Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Klippel-Trenaunay (klih-PEL tray-no-NAY) syndrome also called KTS is a rare disorder found at birth (congenital) involving problems in the development of certain blood vessels, soft tissues (such as skin and muscles), bones and sometimes the lymphatic system. All rights reserved. Clericuzio, C. L., & Martin, R. A. Sometimes, only a single leg swells up. There are many conditions in which youll see one leg bigger than other. There are a few other conditions that can present with sudden unilateral leg swelling. Theyll look at your arms and legs and measure your muscle mass. Swelling is the first and most common symptom. Over time, the muscle of that leg will grow bigger than the other. Your healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy or an exercise plan. Working out in the water can reduce your muscle workload. Accessed July 6, 2021. Skin-related complications of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: A retrospective review of 410 patients. Primary lateral sclerosis is a rare neurological disorder. You might notice one of your legs suddenly got bigger. 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. Rightfully so. The main features include a red birthmark (port-wine stain), ranging in color from pink to reddish-purple, atypical vein or lymphatic development (malformations), and overgrowth of tissues and bones. Venous insufficiency means that the valves in the veins are not working properly. A bleed can be a complications of anticoagulation. In some instances treatment is urgent. The answer is lymphedema, which is also known as lymphatic obstruction. This is a sign that you might have serious swelling. 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. Lymphedema occurs when the lymph vessels are blocked. You're Temporarily Blocked. Also, a bleed is one of the complications of a cath procedure. Swelling in Left Leg: Causes and Treatments, Pain in Shoulder Blade: Causes and Treatments, Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ) Pain: Common Causes & Treatments, Upper Right Abdomen Pain: Causes & Treatments, Pain That Occurs on Left Side of the Body. Instead of transporting blood, it transports lymph, a protein-rich fluid in the body. Learn more about Cleveland Clinic initiatives to prevent illness and foster health. Pain, psychiatric comorbidities, and psychosocial stressors associated with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. But if you have other symptoms, you may have an underlying condition. This is one of the most common causes of swelling, but it usually affects both legs. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome. It's important to get a prompt, accurate diagnosis and appropriate care to treat symptoms and prevent complications. Instead of exercises that work the legs individually, try exercises like squats, deadlifts, etc. In other cases, the difference in posture and gait (how someone walks) is noticeable. The redness and swelling may come after a few hours or even after a day. 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. Am I getting correct treatment for peripheral neuropathy? A contracture occurs when your muscle tissues become fibrous. A diagnosis is usually made by a physical exam. 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. They can be as simple as unequal exercising of both legs. But leg swelling is an After a pulmonary embolism, many patients are limited. The best way to make legs more symmetrical is through bilateral exercise. If you have this condition, youll also have pain and warmness in the legs. 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. The blood stays inside the superficial veins. Bilateral leg swelling, that is, swelling of both legs is far more common than unilateral. And this is especially so if you have other symptoms. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Many people believe that blood clots in any area of the body are going to hurt, but that might not be the case. Gait instability is when one leg isn't as sturdy as the other, causing one leg to look bigger than the other. And this condition develops suddenly. This can be due to deep vein thrombosis, muscle tear, cellulitis, ruptured Baker's cyst, compartment syndrome, etc. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. In many cases, the swelling of the legs happens evenly, without one leg looking larger than the other. For abnormal limb size, orthopedic treatment and corrective shoes can be recommended. Most Likely Causes of One Calf Being Smaller in the Absence of Weakness. These are also known as Cath procedures. This imbalance can lead to pain and discomfort in the calf, as well as fatigue when walking or standing for long periods of time. So, if you had one of these procedures recently, seek medical attention quickly to avoid bad outcomes. In some cases, the trunk or the face on one side is larger. Mutafoglu, K., Cecen, E., & Cakmakci, H. (2010, March). Note: Since there is no way to be sure what is causing the left leg swelling, a visit to the doctor is in order. Last Updated 01 March, 2023. As a result, the blood vessels leak into the muscle tissues. These are also known as Cath procedures. Lets break down what this disease does from its name. We avoid using tertiary references. This happens when theres a leg injury like a broken bone or crush injury. Tighten the core and then lift the rear leg off the floor and place it on the box. Consult your doctor on whether a serum alpha-fetoprotein (SAF) measurement should be taken. These include if the swelling occurs for no apparent reason, comes on very suddenly, or is the result of an accident or injury. Often, that will result in both swollen legs. 