One leg swelling

Can leg swelling be a sign of something serious? What would make one leg swell? It can be caused by a problem with the circulatory system, the lymphatic system or the kidneys. There are also some cases in which swelling in one leg might be caused by water retention, which could signal major organ failure.

Swelling in the legs is caused by a build-up of fluid called edema.

It can also result from inflammation of soft tissue. Learn about the possible medical conditions and medications that can cause. Congestive heart failure can arise due to hardened arteries, damage from a heart attack, coronary heart disease, damage from infection, and similar causes. This is one of the few edema-related causes of left leg swelling that may only affect one leg at a time.

This leads to swelling , a heavy feeling and pain in the leg. Experiencing one leg swelling can often be caused by a blood clot located in a deep vein, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Other common causes of a swollen shin or calf include trauma from an injury that can lead to bruises, fractures, or sprains.

Read below for more information on causes and treatment options. Leg Swelling (Edema), New Onset. The reasons for swelling in just one leg are not the same as the causes of swelling in both legs.

Also answer yes if one side is much more swollen than the other side. Yes, the swelling is just on one side. No, both sides are swollen. Sometimes the first and only sign of a blood clot in one leg is the swelling. Other signs might include a lack of feeling in the leg , or pain in the affected area, or even a tingling , numbing sensation.

The leg might also feel hotter or colder than the other leg does. It is important to get immediate medical attention if you suspect a blood clot. If you have swelling of one leg , there is a chance it could be DVT. The medical term for leg swelling from excessive fluid in the tissues is peripheral edema.

Persisting indentation of a swollen leg after pressure from a finger is known as pitting edema. Common causes of leg swelling include salt retention, cellulitis , congestive heart failure , venous insufficiency, pregnancy , and medication side effects. However, fluid retention from gravity isn’t the only cause of a swollen ankle or leg.

This is a collection of fluid in between the cells, which are the building blocks of the tissues of our body. Oedema can occur in one particular part of the body, or it can be generalised. Edema means swelling of the soft tissues.

It tends to occur in the feet, ankles and legs or the back in persons who are lying flat for long periods of time. It also most frequently occurs in both legs. The presence of edema in both legs has a broad number of possible causes 1. Another serious reason for one ankle swelling is a skin infection. Infection of the skin, medically referred to as cellulitis, can cause ankle swelling if you have a laceration or cut on your skin. If this happens, you will have swelling affecting only one ankle.

The truth is, many factors can trigger leg , ankle and foot swelling. Injury: One -sided swelling in leg and ankle is usually associated with injury, but a condition called chronic venous insufficiency may also be the cause of it. Try elevating your legs and if the swelling goes down, its more venous than injury. See a podiatrist for a more thorough evaluation. With the leg muscles and tendons, overuse may also cause inflammation.

Swelling of the more superficial muscles at the back of the lower leg – gastrocnemius or soleus – is more likely to contribute to visible swelling. Deep clots can block one or more of the major veins of the legs. These blood clots can be life-threatening if they break loose and travel to the heart and lungs.

Swelling of one foot may be caused by a blockage of blood vessels, a blockage in the lymphatic system, or trauma.