Leg swelling can affect any part of the legs. This includes the feet, ankles, calves and thighs. Leg swelling may be the result of fluid that builds up. This is called fluid buildup or fluid retention. Leg swelling also may be the result of inflammation in damaged tissues or joints.
Leg swelling is often caused by common things that are easy to identify and are not serious. Injury and standing or sitting for a long time. Sometimes leg swelling indicates a more serious problem, such as heart disease or a blood clot.
Call 911 or seek medical care right away if you have unexplained leg swelling or pain, trouble breathing, or chest pain. These could be signs of a blood clot in your lungs or a heart condition.
Many factors can cause leg swelling. Some factors are more serious than others.
Call 911 or emergency medical assistance
Seek help if you have leg swelling and any of the following signs. They may be a sign of a blood clot in your lungs or a serious heart condition:
- Chest pain.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Shortness of breath with activity or lying flat in bed.
- Fainting or dizziness.
- Coughing blood.
Seek immediate medical attention
Get care right away if your leg swelling:
- Happens suddenly and for no clear reason.
- Is related to a physical injury. This includes a fall, sports injury or car accident.
- Happens in one leg. The swelling may be painful, or your skin may feel cool and look pale.
Schedule a doctor's visit
Some problems related to leg swelling may not be an emergency. But they still need medical attention. Leg swelling that is the side effect of a medicine can look just like leg swelling caused by a kidney disorder. Make an appointment as soon as possible so that your health care professional can diagnose the cause.
Before your appointment, consider the following tips:
- Limit the amount of salt in your diet.
- Put a pillow under your legs when lying down. This may reduce swelling related to the buildup of fluid.
- Wear elastic compression stockings. Avoid stockings that are tight around the top. If you can see the imprint of the elastic on your skin, the stockings may be too tight.
- If you need to stand or sit for long periods, give yourself frequent breaks. Move around, unless the movement causes pain.
- Don't stop taking a prescription medicine without talking to your healthcare professional, even if you suspect it may be causing leg swelling.
- Over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) might ease pain from the swelling.
Show References
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- Smith CC. Clinical manifestations and evaluation of edema in adults. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 21, 2024.
- Seller RH, et al. Swelling of the legs. In: Differential Diagnosis of Common Complaints. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2018. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Jan. 21, 2024.
- Edema. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/symptoms-of-cardiovascular-disorders/edema?query=edema#. Accessed Jan. 21, 2024.
- Edema (swelling) and cancer treatment. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/edema. Accessed Jan. 21, 2024.
- Papadakis MA, et al., eds. Lower extremity edema. In: Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2024. 63rd ed. McGraw-Hill Education; 2024. https://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Jan. 21, 2024.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/leg-swelling/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050910