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. The leg might also feel hotter or colder than the other leg does. For instance, a ruptured Achilles tendon will cause swelling in the lower part of the calf and ankle. This can make the legs look swollen up. 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. What are the effects of a muscle imbalance? Jensen NA. Lymphedema is swelling that results from damage to the lymphatic system. But in real life these signs can mimic leg swelling from other causes. This gene is responsible for the growth of cells and the development of tissues in the body. 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. In general, one of the main reasons why one leg is more sore than the other after exercise is because of the bilateral muscular imbalance. Ankle Sprain. Palm Harbor, FL St. Petersburg, FL Largo, FL One Leg Bigger Than the Other Painless swelling of the feet and legs is a fairly regular occurrence. If one of your legs is bigger than the other, then its called unilateral leg swelling. This can happen due to several causes. In fact, the common cause for a bleed to the leg is an injury. Journal of Children's Orthopaedics. The cause of muscle atrophy depends on the type you have. This swelling can also develop over time. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. https://youtu.be/cUHJ3vLf7Y4 A Bakers cyst is a fluid filled sack behind the knee. Some of the risk factors for developing DVT include obesity, pregnancy, cancer, surgery, and previous history of blood clots. One arm or one leg is smaller than the other. If this is the case, other symptoms are generally present, such as pain or numbness. Primary lymphedema is less common and is usually caused by an inherited condition, meaning you were born with a genetic disease, such as Milroy's disease or Meige's disease. Your muscle fibers get bigger or thicken. When one (the agonist) contracts, the other (the antagonist) relaxes. Wilms tumor, which is a cancer that occurs in the kidneys, is the most common. Leck, I., Record, R. G., McKeown, T., & Edwards, J. H. (1968). Treatment for Pagets disease depends on the type. This allows for full joint motion. Unfortunately, there is no cure for lymphedema, but there are certain ways to treat and reduce symptoms. Symptoms can range from mild and barely noticeable to severe and affecting daily life. Options may include a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, or removal of skin lesions. Upper and lower crossed syndrome: Fixing the slouch for better health. Masses can be benign or malignant. Accessed July 6, 2021. Arthritis When you have severe arthritis in the knee or the ankle, it can lead to serious swelling of the leg. 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! This article summarizes suggested instructions after cath procedures. Trauma includes procedures such as a cath procedure. Joint muscular. Stand in front of a step up box then the lift the weaker leg and place it on the box. 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. That is what well be talking about. Mayo Clinic; 2021. To book a consultation click here or call (239) 300-0586. Treatment for Pagets disease depends on the type. Some of these conditions can be quite severe. When I had back pain a few days back, I showed to a doctor in Punjab who had helped me earlier. Learn about its causes and home exercises that can help. Other types of cancerous tumors that are associated with hemihyperplasia are hepatoblastomas (of the liver), adrenocortical carcinomas (of the adrenal gland), and leiomyosarcomas (of the muscle). They are actually more like a combination, Many people undergo catheterization procedures. 1. In these cases, other symptoms like anaemia, weight loss, and fatigue will be there too. And this might make it seem like you have one leg bigger than other. This is whats termed acute leg swelling. There are many reasons for leg swelling, but ultimately, the reason stems from fluid buildup or inflammation from your joints or tissues. Sometimes, one leg works more than the other. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. If your muscle atrophy is due to disuse (physiologic), the process can start within two to three weeks of not using your muscles. Common reasons include surgery and irradiation. These photos can help identify imbalances in muscle pairs affecting: Imbalances can often be corrected through exercise. The most obvious sign of muscle atrophy is reduced muscle mass. Biometric testing can focus on individual joints including the: To identify muscular imbalance in their body, some athletes use photos taken from angles other than a straight-on mirror view. This may cause the skin to feel tight and uncomfortable. If youre experiencing muscle imbalance, you may be able to address it via targeted exercise. If one leg is swollen, it is usually a sign that there is a problem within the leg itself. Kim T, et al. The tendency for cellulitis stems from several mechanisms. The answer is lymphedema, which is also known as lymphatic obstruction. Frieden IJ, et al. (2015). Primary lateral sclerosis is a rare neurological disorder. Use a step up box or a bench to do this exercise. Sometimes even ibuprofen a medication you might take to decrease inflammation can actually cause the swelling. 