Fluid can build up when tiny blood vessels are damaged or when they leak into surrounding tissues. The result is swelling.
People with diabetes often have problems with blood flow. When blood doesn’t circulate well, wounds heal slowly or not at all. Swelling makes it harder for wounds to heal. That’s why it’s so important to control it.
This article explains how diabetes and other health conditions could cause your lower legs to swell. It also offers some advice on how to treat it and when to get medical care.
Symptoms
If you have edema, you may notice:
Stretched or shiny skinSwelling or puffinessSkin that pits (stays indented) when you press itSwelling that stays firm and doesn’t pit
Causes
Your legs may swell for reasons that have nothing to do with diabetes. Some examples are:
Not being active enough Standing or sitting a long time Surgery Burns Hot weather Pregnancy Menstruation Menopause Birth control pills Medications Too much salt in your diet Poor diet
If you have swelling in one leg or foot but not the other, it may be:
Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) Cellulitis Osteomyelitis Trauma Ruptured Baker’s cyst Lymphatic blockage
Diabetes-Related Causes
Swelling can also come from heart disease, blood flow problems, liver disease, and kidney disease. Diabetes can increase the risk of each of these conditions.
Some diabetes medications can cause swelling. Actos (pioglitazone) and Avandia (rosiglitazone maleate) both cause swelling. They may also cause heart problems.
These medications should not be used by anyone with congestive heart failure. This is a condition in which the heart doesn’t pump well, causing blood and fluid to back up into tissues.
People with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or heart failure. If diabetes has damaged your nerves, you might not notice the symptoms. That’s why it’s vital to let your healthcare provider know if your legs or feet swell.
Care
Here are some steps you can take to bring down swelling:
Elevate the swollen leg or foot Wear support stockings Exercise Opt for a low-sodium diet
If you have a wound, cellulitis (a skin infection), scaling, or itching, make sure your care plan treats those symptoms.
Seek medical help as soon as you can if:
The swelling does not improve or gets worseYou have liver disease and your legs or abdomen swellYour swollen area is red or warmYou have a feverYou’re urinating lessYou have arterial disease and swellingYou are pregnant and have sudden moderate to severe swelling.
When to Get Medical Help
New swelling in one or both legs needs urgent care. Edema in only one leg could be a sign of DVT, which may be life-threatening.
Call 911 if you have shortness of breath or chest pain.
Summary
Peripheral edema is fluid buildup in your lower legs or feet. If you have diabetes, changes to your blood vessels may be partly to blame for swelling. Your medications or related health conditions could also cause the problem.
It’s possible that something besides diabetes is making your lower legs swell. To find out for sure, talk it over with your healthcare provider. Don’t ignore swelling in your feet or lower legs because a serious health condition could be developing.
Fluid retention is a sign of heart failure and kidney damage. Both can affect people with diabetes. The diabetes medications Actos (pioglitazone) and Avandia (rosiglitazone) can also cause fluid buildup.
