7 Tips For Managing Leaky Legs

Leaky legs, or lymphorrhea, occur when lymph fluid leaks from the skin, causing ongoing and bothersome symptoms. This condition is a severe health risk because it increases the chances of chronic wounds and infections like cellulitis. Seek urgent medical treatment if you’re experiencing this symptom.

Edema:

Edema results from excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues, leading to swelling. Although commonly observed in the legs and feet, it can impact any body part. Edema can be caused by everyday things such as sitting or standing too long, exertion, medication side effects, and even hormones.

Edema can have other serious underlying causes that could lead to lymphorrhea or “leaky legs,” such as liver or kidney disease, vein disease, or venous insufficiency.

Lymphedema: 

Lymphedema is swelling, discomfort, and limited movement in the affected limb. The lymphatic system is essential for maintaining fluid balance, filtering and draining excess fluid, and supporting the immune system. Lymphedema can occur when the lymphatic system is compromised due to surgery, trauma, infection, or congenital conditions.  If lymphedema goes unmanaged, it can lead to complications like the development of lymphorrhea or “leaky legs.”

Lymphorrhoea occurs when the accumulated fluid breaks the skin, resulting in leakage that may be transparent or milky with a foul odor, causing “leaky legs.” Leaky legs can be very uncomfortable and make you more prone to infections.

Lymphorrhoea:

Lymphorrhoea is caused by severe edema or lymphedema, a chronic illness where lymphatic fluid accumulates, usually in the arms or legs. Although it may resemble water, people with lymphorrhea lose this fluid through their skin. This fluid is crucial in eliminating waste, absorbing nutrients, and preventing infections.

Conditions like liver disease, blood clots, or chronic venous insufficiency can cause fluid leakage from the legs.

Your doctor needs to identify the root cause of your lymphorrhea to determine the best treatment options. Lymphorrhea usually occurs as a result of long-standing, uncontrolled lymphedema.

Should I See a Doctor for Leaky Legs?

Lymphorrhea can result from surgery, trauma, infection, or conditions like lymphedema. Seek medical attention if leakage persists or worsens despite home care or if signs of infection like redness, warmth, increasing pain, or swelling occur. Also, seek medical evaluation if swelling or pressure in the affected limb increases or home treatments are ineffective.

Follow up with a healthcare provider after surgery or trauma to rule out complications. If significant leakage causes dehydration or weakness, seek immediate medical care. Consulting with a doctor in these situations will help ensure proper treatment and avoid complications.

The lymphatic system helps the body maintain fluid balance, filter and drain excess fluid, and support the immune system. Lymphedema can occur when the lymphatic system is compromised through surgery, trauma, infection, or congenital conditions.

Lymphedema is characterized by swelling, discomfort, and a limited range of motion in the affected limb. If left unmanaged, it can lead to complications such as fibrosis, infections, and the development of lymphorrhea.

Can I Manage Leaky Legs at Home?

Leaky legs are an uncomfortable symptom, but you can manage it with the help of your medical team.

Prioritize seeking medical care to determine the underlying cause of your leaking legs. Consult with your doctor to rule out conditions like liver and kidney disease. Addressing the root cause of your lymphorrhea is crucial to preventing recurring issues and worsening symptoms.

Here are some things you can do to be proactive in your treatment and regain some comfort when dealing with leaky legs:

Engage in Light Exercise

Regular, gentle exercise can reduce swelling and promote fluid drainage from the legs. Listen to your body, and if exercise becomes painful, take breaks. Simple activities like short daily walks or specific leg exercises at home can contribute to overall improvement. Talk to your doctor about your activity level and comfort so they can help create an individualized exercise plan that won’t exacerbate your leaking legs.

Here are some exercises you can do at home to increase your daily movement:

• From a sitting position, extend your leg forward and hold position for a few seconds before lowering your leg slowly. Repeat with each leg at least once, and up to 5 times as feels comfortable.
• Walk in place for thirty seconds, focusing on moving your legs through their range of motion.
• Lay down and raise your legs at a 90° angle. Point your toes towards your head to extend your legs. Hold this position for a few seconds before relaxing your feet.
• From a sitting position, trace the alphabet with your foot, being mindful to stretch into your calves. Repeat with the opposite leg.

