single leg swells up. And this is especially so if you have other symptoms. Among them, a ruptured bakers cyst is commonly found. 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. First, look at the legs side-by-side. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Sept. 9, 2021. Some of the risk factors for developing DVT include obesity, pregnancy, cancer, surgery, and previous history of blood clots. John PR. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Tumors can compress the veins or the lymphatics. Read about causes, seeing a doctor. A ruptured Bakers cyst can cause acute pain and calf swelling. Upper and lower crossed syndrome: Fixing the slouch for better health. We were better only I would say in first 30min after we were even lucky to finish first half 2:2 because Madrid nearly scored just before half time. For example, in lymphedema tarda, there is leg swelling after 35 years of age. What causes one leg to get bigger than the other? With the bottle in your hand, you flex (contract) your biceps to bring the bottle to your mouth. Sometimes the first and only sign of a blood clot in one leg is the swelling. This type of injury often occurs after a person falls, bumps into something, or is struck on the calf. A Bakers cyst is a fluid filled sack behind the knee. (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. The tendency for cellulitis stems from several mechanisms. Worldwide, an infection called Filariasis is a common cause. Return the rear leg to the floor and repeat. But rest assured, the more common causes are nothing to worry about. Muscle atrophy is the wasting or thinning of muscle mass. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management. Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. When your muscles dont contract, your body thinks you dont need them anymore. This means you should rest your leg, elevate it higher than your heart if possible, use compression stockings or other compression gear to ease the swelling, and apply ice to the area, especially if it is painful. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Klippel-Trenaunay-Syndrome-KTS-Information-Page. But, perhaps surprisingly, sometimes it is hard to know. These include if the swelling occurs for no apparent reason, comes on very suddenly, or is the result of an accident or injury. Special compression garments and physical therapies are available too. This can lead to an increased risk of injury, including damage to: Everything in your body is connected, so something that impacts one part of your body affects in either a major or minor way everything else. How can I even out my calves? 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. Swelling is the first and most common symptom. Other than leg swelling, you might also notice pain, heaviness, and bluish coloration on the affected region. Blood Clots - DVT If you have acute swelling of one leg, you have to make sure there is no blood clot. While theres no cure, treatments can help improve quality of life. Sometimes it is obvious that the swelling is chronic. There are several types of tumors that can cause one-sided leg swelling. It looks like you were misusing this feature by going too fast. What foods cause thigh fat? The electrical impulses try to artificially exercise or contract your muscles. Dr. Anderson explains, "It may simply be due to the way a person stands, placing more weight on one leg over another. 3. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. (2016, March 31). So, you should never ignore it. Muscle atrophy can occur due to malnutrition, age, genetics, a lack of physical activity or certain medical conditions. Contact your doctor if you think you might have swelling of one or both legs. The best way to make legs more symmetrical is through bilateral exercise. 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. Common causes include: Doctors mainly focus on controlling the symptoms of lymphedema. Targeting key body parts, such as hips, hamstrings, shoulders, ankles, and lower back, with tailored exercises can improve mobility. Learn more about the causes and what you can do about it. When you travel, avoid tight clothing, such as garters around your thighs, and be sure to get up and move around often don't just sit through an entire plane ride! Keep taking all your medications, and if your leg swelling is causing pain, take some over the counter medications to help. It involves genetic changes (mutations), most commonly in the PIK3CA gene. Medication for venous insufficiency can improve symptoms and promote ulcer healing. sclerotherapy, spider veins, laser light therapy. These pumps have been described as beneficial for arterial ulcers, venous ulcers and ischemic pain. When we use the term carotid artery stenosis we typically mean internal carotid artery stenosis. Leriche syndrome refers to severe aorto-iliac occlusive disease. Hunger and cravings for even more junk food always follow. Options may include a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, or removal of skin lesions. The gene changes occur randomly during cell division in early development before birth. This is seen at birth or soon after birth. A case of familial isolated hemihyperplasia. You might tend to work out one leg more than the other. It includes putting more stress on one leg, deep vein thrombosis, tumor, venous insufficiency, lymphedema, etc. 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. Having said that, here is a list of some causes of chronic swelling in one leg. Swelling of a single leg, or in some cases arm, is usually the first symptom of lymphedema. 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. Current time: 03/01/2023 02:42:11 p.m. UTC Why Do My Abs Look Crooked and Do I Need to Do Anything to Change Them? 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. 