What Causes Swelling?
Some common causes of swelling include:
- Injury - Sprains, fractures, bruises
- Insect bites - Bee stings, ant bites
- Skin infections - Cellulitis, abscesses
- Surgery - Fluid accumulation during healing
- Pregnancy - Hormonal changes and fluid retention
- Medications - Corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Poor circulation - Venous insufficiency
- Lymphatic blockages - Lymphedema
- Kidney disease - Excess fluid retention
- Heart problems - Congestive heart failure
- Liver disease - Low albumin levels
- Food allergies - Anaphylaxis reaction
Swelling of the Feet
One of the most common sites of swelling is the feet and ankles. This is known as peripheral edema and has many causes including:
- Pregnancy
- Standing for long periods
- Obesity
- Injury to foot/ankle
- Varicose veins
- Blood clots in deep veins
- Congestive heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Liver failure
- Lymphedema
- Medications
Pictures of swollen feet show puffy, inflamed skin around the ankles and a loss of definition in the shape of the foot. There may also be visible indentations from socks, shoes, or socks. Swelling in both feet is more common though sometimes only one foot or ankle can be affected.
Image source: iStock
Hand and Finger Swelling
The hands can develop swelling for many of the same reasons as the ankles and feet. Causes unique to the hands include:
- Overuse injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome
- Fractures
- Sprains
- Burns
- Infection
- Trigger finger
- Raynaud's phenomenon
Pictures of a swollen hand show puffiness in the skin surrounding the fingers as well as the back of the hand. Swelling may make it difficult to move or bend the fingers. In some cases, the skin may appear red, warm and tender.
Image source: iStock
Leg Swelling
Swelling in the leg is often caused by:
- Deep vein thrombosis - Blood clot in vein
- Knee injury - Sprain, strain, fracture
- Leg fracture
- Baker's cyst - Swelling behind the knee
- Insect bite reaction
- Cellulitis - Bacterial skin infection
Pictures of a swollen leg show enlarged and inflamed calves, ankles, or feet. The outline of the leg appears distorted. Swelling can sometimes be isolated to one calf or the back of just one knee. Causes like DVT usually lead to swelling on just one side.
Image source: iStock
Facial Swelling
Facial swelling has numerous causes including:
- Allergic reaction
- Sinus infection
- Dental abscess
- Facial cellulitis
- Angioedema
- Facial fractures
- Bell's palsy
Pictures of a swollen face show puffiness affecting the cheeks, nose, around the eyes, and sometimes extending down into the neck. The eyes may appear squinty or swollen shut. Speech and swallowing can be impaired by severe facial swelling.
Image source: iStock
Stomach Swelling
An enlarged or swollen stomach is primarily caused by:
- Gas and bloating
- Constipation
- Food intolerance
- Ascites - Fluid buildup
- Cancerous growth
- Enlarged organs
Pictures of a distended or swollen belly show an abdomen that protrudes out and may feel tight and firm. There is loss of the natural waistline indentation. Sometimes the swollen abdomen gets mistaken for weight gain or pregnancy.
Image source: iStock
Arm Swelling
A swollen arm results from conditions like:
- Injury - Broken bone, sprain
- Lymphedema
- Cellulitis
- DVT blood clot
- Allergic reaction
- Hives
- Infected wound
Pictures of a swollen arm reveal puffiness affecting the hand, forearm, upper arm, or entire arm. Sometimes swelling starts at a wound or joint. The swelling can cause tight, shiny skin and a heavy, achy feeling in the arm.
Image source: iStock
Genital Swelling
Common causes of genital swelling include:
- Sexually transmitted infection
- Genital trauma
- Allergic reaction
- Ingrown hair
- Hernia
- Mosquito bites
Pictures of genital swelling show enlarged, puffy, red skin surrounding the penis, scrotum or vulva. The swollen area may feel warm, painful, and tender to the touch. Urinary symptoms sometimes accompany the swelling.
Image source: iStock
When to See a Doctor
See your physician promptly if you experience:
- Sudden, severe swelling
- Swelling only on one side of the body
- Swelling combined with difficulty breathing
- Purple, red or pink color in the swollen area
- Extreme pain or tenderness in swollen area
- Swelling accompanied by head injury or trauma
In most cases, swelling gradually subsides with rest, ice, and elevating the affected limb. But recurrent or worsening swelling warrants medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
FAQs
What does swelling look like?
Swelling makes the affected area look enlarged, puffy, swollen, and inflamed. The skin may appear tight, shiny, and swollen. It causes loss of normal shape and contours.
What are the most common places swelling occurs?
The feet, ankles, legs, hands, arms, and face are the most frequent sites of swelling in the body.
What causes swelling in the legs?
Common causes of leg swelling include injury, infection, blood clots, varicose veins, obesity, pregnancy, heart failure, kidney disease, and medications.
Is swelling always a sign of something serious?
Not necessarily. Mild swelling from overuse, mosquito bites, or medications usually subsides on its own. But recurrent or severe swelling may indicate an underlying health issue needing treatment.
When should I see a doctor for swelling?
See your doctor if you have sudden, severe, or one-sided swelling, especially with breathing difficulty, chest pain, trauma, or other concerning symptoms.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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