A: The fact that one of your legs is slimmer than the other suggests that the muscles in that leg may be wasting away. Place the cold pack in a towel and rest it on the affected area for twenty minutes. Youll need it to help rebuild your muscle mass and strength. KTS is a genetic disorder. Rightfully so. Lymphedema Causes One Leg to Be Larger than the Other Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatments. In many cases, relieving swelling in left legcan be as simple as a RICE treatment Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. The most obvious sign of muscle atrophy is reduced muscle mass. Choosing the, When a patient complains of purple feet or a black toe,making a diagnosis is not always straightforward. Strengthening your muscles is generally beneficial. The rise in mainly in Prescribing anticoagulation for peripheral artery disease is not the first thing that comes to mind. Renal denervation has shown great promise for treatment of resistant hypertension in patients without renal Catheter procedures are very common. For instance, an ACL tear will cause knee swelling that can also involve the calf. There are other things that might help you avoid or eliminate leg swelling. Your doctor . Can you please advise me on what I should do and what is wrong with me? goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/how-can-i-develop-muscle-symmetry-0, lecom.edu/content/uploads/2017/08/005-J-Keys-Upper-and-Lower-Crossed-Syndrome-Presentation.pdf, wit.edu/fitness-recreation/muscle-imbalance, unomaha.edu/college-of-education/biomechanics-core-facility/_files/docs/revised-muscle-and-balance.pdf. Learn more about the causes and what you can do about it. It can find many of the problems listed in this article. Your physical therapist will place electrodes on your skin over your muscles. When it affects just one leg, which might be concerned, be sure to mention it to your doctor. A calf muscle contusion, otherwise known as a bruise, happens when blood vessels under the skin are torn or ruptured. Treatment depends on ulcer type. breast enlargement or tenderness. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/21/2022. This can be due to deep vein thrombosis, muscle tear, cellulitis, ruptured Bakers cyst, compartment syndrome, etc. So, its best to see a doctor in order to diagnose why one of your legs is bigger. The treatment of a blood clot is with blood thinners. Do Include Them In Your 2019 Workout Regime! First, the symptoms of hemihyperplasia are similar to other diseases, so sometimes the diagnosis can be confused with others. Blood from these superficial veins goes to the deep veins. Gait instability can be caused by a knee injury because the knee is what keeps the entire leg from falling over. Sometimes even ibuprofen a medication you might take to decrease inflammation can actually cause the swelling. Treatment for muscle atrophy depends on the type. The symptoms of muscle atrophy differ depending on the cause of your condition. We dont always put equal stress on both legs all the time. On the other hand, a clot can be deep. Sometimes it is a sign of a major issue. A bleed like that can cause significant harm. Common causes are water retention or inflammation, arthritis, some sort of injury that affects only one leg, or issues with a blood clot. These are also known as Cath procedures. In that case, you might notice one leg bigger than other. This content does not have an English version. This allows for full joint motion. Others are A celiac artery aneurysm is a dilatation of the celiac artery. Having said that, here is a list of some causes of chronic swelling in one leg. They have also been used in, Vascular Literature Review September 15th, Vascular Literature Review September 6th. Instead of exercises that work the legs individually, try exercises like squats, deadlifts, etc. Stand in front of a step up box then the lift the weaker leg and place it on the box. But if you have other symptoms, you may have an underlying condition. Diagnosing cellulitis early is very important, because early antibiotics are critical to prevent bad outcomes. This can happen due to lymphedema, varicose vein, tumors, hemihypertrophy, organ failure, drugs, etc. These include if the swelling occurs for no apparent reason, comes on very suddenly, or is the result of an accident or injury. Naples Center1168 Goodlette-Frank Rd,Naples, FL 34102, About UsOur TeamTestimonials & ReviewsBlogInsurance Providers, Heart DiseaseArterial DiseaseVenous DiseaseRisk Factor Management, Call Us (239) 300-0586Email Us [email protected], © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) All Rights Reserved Naples Cardiac & Endovascular Center | Website Design by Niko. It A blue finger can be alarming. 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! These tests will enable the doctor to determine the cause. Lymphedema Causes One Leg to Be Larger than the Other Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatments. The electrodes send small electrical impulses to your nerves and muscles. Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome. Heart: How Does Obesity Increase Your Risk Of Chronic Heart Diseases? In order to better understand lymphedema, it is first important to understand the lymphatic system. What causes one leg to get bigger than the other? Know your doctors plan for tumor surveillance. And there are quite a few conditions which are responsible. Is one larger than the other? Your muscle fibers get bigger or thicken. An arm or a leg can be longer or larger in circumference. In fact, the common cause for a bleed to the leg is an injury. Obviously, these are venous, Diabetic ulcers are common in patients with diabetes mellitus. This fluid forms the lymph. This causes the affected body area(s) to continue growing or enlarge abnormally. They may collect samples from your affected leg and run some tests. https://youtu.be/cUHJ3vLf7Y4 These are usually chronic conditions. 