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Swelling

Swelling, also known as edema, is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues. It can occur in any part of the body, but is most common in the feet, ankles, and legs. It can be caused by injury, infection, certain medical conditions, or side effects of medications. Treatment may include elevating the affected limb, taking medications, and addressing underlying causes.

Swelling Key Points
CausesKidney disease, Venous insufficiency, Mental health disorders
RemediesRest, Ice, Compression
Preventive OptionsExercise Healthy, Enough Rest, Elevation
Treatment OptionsMedication, Surgery, Physical Therapy
SpecialistInternal Medicine Specialist

Swelling can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, infection, inflammation, allergic reactions, and certain medical conditions such as heart or kidney disease. Symptoms of swelling include puffiness, stiffness, and a tight or heavy feeling in the affected area. In some cases, swelling can be accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing or a rapid heartbeat. Treatment for swelling will depend on the underlying cause and may include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery.

Other Symptoms comes along with Swelling

Symptoms of swelling can include in the following.

  1. Increase in size or puffiness of the affected area
  2. Tenderness or pain
  3. Warmth to the touch
  4. Redness or discoloration
  5. Reduced range of motion in a joint
  6. Skin that feels tight or stretched
  7. Difficulty wearing clothing or jewelry
  8. Difficulty using a body part or joint
  9. A feeling of tightness or fullness in the affected area

Types of Swelling

There are several types of swelling, including

  1. Localized swelling: This type of swelling occurs in a specific area of the body, such as a sprained ankle or a bruise.
  2. Systemic swelling: This type of swelling affects the entire body, such as in the case of heart failure or kidney disease.
  3. Inflammatory swelling: This type of swelling is caused by inflammation and is often accompanied by redness, heat, and pain. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis and tendonitis.
  4. Edema: This type of swelling is caused by an accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues. It can occur in various parts of the body, such as the legs, lungs, and brain.
  5. Allergic swelling: This type of swelling is caused by an allergic reaction and can occur in various parts of the body. Examples include hives, angioedema, and anaphylaxis.
  6. Lymphedema: This type of swelling is caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system, which can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the arms, legs, or other parts of the body.

Conditions that cause Swelling

There are many medical conditions that can be associated with swelling. Some examples include:

  1. Cardiac conditions such as heart failure or heart valve problems, can cause swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet called peripheral edema.
  2. Kidney disease can cause swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, as well as protein in the urine and high blood pressure.
  3. Liver disease can cause swelling in the abdomen (ascites) and in the legs and ankles.
  4. Venous insufficiency can cause swelling in the legs and ankles.
  5. Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions can cause swelling in the joints.
  6. Lymphatic disorders such as lymphedema can cause swelling in the arms and legs.
  7. Allergic reactions can cause swelling in various parts of the body, such as hives, angioedema, and anaphylaxis.

Diagnostic tests recommended for Symptom

A diagnostic test for swelling may include:

  • Physical examination: The doctor will check the affected area and ask about your symptoms and medical history.
  • Imaging tests: such as X-ray, CT scan, Ultrasound, or MRI to get a detailed view of the area and detect any underlying issues like a fracture or tumor.
  • Laboratory tests: such as blood or urine tests to check for signs of infection or other underlying conditions
  • Biopsy: a small sample of tissue is taken from the swollen area to be examined under a microscope.
  • Lymphangiography: a diagnostic test that uses X-ray and a special dye to visualize the lymphatic vessels.
  • Arthrocentesis: a diagnostic procedure in which a needle is inserted into a joint to remove fluid for examination

Medical treatment options for Swelling

Treatment for swelling depends on the underlying cause of the swelling. Some common treatments include:

  • Rest: Resting the affected area can help reduce swelling and promote healing.
  • Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain.
  • Compression: Wearing compression stockings or wrapping the affected area with an elastic bandage can help reduce swelling.
  • Elevation: Elevating the affected area can help reduce swelling by promoting the flow of fluid back to the heart.
  • Medications: Depending on the underlying cause of the swelling, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or diuretics may be prescribed to reduce swelling.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat the underlying cause of the swelling, such as removing a tumor or repairing a damaged joint.
  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy may be recommended to help improve mobility and reduce pain and swelling in the affected area.

Preventive Measures for Swelling

Preventive measures for swelling depend on the underlying cause of the swelling. Some common preventive measures include:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of swelling in the legs and ankles, so maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent swelling.
  • Exercising regularly: Regular exercise can help improve circulation and reduce the risk of swelling in the legs and ankles.
  • Wearing compression stockings: Compression stockings can help prevent swelling by promoting circulation in the legs and feet.
  • Monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar levels: High blood pressure and high blood sugar levels can increase the risk of swelling, so monitoring these levels can help prevent swelling.
  • Avoiding prolonged standing or sitting: Prolonged standing or sitting can increase the risk of swelling in the legs and ankles, so taking frequent breaks can help prevent swelling.

