Leg Swelling
Swelling of one or both legs can have vascular and non-vascular causes. The pattern of swelling, how quickly it started, whether it affects one or both legs, and associated pain, redness, warmth or breathlessness help guide the assessment.
When leg swelling needs urgent attention
Seek urgent medical assessment if swelling starts suddenly, is severe or painful, affects one leg without an obvious cause, or is associated with redness or warmth.
Seek emergency care immediately if leg swelling occurs with shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, fainting or severe light-headedness, because these symptoms can occur with a blood clot in the lungs.
Common causes of leg swelling
Possible causes include venous disease or varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), cellulitis or other infection, lymphatic swelling, injury, prolonged sitting or standing, some medicines, and conditions affecting the heart, kidneys or liver.
Because several different problems can look similar, persistent or unexplained swelling should be assessed rather than treated only as a cosmetic or fluid-retention problem.
Vascular assessment
A vascular assessment usually starts with the history and examination. When a clot or venous problem is suspected, a duplex ultrasound may be used to assess the leg veins. Additional tests may be needed when the pattern suggests a non-vascular or systemic cause.
Treatment depends on the cause
There is no single treatment for every swollen leg. Management may involve movement and leg elevation, treatment of venous disease, specific treatment for a blood clot or infection, lymphatic care, review of contributing medicines, or treatment of an underlying medical condition.
Compression can be useful for selected venous or lymphatic problems, but it should be chosen after appropriate assessment when the cause is uncertain or symptoms are severe.
Related vascular problems
Consultation in Bengaluru
Consult Dr Siddharth Matad at Siddharth Vascular Clinic, United Hospital, Jayanagar, Bengaluru.
For routine appointments: call +91 97465 53250 or WhatsApp. Contact and location information.
For emergency symptoms, go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for a routine appointment or a phone/WhatsApp reply.
General patient information; individual assessment is needed to decide diagnosis and treatment.