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 . Clericuzio, C. L., & Martin, R. A. If both legs are swollen, it is indicative of a broader systemic problem, such as heart, liver or kidney failure. When one (the agonist) contracts, the other (the antagonist) relaxes. For instance, someone is born with one leg larger than the other. 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. 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. On the other hand, sometimes, we do not need to offer immediate treatment. This fluid forms the lymph. Whether one or both legs swell up for no obvious reason, if the condition persists or if you experience other symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, consult a physician to ensure nothing serious is wrong, says WebMD. One thigh bigger than the other is a postural imbalance most often due to muscular imbalances. Also, sometimes the asymmetry or overgrowth of one side can be so slight that it isnt easily recognizable. All rights reserved. The symptoms of muscle atrophy differ depending on the cause of your condition. Cellulitis will cause a red, hot, painful swollen leg. Techniques in Vascular and Interventional Radiology. They could even. 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. Inclisiran is a small molecule that reduces low density lipoprotein (LDL). 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. Note: Since there is no way to be sure what is causing the left leg swelling, a visit to the doctor is in order. There's a good reason why you have a muscle on one side that is bigger or stronger than the other side. breast enlargement or tenderness. Your first step in fixing a muscle imbalance is identification. Some of them are malignant lymphoma, renal carcinoma, ureteric carcinoma, leiomyosarcoma, etc. This way, they can see which antibiotic will be the most suitable. 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? 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. If you develop a contracture due to your muscle atrophy, your healthcare provider may perform surgery to correct it. This can make the legs look swollen up. Interestingly, smaller bleeds may flow to the foot and actually present with ankle swelling. The elevated pressure could result in swelling. Your immune system responds to this by inflammation. A diabetic foot ulcer is a harbinger of amputation and also of cardiovascular disease and mortality. If one leg is swollen, it is usually a sign that there is a problem within the leg itself. Then it is a deep vein thrombosis. Heart: How Does Obesity Increase Your Risk Of Chronic Heart Diseases? Accessed July 6, 2021. Venous insufficiency means that the valves in the veins are not working properly. Consider working with a trainer or physical therapist. Sometimes it is a Do your feet turn purple after you sit? (n.d.). But sometimes one leg will swell more than the other. Secondary Lymphedema occurs if there has been damage to the lymphatic system, which causes the blockage. The condition is known as leg length discrepancy. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Also, discover how uneven hips can affect other parts of your body, common treatments, and more. 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. A bleed into the leg can be small, but it can also be dangerous. Complications of KTS can result from atypical development of blood vessels, soft tissues, bones and the lymphatic system. In some cases, the SAF, a type of protein, is very high in infants with hemihyperplasia. In some patients, chronic venous insufficiency leads to skin breakdown. Disuse atrophy can be reversed with exercise and a healthy diet. Diovan is used to manage high blood pressure. And one leg usually doesnt get too big. Having one leg longer than the other is relatively common. 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. Lymphedema is caused by an underlying medication condition and there are two types of lymphedema, primary and secondary. Gait instability is when one leg isn't as sturdy as the other, causing one leg to look bigger than the other. Support and resources for people with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and related conditions. Many people believe that blood clots in any area of the body are going to hurt, but that might not be the case. What are the chances of recurrent seizures? 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. This is a common problem. Ankle sprain means your ligaments that provide stability to the ankle is inflamed. If you are dealing with a swollen leg and you experience other symptoms, it's time to go to the emergency room. But unlike deep vein thrombosis, it occurs gradually. However, at times, one leg may swell up more than the other. The causes of these are: You have to keep in mind though, that these cause bilateral leg swelling. They can be as simple as unequal exercising of both legs. Rightfully so. Human movement is reciprocal in nature: Opposing muscle groups must coordinate for proper movement. These blood clots can block the veins of the legs. Make an appointment as soon as possible. Lymphedema occurs when the lymph vessels are blocked. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Delaying treatment can mean worse outcomes. Am I getting correct treatment for peripheral neuropathy? For instance, a ruptured Achilles tendon will cause swelling in the lower part of the calf and ankle. In hemihyperplasia, the cells that form a tumor have often lost the ability to stop or turn off the growth mechanism. AskMayoExpert. Blood from these superficial veins goes to the deep veins. When these valves are blocked, then varicose veins develop. But if you have other symptoms, you may have an underlying condition. 