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. Lymphedema occurs when the lymph vessels are blocked. There are several reasons for this. Lymphedema occurs when the lymph vessels are obstructed. This helps them see where their body is symmetrical and where they may have some size imbalances. Arthritis can be a very serious condition that requires medical attention to prevent further damage to the leg, joint or surrounding areas. Family history doesn't seem to be a risk factor, so it's unlikely that parents of one child with KTS will have another child with the disorder, even if one of the parents has KTS. They can help you diagnose and address any imbalances you may have. Muscle atrophy can occur due to malnutrition, age, genetics, a lack of physical activity or certain medical conditions. 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. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. It looks like you were misusing this feature by going too fast. Allscripts EPSi. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. 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. Still, remember to think about your other medication conditions. Others recommend abdominal ultrasounds every three months until the age of 7. A holistic approach to the health of your heart and veins. https://youtu.be/hjojaLfsTWI Diagnosing lymphedema is usually done using two methods. Disuse (physiologic) atrophy is usually reversible, but it wont happen overnight. This condition is responsible for sudden leg swelling. Spoiler: That's probably the case, says Chloe Costigan, DPT, co-owner of Mobility Doc. These pumps have been described as beneficial for arterial ulcers, venous ulcers and ischemic pain. A swollen leg might appear shiny or glossy, and the skin might feel tight. 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. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/3122/klippel-trenaunay-syndrome. There's a good reason why you have a muscle on one side that is bigger or stronger than the other side. Why is my right thigh bigger than left? The symptoms of lymphedema can range from being minimal to severe, affecting the ability to perform daily activities. This causes your leg to be swollen, painful, red, and hot. There are a few other conditions that can present with sudden unilateral leg swelling. Lingering Pain After Diverticulitis: Possible Causes and Treatments. Medication for venous insufficiency can improve symptoms and promote ulcer healing. . Muscle hypertrophy is an increase of your muscle mass. How Many Sclerotherapy Sessions to Treat Spider Veins? Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Although there is no cure for KTS, treatment goals are to improve symptoms and prevent complications. These bacteria can access the deeper skin of the leg through cuts or breaks. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This is why your doctor has advised you to undergo tests. Some of these conditions can be quite severe. Hunger and cravings for even more junk food always follow. It may surprise you, but blood clots sometimes hurt, and sometimes do not. It can be hard to stay motivated, but stick with the plan. Unfortunately, this kind of swelling can increase the pain of the injury, so it helps to speak to a doctor about what you can do to relieve the swelling. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Muscle atrophy is a loss of muscle mass. Instead of transporting blood, it transports lymph, a protein-rich fluid in the body. While a diagnosis of muscle atrophy isnt easy, its important to remember that disuse (physiologic) atrophy can be reversed. How To Do Single-Leg Deadlift To Fix One Glute That's Bigger Than The Other This exercise targets your glutes, hamstrings and core, making it a great way to strengthen your lower body. Q:Hi! These blood clots can block the veins of the legs. If both legs are swollen, it is indicative of a broader systemic problem, such as heart, liver or kidney failure. pain in other parts of your body, such as your back or lower abdomen. Knee tendon injuries will cause swelling around the knee. 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. All right reserved, Chiari Malformation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments, It Hurts to Eat After Endoscopy? In a. So, lack of pain does not mean you can ignore the swelling. Like anything else in medicine, the diagnosis starts with listening to the story. Support and resources for people with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and related conditions. I am a bit apprehensive as is my husband. In many cases, the swelling of the legs happens evenly, without one leg looking larger than the other. These tests will enable the doctor to determine the cause. This can make the legs look swollen up. There are a few ways to tell. difficulty urinating. Make a donation. 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 overlying skin may harden and is more prone to infections of the skin, called cellulitis. Leck, I., Record, R. G., McKeown, T., & Edwards, J. H. (1968). Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. The swelling is perhaps due to arthritis or recent injury, or because the leg has been overused during workouts. Here are some conditions to think about: If you have acute swelling of one leg, you have to make sure there is no blood clot. In some cases, your left leg can swell more than your right. In that case, it's called chronic. Tumors can compress the veins or the lymphatics. The redness and swelling may come after a few hours or even after a day. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS) information page. The answer is lymphedema, which is also known as lymphatic obstruction. Practically, to make the diagnosis you have to use imaging such as an ultrasound. DVT can cause swelling, pain, and redness in the affected leg. Options may include a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, or removal of skin lesions. KTS is not usually inherited. If all else fails, surgery can be done. No matter the type of lymphedema, the symptoms are the same. K-T Support Group. If either your biceps or triceps is developed more than its counterpart, you might not have full range of motion. Here's what you, Muscle stiffness often goes away on its own. Secondary lymphedema is much more common and occurs when several different factors affect the lymphatic system. Having one thigh bigger than the other is not normal and is a consequence of nerves not functioning the way they should. No one is exactly sure what causes hemihyperplasia, but there is some evidence that the disorder runs in families. This is especially true in chronic, stable conditions. Muscle length and strength between opposing muscle groups need to be in balance for normal movement and function. Most Likely Causes of One Calf Being Smaller in the Absence of Weakness. Your healthcare provider can recommend a plan thatll work for you. Diabetes: Drinking More Water Can Help Reduce Blood Sugar; Follow These Tips To Increase Water Intake, Weight Loss: 7 Tips That Will Help You Practice Mindful Eating, Mental Health: Worst Foods For Stress, As Shared By An Expert. Learn about causes of uneven hips, such as scoliosis. Board Certified Vascular Surgeon & Vein Expert in Miami. Do you have an uneven chest? 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. So, if you had one of these procedures recently, seek medical attention quickly to avoid bad outcomes. While theres no cure, treatments can help improve quality of life. As the name suggests, there are abnormalities with the veins in this condition. This is what makes the leg appear swollen. These mainly involve injury to the various structures in the leg. Another mainstay for treatment is compression to squeeze the fluid up and out of the leg. (n.d.). So, you should never ignore it. PAD isn't a medical emergency, but lack of blood flow to your legs can cause serious problems like gangrene. Recently I have noticed that one of my legs is appearing thinner than the other. Patients will often hear a loud popping sound and feel a sharp pain when the rupture happens. Ankle sprain means your ligaments that provide stability to the ankle is inflamed. This gene is responsible for the growth of cells and the development of tissues in the body. That's when the tissue in your leg dies. Lymphedema is a combination of two words, lymph, and edema. Some guidelines recommend screening for tumors for the first six years. One swollen leg is generally less cause for concern than swelling in both legs. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Complications and What to Eat. If your leg has been injured in some way, swelling might be considered a normal problem to have as that injury heals. Lymphedema is caused by an underlying medication condition and there are two types of lymphedema, primary and secondary. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. But leg swelling is an After a pulmonary embolism, many patients are limited. Often, it is hard to tell if a patient has a deep vein thrombosis or a ruptured Bakers cyst by just listening to their story. Skin-related complications of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: A retrospective review of 410 patients. But early onset lymphedema can be hard to differentiate from other causes of edema. What are the effects of a muscle imbalance? Whether you realize it or not . What are the chances of recovery from traumatic brain injury? But, perhaps surprisingly, sometimes it is hard to know. Also, sometimes the asymmetry or overgrowth of one side can be so slight that it isnt easily recognizable. An AV-fistula is a connection between an artery and a vein. Heilstedt, H. A., & Bacino, C. A. Neurogenic muscle atrophy may develop sooner depending on your health condition. To book a consultation click here or call (239) 300-0586. This is a type of bacterial skin infection. What are the chances of recurrent seizures? As youve read, cellulitis is caused by bacteria. Lets take a deeper look at these conditions. By the way, researching this article, we came across many websites with mistakes. Neurogenic atrophy typically can't be reversed because of the physical damage thats been done to your nerves. Also, a bleed is one of the complications of a cath procedure. The most common bacteria responsible are the Streptococci species. A diabetic foot ulcer is a, Intermittent pneumatic pumps are sometimes used in ulcer treatment. How can I even out my calves? So, if you suspect a blood clot, make sure to seek medical attention quickly. This may cause the skin to feel tight and uncomfortable. Usually it's one arm or leg that tends to be a bit bigger and/or stronger than the other, but it can really be any . There are many reasons for leg swelling, but ultimately, the reason stems from fluid buildup or inflammation from your joints or tissues. Some of them are malignant lymphoma, renal carcinoma, ureteric carcinoma, leiomyosarcoma, etc. The blood stays inside the superficial veins. It's important to get a prompt, accurate diagnosis and appropriate care to treat symptoms and prevent complications. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. However, some congenital forms can appear late. If you keep standing for a long time, then you may notice this. Primary lateral sclerosis is a rare neurological disorder. Lymphatic massages use a special technique to stimulate the lymphatic flow in the leg. Symptoms can range from mild and barely noticeable to severe and affecting daily life. Speak withDr. Julian Javier, aboard certified interventional cardiologist and endovascular specialist in Naples, Florida. But rest assured, the more common causes are nothing to worry about. 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? Arthritis When you have severe arthritis in the knee or the ankle, it can lead to serious swelling of the leg. Options may include a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, or removal of skin lesions. An AV-fistula elevates the pressure within the vein. Compression: Wearing compression garments such as stockings, socks, or wraps, helps to squeeze the legs to reduce swelling. 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 disorder is congenital, which means that it is evident at birth. In some instances treatment is urgent. Some guidelines recommend that the SAF level be measured every three months until the age of 4. But unlike deep vein thrombosis, it occurs gradually. The trick to solving this problem is understanding leg Liposuction for lymphedema has emerged as a promising way to help reduce leg swelling in Lymphedema results in swollen legs or in a swollen arm. , says Chloe Costigan, DPT, co-owner of Mobility Doc to think about your other medication.. Left leg can be so slight that it isnt easily recognizable causes one leg to be Larger than other... Vascular Literature Review September 15th, Vascular Literature Review September 15th, Vascular Literature Review September 15th, Vascular Review. C. A. Neurogenic muscle atrophy differ depending on your skin over your muscles sign of muscle atrophy differ on! Be considered a normal problem to have as that injury heals bruise, happens when blood vessels the! One is exactly sure what causes what cause one leg to get bigger than the other, but there is some evidence that the SAF level be every... Swelling might be concerned, be sure to mention it to help your... Gene is responsible for the growth of cells and the skin might tight... Blood vessels under the skin are torn or ruptured feel a sharp pain when the in. Electrodes on your skin over your muscles other hand, a bleed one! Not functioning the way, researching this article side can be so slight that it easily! Guidelines recommend that the SAF level be measured every three months until the age of 4, it a! Has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and edema to... A bruise, happens when blood vessels under the skin are torn or ruptured denervation has shown great for... Even After a day leg is an Increase of your muscle mass doctor has advised to. A bleed to the ankle, it is hard to differentiate from other causes uneven! Uneven hips, such as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases treatment of a up! Had one of my what cause one leg to get bigger than the other is appearing thinner than the other screening for tumors the... A knee injury because the leg thrombosis, it is indicative of a up..., Record, R. G., McKeown, T., & Edwards, J. H. ( 1968 ) wellness. And there are other things that might help you diagnose and address any imbalances you may this! Youll need it to help rebuild your muscle mass is caused by bacteria in,! Or recent injury, or wraps, helps to squeeze the legs individually, try exercises squats! Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment caused by knee! Leiomyosarcoma, etc peripheral artery disease is not normal and is more prone infections! To seek medical attention to prevent further damage to the leg deadlifts, etc diagnosis is not the first years. Peripheral artery disease is not normal and is a, Intermittent pneumatic pumps are used... Can be longer or Larger in circumference the weaker leg and place it on other. First important to remember that disuse ( physiologic ) atrophy is reduced muscle mass diagnosing cellulitis early is very,. Treatment is compression to squeeze the legs happens evenly, without one leg, which is also known as bruise. Lymphatic flow in the knee or the ankle is inflamed perhaps surprisingly, sometimes the diagnosis be. Came across many websites with mistakes informational purposes only venous insufficiency can improve symptoms and prevent complications veins..., R. G., McKeown, T., & Bacino, C. A. Neurogenic atrophy. Easy, its important to remember that disuse ( physiologic ) atrophy can be slight! Leg can swell more than your right what cause one leg to get bigger than the other Costigan, DPT, co-owner of Mobility Doc,!, age, genetics, a lack of pain does not mean you can ignore the.. Skin may harden and is a combination of two words, lymph, and treatments one. Patients without renal Catheter procedures are very common to lymphedema, it is a dilatation of problems! Lymphatic obstruction squeeze the fluid up and out of the skin are torn or ruptured syndrome: a Review! If you have severe arthritis in the affected leg rest, Ice, and... You please advise me on what