Leg swelling

• Definition
• Causes
• When to see a doctor

Free

E-Newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

• Housecall
• Alzheimer's caregiving
• Living with cancer

close window

About our e-newsletters

• Free e-newsletters
• Mayo Clinic expertise
• We do not share your e-mail address

Housecall, our weekly general-interest e-newsletter, keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics with timely, reliable, practical information, recipes, blogs, questions and answers with Mayo Clinic experts and more. Our biweekly topic-specific e-newsletters also include blogs, questions and answers with Mayo Clinic experts, and other useful information that will help you manage your health.

Housecall Archives

• RSS Feeds

close window

Mayo Clinic Housecall

Stay up to date on the latest health information.

What you get

• Free weekly e-newsletter
• Mayo Clinic expertise
• Recipes, tools and other helpful information
• We do not share your e-mail address

• Sign up
• View past issues

Definition

Leg swelling can occur in any part of your legs, including the feet, ankles, calves or thighs. Leg swelling can result either from fluid buildup (fluid retention) or from inflammation in injured or diseased tissues or joints.

Many of the causes of leg swelling, such as prolonged standing or sitting or an injury, are relatively harmless in the long term. And your doctor often can easily identify the reason for the problem. Sometimes, however, leg swelling may be a sign of a more serious disorder, such as heart disease or a blood clot. It's important to seek prompt diagnosis and treatment when leg swelling occurs for no apparent reason or is accompanied by apparently unrelated symptoms, such as breathing difficulties or chest pain.

Causes

A wide range of factors — varying greatly in seriousness — can cause leg swelling. Some generalizations about causes can be made based on features of leg swelling and additional signs or symptoms you may have. These generalizations aren't, however, a substitute for a doctor's exam.

Generalizations that may help in determining the cause of leg swelling include the following:

• Swelling in only one leg is more likely related to a condition in that leg alone, rather than involving distant organs, such as the heart or kidneys.
• Swelling in both legs is more likely caused by a condition not directly related to the legs, such as prolonged standing or sitting, or by a condition that more widely affects the whole body, such as a drug side effect or heart disease.
• Leg swelling usually isn't the only sign or symptom of a serious disorder. For example, leg swelling related to heart disease is also likely to occur with such symptoms as shortness of breath, chest pain or easily tiring with exercise.
• Leg swelling from a blood clot in a vein usually appears suddenly for no obvious reason, except perhaps a long period of not moving about, such as when you travel. In addition to leg swelling, blood clots often cause aching pain deep in the calf or upper, inner thigh. The leg may also be cool and pale.

Causes related to trapped fluids
Leg swelling caused by the buildup of fluids in leg tissues is known as peripheral edema. Several body systems help maintain the appropriate balance of fluids, including the circulatory system, the lymphatic system and the kidneys. A problem with any one of these systems may contribute to the buildup of fluids. Gravity can also contribute to the accumulation of fluids in your lower limbs, particularly with prolonged standing or sitting.

Leg swelling due to trapped fluids can be caused by such factors as:

Causes

Causes related to inflammation
Leg swelling may also be caused by an immune system response that leads to inflammation in leg tissues. Inflammation may be a normal response to injury or disease, or it may be the result of an inflammatory disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Leg swelling related to inflammation is usually associated with pain. Factors that can contribute to inflammation in the leg include:

When to see a doctor

If you have leg swelling, it's important to see a doctor for a thorough exam and accurate diagnosis.

Dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance
Go to the emergency room or call 911 or your local emergency number if, in addition to leg swelling, you experience symptoms of a serious heart condition, including:

• Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes
• Difficulty breathing
• Fainting or dizziness
• Confusion

Also, seek immediate care if you know or suspect the swelling is related to a physical injury, such as a fall, sport injury or car accident.

Schedule a doctor's visit
Nonemergency problems related to leg swelling still need prompt care. Leg swelling that is the side effect of a drug can look just like leg swelling caused by a kidney disorder. Make an appointment as soon as possible so that your doctor can diagnose the underlying problem.

Before your appointment, consider the following tips:

• Put a pillow under your legs when lying down, which may lessen swelling related to the buildup of fluid.
• If you need to stand or sit for long periods, give yourself frequent breaks and move around, unless the movement causes pain.
• Don't stop taking a prescription medication without talking to your doctor even if you suspect it may be causing leg swelling.
• Over-the-counter pain medication may lessen swelling associated with pain.

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books, newsletters and DVDs from Mayo Clinic.

• Try Mayo Clinic Health Letter free!
• Mayo Clinic Guide to Pain Relief
• Mayo Clinic Five Steps to Controlling High Blood Pressure
• Get your free trial issue of Women's HealthSource!

COMING SOON! — The Mayo Clinic Diet book