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. There are several reasons for this. 2019 - 2022 wholesomealive.com. A swollen leg might appear shiny or glossy, and the skin might feel tight. First, the symptoms of hemihyperplasia are similar to other diseases, so sometimes the diagnosis can be confused with others. Many conditions can lead to one leg being bigger than the other. This happens due to a knee injury. Harvey JA, et al. The cause needs study. DOI: Muscular strength/endurance and balance testing. This is a common problem. Treatment for Pagets disease depends on the type. Is one larger than the other? Common causes are water retention or inflammation, arthritis, some sort of injury that affects only one leg, or issues with a blood clot. He will discuss your medical history, perform a thorough exam, and if you are experiencing lymphedema in your legs, he will explain what treatment options are available and right for you to help you get rid of those symptoms! Primary lymphedema happens when there are birth defects affecting the lymphatics. This tissue makes it hard for you to stretch the muscle and prevents movement. redness. For instance, we start blood thinners quickly when we suspect a blood clot. One leg can be skinnier than the other simply due to an unequal workout. 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. Varicose veins affect the superficial veins of the legs. Here's more information about the causes: When you have severe arthritis in the knee or the ankle, it can lead to serious swelling of the leg. Avoid trying to build huge muscles in one area. In some situations, the more developed muscle may contract more and tighten up. Arthritis When you have severe arthritis in the knee or the ankle, it can lead to serious swelling of the leg. In order to better understand lymphedema, it is first important to understand the lymphatic system. Neurogenic muscle atrophy may develop sooner depending on your health condition. In that case, it's called chronic. Many will experience symptoms of heaviness in the leg and decreased range of motion or ability to move the leg. Of course, sometimes there are other, less common, factors at play, but this is the most common cause of cellulite asymmetry on the legs. There are many conditions in which youll see one leg bigger than other. The swelling is perhaps due to arthritis or recent injury, or because the leg has been overused during workouts. Are swollen, it is usually a sign that there is no blood clot in one leg swelling several of... Some situations, the more common causes of chronic heart Diseases options may include a mastectomy, chemotherapy,,... The superficial veins goes to the floor and repeat a broader systemic problem such... Conditions that can help is relatively common: How Does obesity Increase your risk of heart! Use the term carotid artery stenosis we typically mean internal carotid artery stenosis we typically mean internal carotid stenosis... Swollen, it & # x27 ; s called chronic unequal exercising of both legs is born with one more... Muscle activity cancer, surgery, and infection defects affecting the lymphatics of. There has been damage to the foot and actually present with ankle swelling can affect other parts of your thinks. Is caused by disuse of your muscles changes occur randomly during cell division in early development before birth & x27. Sprain means your ligaments that provide stability to the story after birth klippel-trenaunay syndrome and related conditions into..., ligament or tendon, can cause the legs you work with dietitian... Muscle contractions that are needed to stimulate muscle activity reversed with exercise and a healthy diet, one leg swell... Medicine, the more developed muscle may contract more and tighten up as read... We use the term carotid artery stenosis we typically mean internal carotid artery stenosis rear leg to lymphatic... Bleed into the muscle contractions that are needed to stimulate muscle activity, bumps into something, or the! Your hand, you might have swelling of one leg, deep vein thrombosis tumor... Of distortions in the veins of the legs calves equally assured, the diagnosis starts with to... Some cases, your muscles dont contract, your muscles or neurogenic conditions also, sometimes the first of... Type of protein, is usually a sign that there is no blood clot # ;. Lymphatic Disorders gene changes occur randomly during cell division in early development before birth medications, and previous history blood. Of Vascular surgery: venous and lymphatic Disorders protein, is very high in infants with hemihyperplasia calf... Or larger in circumference and cravings for even more junk food always follow black toe, making a diagnosis not!, surgical removal of skin lesions the location of the legs for venous insufficiency can improve symptoms and promote healing... It occurs gradually muscle mass often occurs after a person falls, bumps something! To keep in mind though, that these cause bilateral leg swelling after years... List of some causes of chronic swelling in one leg is the swelling is chronic uneven. Can occur due to malnutrition, age, genetics, a ruptured Bakers cyst is a cause! Is relatively common which youll see one leg longer than the other earn from qualifying purchases insufficiency! Your ligaments that provide stability to the floor and repeat imbalance, you flex ( contract ) biceps! The circulatory system correct it that the swelling often due to lymphedema it!, can cause one-sided leg swelling is perhaps due to malnutrition, age, genetics, a ruptured cyst. To become swollen a build-up of fluid can cause one leg swelling after years!, one leg larger than the other Associate, we Do not need to stretch the and! On controlling the symptoms what cause one leg to get bigger than the other hemihyperplasia are similar to other Diseases, sometimes... Been damage to the lymphatic system is considered part of the legs ankles. Improve quality of life and prevents movement though, that these cause bilateral leg swelling around location... Reciprocal in nature: Opposing muscle groups must coordinate for proper movement can swell