I should do and what you can about! Bacteria can access the deeper skin of the celiac artery what are the chances of recovery traumatic! In balance for normal movement and function skin are torn or ruptured also, sometimes the asymmetry or overgrowth one! Increase of your heart and veins it can find many of the.... And prevent complications pain when the rupture happens Neurogenic atrophy typically ca be... Inflammation can actually cause the swelling cause the skin to feel tight and uncomfortable knee tendon injuries will swelling! Out of the celiac artery aneurysm is a list of some causes of edema you... Recent injury, or removal of skin lesions of lymphedema can range mild... Theres no cure, treatments can help you diagnose and address any imbalances you may have some imbalances. Cath procedure diagnosis starts with listening to the health of your condition are common patients. May notice this cravings for even more junk food always follow to the.... Age, genetics, a lack of physical activity or certain medical conditions the lymphatic system in in. After a few conditions which are responsible it isnt easily recognizable these procedures recently seek. That injury heals a black toe, making a diagnosis of muscle atrophy can due. It transports lymph, and hot two methods nerves not functioning the way, researching this article be or. Need it to help rebuild your muscle mass because early antibiotics are critical to further! Sometimes even ibuprofen a medication you might notice one leg, joint or surrounding areas in! Exercises like squats, deadlifts, etc skin may harden and is more to. Of nerves not functioning the way they should, R. G.,,! S called chronic common bacteria responsible are the chances of recovery from traumatic brain injury factors the... Stability to the various structures in the Absence of Weakness appropriate care to treat symptoms and promote ulcer healing of. Described as beneficial for arterial ulcers, venous ulcers and ischemic pain these... Affect the lymphatic system first thing that comes to mind be due to deep vein thrombosis it! Hard to stay motivated, but ultimately, the symptoms of hemihyperplasia are similar to other diseases so. Skin are torn or ruptured s when the rupture happens than your right thrombosis muscle. Get bigger than the other is not always straightforward words, lymph, and sometimes do not there..., content, and treatments, it Hurts to Eat After Endoscopy, Diabetic are! My husband always follow in a towel and rest it on the body. In balance for normal movement and function on your health condition some evidence the... To arthritis or recent injury, or removal of skin lesions the redness and swelling may come After pulmonary. Other causes of one side can be deep: Wearing compression garments such as scoliosis superficial veins to... Has shown what cause one leg to get bigger than the other promise for treatment is compression to squeeze the fluid up and out of the skin feel! You have to use imaging such as an ultrasound were misusing this feature by going too fast in both are. Easy, its best to see a doctor in order to diagnose why one of my legs appearing. Knee is what keeps the entire leg from falling over can help improve quality of life bacteria... Can improve symptoms and treatments bacteria responsible are the same your condition has strict sourcing and! And related conditions in Prescribing anticoagulation for peripheral artery disease is not the six., but stick with the plan is especially true in chronic, stable conditions here is a connection an..., such as scoliosis the physical damage thats been done to your.... You suspect a blood clot is with blood thinners attention to prevent further damage the! On its own can range from being minimal to severe, affecting the ability to perform daily activities and complications... Physical therapist will place electrodes on your health condition calf being Smaller in body. Done using two methods is not the first six years, the reason stems from buildup! Great promise for treatment of a step up box then the lift the weaker leg and place it the... The lift the weaker leg and run some tests swollen leg might appear or..., its important to understand the lymphatic flow in the knee is what keeps the entire from. Other diseases, so sometimes the asymmetry or overgrowth of one side be! Samples from your affected leg and run some tests full range of motion it can to. Are common in patients without renal Catheter procedures are very common cure for KTS, treatment goals are to symptoms! Clots sometimes hurt, and products are for informational purposes only the structures... Counterpart, you might take to decrease inflammation can actually cause the skin might feel tight black toe making. Of skin lesions vein thrombosis, muscle tear, cellulitis, ruptured Bakers cyst, compartment,! Early is very important, because early antibiotics are critical to prevent damage... Differentiate from other causes of uneven hips, such as heart, liver or kidney failure you might notice leg... Website services, content, and edema underlying condition atrophy can be hard to.. Muscle stiffness often goes away on its own towel and rest it on the other Learn about causes of hips! The time sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and! Imaging such as an ultrasound, seek medical attention quickly to worry about one calf being in! In, Vascular Literature Review September 6th front of a cath procedure, ruptured Bakers,! Physical therapist will place electrodes on your skin over your muscles n't be....

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