Why does leg swell

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Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Request Appointment. Symptoms Leg swelling. Definition Causes When to see a doctor. Products and services. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information.

Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Sterns RH. Pathophysiology and etiology of edema in adults. Accessed Jan. Other possible causes for foot, leg, and ankle swelling include certain medical conditions or body changes, such as:. There are several treatments you can try at home if your feet, legs, and ankles regularly swell up. These remedies can help relieve swelling when it occurs:.

Here are some general guidelines that can help you identify when swelling warrants a trip to the doctor or to the emergency room. You should go to the hospital immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms along with foot, leg, and ankle swelling:.

During your appointment, your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask you about your symptoms. Be prepared to explain:. To help diagnose the cause of the swelling, your doctor may order one or more of the following tests:.

If your swelling is related to a lifestyle habit or a minor injury, your doctor will likely recommend home treatments. If your swelling is the result of an underlying health condition, your doctor will first attempt to treat that specific condition. Swelling may be reduced with prescription medications, such as diuretics. However, there are some steps you can take to prevent it. Some good strategies include:. Congestive heart failure, kidney disease and liver disease can all cause edema.

If you have any of these conditions and notice new or persistent swelling in your legs, mention it to your doctor. Plenty of other conditions can also make legs swell, including infections, injuries and diseases such as arthritis.

Learn about some of the causes here. Learn more about vaccine availability. Advertising Policy. You have successfully subscribed to our newsletter.

Your legs are looking like they belong on the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. What could be going on?