When to consult with the doctor

If you have swelling, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Depending on the severity and cause of the swelling, you may need to seek medical attention right away. If the swelling is accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, warmth, pain, or fever, it is especially important to see a doctor as soon as possible, as these symptoms may indicate an infection or other serious condition.
Additionally, if the swelling is in a potentially dangerous area such as the airway, then it's important to seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Swelling Doctors

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If you have swelling and are concerned about your health, it is important to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified swelling doctor. A doctor specializing in treating swelling, such as a Internal Medicine Specialist, would be the right health professional to consult.

Here is a list of Top verified doctors for swelling. You can book an appointment with one to start your swelling treatment today.

Dr. VK Bhargava, Internal Medicine Specialist in

Dr. VK Bhargava

Consultant - Internal Medicine

53 Years of experience

Apollo Health City, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

Rs. 1,000 Consult Fees

Dr. Altaf Patel, Internal Medicine Specialist in

Dr. Altaf Patel

Director - Internal Medicine

49 Years of experience

3 Feedbacks

Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai

Rs. 1,500 Consult Fees

Dr. Jyoti Prakash Wali, Internal Medicine Specialist in

Dr. Jyoti Prakash Wali

Senior Consultant - Internal Medicine

49 Years of experience

3 Feedbacks

Max Hospital, Gurgaon

Rs. 1,000 Consult Fees

Swelling Hospitals

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A hospital can provide various services to help diagnose and treat your swelling. If you are experiencing swelling In that case, it is important to visit a swelling hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Check a list of Top Hospitals for swelling treatment.

Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai

Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai

Multi Speciality Hospital

4.9
4.9 out of 5 stars(1658 Reviews)

Established in 1918

🛌345 Beds

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Nanavati Hospital, Vile Parle, Mumbai

Nanavati Hospital, Vile Parle, Mumbai

Super Speciality Hospital

4.7
4.7 out of 5 stars(1134 Reviews)

Established in 1950

🛌350 Beds

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Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, Kolkata

Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, Kolkata

Multi Speciality Hospital

4.8
4.8 out of 5 stars(1526 Reviews)

Established in 1962

🛌1000 Beds

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions and answers about swelling.

How can I reduce swelling?

Treatment for swelling may include rest, elevation of the affected area, application of ice, compression with an elastic bandage, and over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen.

What exactly causes swelling?

Swelling can be caused by various factors such as injury, inflammation, infection, or underlying medical conditions.

Can swelling be a sign of a serious condition?

In some cases, swelling can be a sign of a serious underlying condition such as an infection, blood clot, or heart or kidney failure. It is important to see a doctor if you have unexplained or severe swelling.

What is the treatment for swelling?

The treatment for swelling depends on the underlying cause and can include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), over-the-counter pain relievers, or prescription medications.

Should I be concerned about swelling in my legs or feet?

Swelling in the legs or feet may be a sign of a more serious condition such as a blood clot or heart or kidney failure. It's important to see a doctor if you have unexplained or severe swelling in these areas.

What naturally reduces swelling?

Natural remedies to reduce swelling include applying cold compresses, drinking plenty of water, eating anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits and vegetables, getting regular exercise, and practicing stress-reducing activities such as yoga or meditation. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help determine the appropriate treatment options for your specific situation.

Swelling Patient Reviews

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Reviews by patients on different.

SwellingReview 1

Md Ruhul Amin,

Medanta The Medicity

Dr. Pranaw Kumar Jha sir is the best Nephrologist in not only Medanta hospital but also all over india. He is GOD for me. People says that doctor is the 2nd God for us I belief that when I came to medanta hospital & personally meet him..... Each & every person are very comfortable & helpfull in this. Actually I came to medanta hopital for my Mother Kidney disease but Dr. Pranaw Kumar Jha sir traeat all of my mother problems. Each & every diseases will just vanish. Therefore I recommend all of you If you faced any kind of problem at least one time contact or meet to Dr. Pranaw Kumar sir...Thank you so Much for your support & 100 % secure .Thank you so much !!

SwellingReview 2

Subhojit Bhattacharya

I have not seen God but I have seen Dr. Chandramouli Bhattacharya. Traces of two critical disease-causing bacteria were detected in my wife. The way he diagnosed and cured my wife was simply unbelievable. A thorough gentleman to the core, he gives full confidence to his patient and explains in details regarding the course of treatment to the family members. Always available over the phone, he hears patiently and guides the patient over the phone as well. I wish him all the success and pray to God that he continues to touch the life of millions.

SwellingReview 3

Rakesh Kumar

Peerless Hospital

Dr. Bhattacharya has been a life-saving man for me. I had asthma since I was born. I got really bad with the increasing pollution. The doctor I had been seeing so far became ignorant of me so I decided to start my treatment from someone new. I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Bhattacharya through credihealth. He is inspirational and professional. I have been feeling so better. The way he helped me manage my asthma was very different from other doctors. I will be always grateful to him.

About Credihealth

Credihealth is an online healthcare portal for all your hospital appointments, diagnostic test bookings, ordering medications, or homecare services. If you have any inquiries, our in-house medical experts can help solve them and guide you to the best specialist in the India.