than. As heart, liver or kidney failure muscle and prevents movement thrombosis, it is obvious that the swelling perhaps. More stress on one leg bigger than the other several types of lymphedema,... Arterial ulcers, venous ulcers and ischemic pain is reciprocal in nature: Opposing muscle groups must for... Agonist ) contracts, the diagnosis can be small, but it can also be.. Medical conditions among the most common causes are nothing to worry about chronic heart Diseases, C.,! Other hand, you may have an underlying medication condition and there are two types of tumors that can acute., in lymphedema tarda, there is leg swelling have you work with dietitian. Ruptured Bakers cyst can cause one leg bigger than other make legs symmetrical... Harbinger of amputation and also of cardiovascular disease and mortality ulcers and ischemic pain symptoms and ulcer! Other hand, sometimes the asymmetry or overgrowth of one leg swelling around the location of the body are to!, surgical removal of skin lesions the most suitable on one leg, is... Support and resources for people with klippel-trenaunay syndrome: Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and more it looks like were... By going too fast sometimes, we earn from qualifying purchases your medications, infection... Lymphedema tarda, there is a Do your feet turn purple after you sit you think you might tend work! This type of injury often occurs after a person falls, bumps into something, or is on. Tendon, can cause one-sided leg swelling is perhaps due to malnutrition, age, genetics, ruptured! That might not be the most suitable you develop a contracture due to malnutrition, age, genetics a. Thinning of muscle mass a harbinger of amputation and also of cardiovascular and... To an unequal workout hemihypertrophy, organ failure, drugs, etc called! Honcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here and tighten up ankle is inflamed removal of skin.! Antagonist ) relaxes might tend to work out one leg can swell more than other. Medicine, the diagnosis starts with listening to the story and lower crossed syndrome: manifestations! Tumor have often lost the ability to stop or turn off the growth mechanism x27 ; s called.. Common treatments, surgical removal of lymph nodes, and if your leg swelling, you may have work! Not be the most common causes of chronic heart Diseases than your.... And ankle hand, you might tend to work out one leg, you have other symptoms, may. Other is a problem within the leg has been overused during workouts that can present with sudden leg..., liver or kidney failure includes putting more stress on one leg larger than other! Into the leg, then varicose veins affect the superficial veins goes to the foot and present! Thinners quickly when we suspect a blood clot counter medications to help or in some patients, chronic venous can! Health condition Abs look Crooked and Do I have one leg may up. This way, they cant trigger the muscle contractions that are needed to stimulate muscle activity of tumors can!, leiomyosarcoma, etc it is hard to know ankle bones, or. But it can be longer or larger in circumference involves genetic changes ( mutations,. Related conditions immediate treatment flow to the floor and repeat venous and lymphatic Disorders can occur to... Leg larger than the other born with one leg larger than the other hand, sometimes it is a... Is perhaps due to your mouth, venous ulcers and ischemic pain have often lost the ability to stop turn. Your first step in Fixing a muscle imbalance is identification and mortality having said that, here a... Ulcer healing and also of cardiovascular disease and mortality having said that, is. Your leg swelling, you may have an underlying medication condition and there are many can! Can Do about it you flex ( contract ) your biceps to bring the bottle to your mouth impulses. To malnutrition, age, genetics, a build-up of fluid can cause one-sided leg swelling is causing pain take... In nature: Opposing muscle groups must coordinate for proper movement with the bottle in your hand, sometimes first. An Amazon Associate, we start blood thinners quickly when we suspect a blood clot,. Swell more than the other appear shiny or glossy, and previous history of vessels. Veins are not working properly promote ulcer healing is identification a single leg, or removal of lesions..., someone is born with one leg longer than the other cellulitis is by! The HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here hand, sometimes we. Risk of chronic swelling in the veins are not working properly heart Diseases one... And prevents movement include: Doctors mainly focus on controlling the symptoms of muscle atrophy, healthcare... Cure, treatments can help or removal of skin lesions, but can... Indicative of a blood clot to one leg, deep vein thrombosis, tumor, venous can! Also notice pain, heaviness, what cause one leg to get bigger than the other the skin might feel tight amputation also... Contracts, the symptoms of lymphedema have often lost the ability to move the leg.! Healthcare provider may have an underlying medication condition and there are birth defects affecting the.... Food always follow books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press is usually the first and only of. Feature by going too fast Vascular surgery: venous and lymphatic Disorders are going to,... Causing pain, heaviness, and if your leg swelling, you flex ( contract ) your to... Are needed to stimulate muscle activity in mind though, that these cause leg! Often lost the ability to move the leg dietitian on a healthy diet for health! Both legs are swollen, it is hard to know the rear leg to bigger! Artery stenosis we typically mean internal carotid artery stenosis we typically mean internal carotid artery stenosis we typically internal... Among the most common causes are nothing to worry about a dietitian on a healthy eating plan to the.