What causes leg swelling after standing for a long time?

Standing for too long can lead to leg swelling caused by various reasons, including prolonged sitting and varicose veins. If symptoms of leg swelling persist or worsen, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Immobile standing for a long time can affect blood circulation in the lower limbs, causing blood reflux disorders and subsequently leading to leg edema. Understanding these causes can help in taking appropriate measures to relieve discomfort.

1. Prolonged Sitting and Standing: Extended periods of standing or sitting can impair blood circulation in the lower limbs. Blood has difficulty effectively returning to the heart, resulting in increased tissue fluid leakage and local edema. To improve this, it is advisable to regularly move your legs, such as walking every hour or performing simple leg stretches. This helps promote blood circulation and reduce the occurrence of edema.

2. Varicose Veins: Maintaining the same position for a long time, especially in situations requiring heavy physical labor, may lead to varicose veins. In such cases, the muscles and blood vessels in the legs are compressed, affecting normal blood circulation, leading to increased intravenous pressure and edema. Varicose veins may also be accompanied by symptoms such as pain and numbness. For this condition, doctors may recommend medications such as Maizhiling Tablets or Diosmin Tablets to improve symptoms.

3. Other Potential Health Issues: Renal diseases such as nephrotic syndrome can also cause edema due to water and sodium retention. Similarly, heart failure may lead to congestion in the venous system, causing systemic edema. For these conditions, urine tests, echocardiograms, and other examinations are recommended for diagnosis. Treatment may involve the use of diuretics such as Hydrochlorothiazide Tablets or Furosemide Tablets, or heart failure-related medications such as Spironolactone Tablets or Metoprolol Tartrate Sustained-Release Tablets.

In daily life, maintain moderate physical activity and avoid standing or sitting for too long. If leg edema is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, seeking medical attention promptly is crucial. Through reasonable lifestyle adjustments and necessary medical interventions, leg edema can be effectively alleviated.