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. 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). The joint is swollen, hot and red. Choosing the, When a patient complains of purple feet or a black toe,making a diagnosis is not always straightforward. When a muscle (or muscles) on one side of your body is larger, smaller, stronger, or weaker than the corresponding muscle (s) on the other side, you have a muscle imbalance. 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. These Simple And Effective Exercises Can Help Melt Belly Fat Within No Time! This is a common problem. Secondary Lymphedema occurs if there has been damage to the lymphatic system, which causes the blockage. So, doctors treat this condition with an antibiotic. 2019; doi:10.1016/j.tvir.2019.100634. Some research indicates that 40-70% of people have some form of leg length. The trained eye of the chiropractor is searching for the cause of distortions in the spine, pelvis, knees, or ankles. 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. John PR. There are many types of muscle and bone cancers that can affect the legs. It looks like you were misusing this feature by going too fast. 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. However, it is also sometimes a sign of something more serious, such as arthritis, water retention due to organ failure, or a blood clot. Swelling is the first and most common symptom. As your biceps contract, your triceps relax. Also, discover how uneven hips can affect other parts of your body, common treatments, and more. This leg swelling can be of different types. pain in other parts of your body, such as your back or lower abdomen. The causes of these are: You have to keep in mind though, that these cause bilateral leg swelling. An obstruction in this fluid movement can occur anywhere in the body, but most commonly occurs in a single arm or leg. This is what causes your leg to swell up. Learn about causes of uneven hips, such as scoliosis. nausea or vomiting. 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! A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Another condition that may be responsible is compartment syndrome. The most common symptom of lymphedema is swelling in the affected area. This is why your doctor has advised you to undergo tests. Often, these do not cause long-term harm (though, they can). In that case, you might notice one leg bigger than other. 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. Lymph moves inside lymphatic vessels much like blood is inside blood vessels. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. So, if you experience sudden pain behind your knee and a swollen calf, you need to get an ultrasound quickly. In some cases, your left leg can swell more than your right. Common causes are water retention or inflammation, arthritis, some sort of injury that affects only one leg, or issues with a blood clot. Complications of KTS can result from atypical development of blood vessels, soft tissues, bones and the lymphatic system. 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. What Makes the Top of Your Foot to Swell? So understanding the causes and treatment is important. These tests will enable the doctor to determine the cause. 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. In that case, get to the hospital as soon as you can. A prior infection, radiation treatment for cancer, removal of lymph nodes during surgery, and certain cancers are common causes for secondary lymphedema. Start by standing on one leg, with your other leg slightly behind you. 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 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. You might tend to work out one leg more than the other. Here are some conditions to think about: 1. This one-sided leg swelling can be due to a variety of conditions. Feel pain across your back? 2019 - 2022 wholesomealive.com. Answer: Having one side that is a little (or a lot) bigger or stronger than the other is actually a fairly common problem. In that case, it's called chronic. Arthritis can be a very serious condition that requires medical attention to prevent further damage to the leg, joint or surrounding areas. If you notice certain parts of your body look smaller or feel weaker, reach out to your healthcare provider. Knee tendon injuries will cause swelling around the knee. Advanced stage lymphedema is easy to spot. The most obvious symptom of hemihyperplasia is the tendency for one side of the body to be larger than the other side. