Sounds like heart failure.
Get to a doctor ASAP, emergency room if necessary.
OK folks, I just fell from the top of a 30 foot extension ladder onto some steelwork at the construction site I was trying to rob from. There’s a piece of rebar that went clear through my left ear and out my right eye. My visions getting a little blurry and I’m feeling a little nauseous. Should I call my GP or should I just try sleeping it off? Need advice. Thanks.
Don't just see a doctor - see a COMPETANT Doctor.
What Is Edema?
In simplest terms, edema is excess fluid accumulation in your body tissues.
It can happen anywhere in the body but is most often noticed in the lower extremities, including the lower legs, ankles and feet.
What Causes Edema?
There are various lifestyle factors and underlying causes that can lead to edema, including
venous insufficiency
obstructive sleep apnea
heart failure
cirrhosis of the liver
kidney disease
diabetes
thyroid disorders
deep vein thrombosis (blood clots)
allergic reactions
certain medications
cancers
infection
pregnancy
preeclampsia
excessive alcohol consumption
sitting and standing for long periods
previous radiation or chemotherapy treatments
Symptoms
While the most common symptom of edema is excessive swelling, other symptoms include skin that looks puffy, stretched and shiny.
Complications
If left untreated, severe edema can lead to:
worsening swelling
decreased mobility
overly stretched skin
extreme itchiness
decreased blood circulation
I was on blood pressure medicine for years that made my legs swell and once I changed medications the swelling went away.
Could also be a blood clot, something I’ve had 8 times.
Definitely walk with your doctor.
Before seeing a Doctor or running off to some ER, if you are not having shortness of breath than you could try an ‘over the counter’ diuretic sometimes called a ‘water pill’ found in drug stores. They can help. I have never taken one myself but people say that they offer some benefit.
If you are SOB (short of breath) then medical help likely is in order.
Motrin. It fixes everything.
Definitely need to get a thorough checkup at the cardiologist...
Get ready for possibly having to use those PITA high elastic stockings...
OTOH, years ago I had the same problem with the penis...
Now, at 89, not so much anymore...
were you vaccinated? on medications?
I haven’t seen this mentioned in other comments, but it could be blood clots.
Very serious, get to the ER.
You probably have congestive heart failure.
See a doctor and get an Rx for a loop diuretic and whatever else you need.
Don’t delay.
Get your legs amputated quickly before the swelling spreads to the rest of your body.
Because it had continued swelling for so long, about a month ago, I went to the Doctor. He said I had extensive arthritis and I should continue wearing the compression sock. He suggested that I purchase Voltaren (OTC) for arthritis pain but I haven't tried to use it because the dosing instructions are so convoluted. It was the swelling I was concerned about and the pain is only a problem when I move it certain ways.
I agree, you should see a doctor because fluid retention in legs can be a symptom of cardiovascular problems. Whatever you do, compression socks can relieve the discomfort of the swelling.
Get to your physician.
If this is out of the blue, it could be a clot. If it’s been building up, it could be congestive heart failure.
Neither of those things should go on for long without someone not on the internet looking at them.
I have a problem with swollen legs. Compression hose, lie on the floor and raise your legs and rest them on the wall for 15 minutes.
If you eat things with a high amount of salt in them you can retain excess water.
Potassium helps to balance out water when too much sodium is in the body.
The general issue of edema is too much fluid retention, and that be due to a number of reasons. High sodium, kidney issues, heart/circulatory issues.
People like us can only suggest possibilities, your doc is the one who on the hook for liable info. :)
Get to the ER now
Honestly, without knowing your condition, meds, and history…no one is going to be correct.
If you are obese,high blood pressure, and not very active…it could be one set of things.
If you are none of those things, it could be other stuff.
Finally, it could be cancer, CHF, blood clots, or kidney disease.
How long have your legs been swollen, and how far up does the swelling go? Short of breath? Pitting (leaves an indentation when you press on it?)
If available, take a low dose aspirin (81mg), get to urgent care immediately.