If Your Legs Are Swollen, What Could It Mean?
Swollen legs are called edema, meaning excess fluid has accumulated in the tissues. A viral headline may suggest that swelling automatically signals heart or kidney disease, but there are many possible causes.
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Mayo Clinic
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Possible causes include:
Sitting or standing for long periods
Eating a high-salt diet
Certain medications, including some blood-pressure medicines
Varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency
Kidney disease, which can cause fluid and salt retention
Heart failure
Liver disease/cirrhosis
Lymphedema
Injury or infection
A deep-vein blood clot (DVT), particularly when swelling occurs suddenly in one leg.
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Mayo Clinic
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When swelling needs urgent attention
Sudden swelling in one leg, particularly with pain, warmth, redness, or tenderness, should be evaluated promptly because a blood clot is one possible cause.
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Mayo Clinic
If leg swelling occurs with chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, or coughing up blood, seek emergency medical care immediately.
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Mayo Clinic
For mild swelling, elevating the legs, moving regularly, avoiding prolonged sitting or standing, and discussing salt intake with your healthcare professional may help.
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nhs.uk
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Bottom line: Swollen legs can sometimes be a sign of heart, kidney, liver, or circulation problems, but they can also have relatively simple causes. Persistent or unexplained swelling should be checked rather than self-diagnosed.
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