Consult your doctor before starting any exercise program if it could worsen the edema. Be mindful of your dressings as you move. Change any bandages that have gotten soiled or come undone. Tell your doctor if any prescribed exercises worsen the lymphorrhea or become painful.

Make Dietary Changes:

Adjust your diet to limit sodium intake, a common factor contributing to edema. Processed foods such as canned goods, cold cuts, and some restaurant foods are often high in sodium, so choose fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. When shopping for canned goods or processed foods, look for low-sodium options.

Consider incorporating mild diuretic foods like watermelon, grapes, cucumber, onions, and bell peppers. Ask your provider if you need to consult a nutritionist to create specific diet plans, such as a low-sodium diet for kidney disease or a low-sugar diet for diabetes.

Maintain Cleanliness and Dryness:

Changing dressings and keeping the areas dry and clean to prevent infection is essential when dealing with leaking legs. To manage fluid leakage effectively, clean areas with blisters or wounds to prevent disease or the formation of chronic wounds and ulcers.

Change bandages regularly, make sure the affected areas are dry, and use a barrier cream to protect the surrounding skin. Use sterile, fresh bandages every time and apply appropriate pressure to the wound.

This approach ensures proper care and minimizes the risk of infection. Ask your provider about best wound care practices and enlist a loved one or family member to help you change dressings regularly. 

Utilize Compression:

Consistent, comfortable pressure can help stop the uncomfortable leaking caused by lymphorrhea. Consider using compression stockings to manage symptoms and keep the swelling down.

Talk to your doctor for more help on when and how to use compression stockings, depending on how aggressive the lymphorrhea has become and if you’re using any bandages or dressings on the area.

Incorrect use of compression stockings on leaky legs can cause complications, so seek professional advice before incorporating compression into your management routine. 

Incorporate Massages and Elevation:

Implement small circular massage movements to facilitate fluid movement, starting from the bottom of the leg and moving toward the heart. Be cautious not to apply excessive pressure, as this can cause more leakage or tearing of the skin, and avoid direct pressure anywhere the skin is broken.

Elevating your legs while sitting or sleeping can also help drain fluid and alleviate discomfort associated with leaking legs.

Stay Hydrated:

Drink more water. Increasing your water intake may appear counterintuitive, but staying hydrated is essential for addressing fluid buildup in your body. When you don’t drink enough water, your body retains fluids as a protective measure against dehydration.

By ensuring you drink enough water throughout the day, you can decrease fluid retention and support the elimination of pooled fluids in your legs. Avoid sugary drinks like high-sugar juices, sweet teas, coffees, and soda, as they don’t enhance hydration.

On average, adults don’t get enough water and only drink around 44 ounces daily. Experts recommend a daily intake of 125 ounces for men and 91 ounces for women. To help meet these recommendations, consider using a water bottle with time markers to increase your daily water intake. 

How Can I Manage Leaking Legs At Home?

Managing leaking legs requires a comprehensive approach, combining medical guidance with proactive lifestyle changes. Focus on cleanliness, gentle exercise, dietary adjustments, compression, massages, and elevation. By actively participating in your management strategy, you can work towards preventing recurring issues and improving your overall well-being. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.

Lymphorrhoea is a challenging aspect of lymphedema that requires different approaches to manage symptoms. Early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan can significantly improve outcomes and enhance the overall quality of life for individuals with this condition.

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options, individuals with lymphorrhea can take proactive steps toward managing their disease and achieving a better quality of life. If you suspect you may have lymphorrhea or are experiencing symptoms of lymphedema, consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

Lymphorrhea Treatment At Center for Vascular Medicine

Center for Vascular Medicine specializes in diagnosing and treating deep venous and arterial diseases of the pelvis and lower extremities. Our focus is always compassionate patient care. You are treated like our family, so you can spend more time with yours.

Find a center near you or schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. We accept most major insurance plans.

Our dedicated specialists are committed to the long-term treatment, monitoring, and prevention of vascular diseases. You can return to health with less pain, more comfortable treatment options, and shorter recovery times.