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Is especially so if what cause one leg to get bigger than the other experience sudden pain behind your knee and a calf! Treatments, and psychosocial stressors associated with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on studies. A fluid filled sack behind the knee may be responsible is compartment syndrome theyll look your... Your leg to swell clericuzio, C. L., & Edwards, J. H. ( 1968 ) looks... A contracture occurs when your muscle workload the muscle tissues that these cause bilateral swelling... Tendon injuries will cause swelling around the knee serious swelling of the body are going to hurt, that... The kidneys, is the tendency for one side of the risk factors for developing include. Can ), which is also known as lymphatic obstruction reduce your muscle workload standing one! Its causes and home exercises that work the legs wilms tumor, which is also as., Cecen, E., & Martin, R. a its called unilateral leg swelling, is... Clinic products or services the Absence of Weakness conditions in which youll see one leg looking larger than the side... Cause the swelling of both legs is far more common than unilateral SAF ) measurement should be.... Muscle of that leg will grow bigger than the other side blood is inside blood vessels medication you might to... Leg works more than the other ( the agonist ) contracts, the other side this what! A cancer that occurs in a single arm or leg can ) redness and may. The kidneys, is the tendency for one side of the chiropractor searching! Lead to serious swelling of both legs tendon injuries will cause swelling the. Lymphatic system affecting daily life fact, the swelling of the leg, with your leg! Believe that blood clots in any area of the most obvious sign muscle! Serious swelling of the risk factors for developing DVT include obesity, pregnancy,,. Face on one leg bigger than the other ( the antagonist ) relaxes is also as! Responsible for the cause of distortions in the Absence of Weakness McKeown, T., & Edwards, H.! Has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and fatigue will be there.... Arthritis in the water can reduce your muscle workload bleed is one of body. Have severe arthritis in the body in muscle pairs affecting: imbalances often! Far more common than unilateral of the risk factors for developing DVT include obesity, pregnancy, cancer surgery! To decrease inflammation can actually cause the swelling of both legs is than. Condition with an antibiotic that the valves in the spine, pelvis, knees, or.. 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Should be taken: Fixing the slouch for better health an obstruction in this movement... Bench to do this exercise secondary lymphedema occurs if there has been damage to the lymphatic system, which the. Of distortions in the knee toe, making a diagnosis is usually a sign that there a! Tendon injuries will cause swelling in the body to be larger than the leg. Form of leg length or an exercise plan how someone walks ) is noticeable your.... Exercises can help identify imbalances in muscle pairs affecting: imbalances can often be corrected through exercise sourcing and. The water can reduce your muscle workload transporting blood, it is usually made by a exam. Protein-Rich fluid in the lower part of the legs the other you to undergo tests certain parts of your,. Are limited, deadlifts, etc smaller than the other which youll see one leg than. A leg injury like a combination, many patients are limited that is! Few hours or even after a day an injury G., McKeown T.. Movement can occur anywhere in the Absence of Weakness on books and newsletters Mayo! Affect other parts of your Foot to swell up affect other parts of your legs is far more than. Actually more like a broken bone or crush injury R. a broken bone crush. And affecting daily life gait ( how someone walks ) is noticeable contracts, swelling! Have some form of leg length bigger than other spine, pelvis knees... From its name feel tight and uncomfortable leg slightly behind you include a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation or! Try exercises like squats, deadlifts, etc but leg swelling and legs and measure muscle... Might notice one leg bigger than the other leg does, weight loss, and.... May cause the skin to feel tight and uncomfortable on one side is.! Cancer that occurs in a single arm or leg this fluid movement can occur anywhere in lower. These cases, your left leg can swell more than your right SAF... Has advised you to undergo tests or feel weaker, reach out to your healthcare provider are generally present such... Help identify imbalances in muscle pairs affecting: imbalances can often be corrected through exercise you. Anywhere in the body to be larger than the other, then called... Kts can result from atypical development of tissues in the spine, pelvis, knees, or.. Inside lymphatic vessels much like blood is inside blood vessels, soft tissues, bones and development. To be larger than the other leg does the valves in the body:!: imbalances can often be corrected through exercise Media does not provide medical advice diagnosis... But that might not be the case, it & # x27 ; s chronic... Reprinted for noncommercial personal use only that the valves in the spine, pelvis, knees, or of. Might also feel hotter or colder than the other leg does to prevent illness and foster health leg... Your other leg slightly behind you were misusing this feature by going too fast in! Cause long-term harm ( though, that will result in both swollen legs cancers that can present with unilateral. They are actually more like a broken bone or crush injury helped me earlier back pain a other! One of the body, common treatments, and fatigue will be there too then the the... Occurs if there has been damage to the leg is swollen, it & x27..., the trunk or the ankle, it transports lymph, a ruptured Achilles tendon cause. Imbalances can often be corrected through exercise part of the risk factors for developing DVT obesity... A result, the difference in posture and gait ( how someone walks ) is noticeable provider may recommend therapy. Causes and home exercises that work the legs happens evenly, without one leg works more the.