Read on to learn more about leg swelling, including what may cause it, what other symptoms might occur, and how doctors may manage it.
Leg swelling can be caused by relatively minor conditions, such as standing for too long. Leg swelling may also result from serious acute or chronic conditions that need to be addressed promptly,
Injury-related causes
Leg swelling can occur from certain injury-related conditions, including:
- internal bleeding
- a broken bone or leg injury
- loose fragments of bone or cartilage within a joint space
- muscle, ligament, or tendon injuries
- repetitive stress injury
Learn more about different types of leg conditions.
Infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune causes
Swollen legs can also accompany infection or conditions that cause inflammation or affect the immune system. These may include:
- amyloidosis, an immune-related disorder
- bursitis
- gout
- bacterial infections
such as cellulitis Trusted Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Governmental authority Go to source - osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- septic arthritis
- lupus
Circulatory causes
Leg swelling can also be caused by conditions that affect the circulatory system, including:
- cardiomyopathy, or heart muscle disease
- cardiovascular disease
- chronic venous insufficiency, or poor blood flow through the veins
- deep vein thrombosis, a blood clot in the leg that can break loose and travel to other areas like the lungs
- endocarditis, an infection of the lining inside the heart
- pericarditis, an infection of the lining that surrounds the heart
- heart failure
- heart valve disease
- Kawasaki disease, a condition that involves blood vessel inflammation
- peripheral artery disease, which is a narrowing or blockage of arteries that limits blood flow to the extremities
- varicose veins
Medications
The following medications may be a possible cause of leg swelling:
- antidepressants,
such as Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors - hormone therapy
- diabetes medications
- high blood pressure medications
- steroids
Always tell your doctor about any medications or remedies you are using, including prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, supplements, and herbal or alternative treatments.
Other causes
Other conditions or disorders that can lead to swollen legs include:
- overweight or obesity
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- fluid retention or edema, such as during pregnancy or premenstrual syndrome
- hyponatremia, or very low sodium, which
can be Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source a life threatening condition - hypothyroidism
- kidney or liver failure
- lymphatic obstruction, or lymphedema
- nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disorder
- preeclampsia, a serious condition marked by swelling and high blood pressure that can develop during pregnancy
- pulmonary hypertension
Leg swelling may be accompanied by other signs and symptoms that can vary depending on the underlying cause. You may experience:
- fatigue or weakness
- fever and chills
- headache
- joint stiffness
- wet cough
- muscle cramps
- pain or tenderness
- rash
- reduced range of motion or movement in a joint
To diagnose the underlying cause of leg swelling, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical exam and may need to order additional tests, such as:
- imaging tests,
such as Trusted Source PubMed Central Highly respected database from the National Institutes of Health Go to source an ultrasound - blood tests
- urine tests
Your doctor’s treatment plan for leg swelling will vary based on the underlying cause.
For example, leg swelling that results from standing for long periods may be manageable with brief periods of sitting or moving around or other remedies
If a medication you’re taking is causing swelling, your doctor may have you discontinue it or recommend an alternative medication.
Other causes may need more intensive treatment. For example, a severe bone break in the leg or a blood clot may require surgical intervention.
Your doctor will design a treatment plan based on your situation.
If you are experiencing sudden, severe, or persistent leg swelling, contact your doctor.
In some cases, leg swelling may indicate a serious or life threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care or call 911 if you have swelling along with other serious signs and symptoms, such as:
- abdominal swelling
- calf or extremity pain
- chest pain
- neck, jaw, shoulder, or arm pain
- confusion
- dizziness or light-headedness
- fever high than 101°F (38°C)
- increased or decreased urine output
- indigestion or abdominal pain
- nausea or vomiting
- discolored and warm skin
- shortness of breath or wheezing
- unexplained weight gain
Learn more about seeing a doctor for swollen legs.
Because leg swelling can be caused by serious conditions, failure to seek treatment may result in complications and permanent damage. It is essential to seek medical attention when you experience any kind of sudden or persistent swelling or other unusual symptoms.
Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, following your doctor’s treatment plan can reduce your risk for potential complications, including:
- chronic pain, discomfort, or loss of function
- joint instability
- heart, kidney, or liver failure
- pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or stroke associated with deep vein thrombosis
- spread of infection
Learn more about the dangers of edema.
Leg swelling can be caused by numerous factors, such as injuries, infections, or circulatory disorders. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to reducing your risk of complications.
Talk with your doctor if you are experiencing leg swelling.