Swollen Legs? It Could Be a Sign of Several Conditions
Swollen legs or ankles—called oedema (edema)—don’t point to one specific disease. Sometimes the cause is simple, such as sitting or standing for too long, eating a lot of salt, varicose veins, or a medication side effect. But persistent swelling can also be associated with heart, kidney, or liver problems, or a blood clot.
❤️ Possible causes include
- Heart problems: Heart failure can cause fluid to accumulate in the legs and ankles, often along with breathlessness, fatigue, or sudden weight gain.
- Kidney disease: Reduced kidney function can cause the body to retain fluid, leading to swollen feet, ankles, or hands.
- Vein problems: Varicose veins or chronic venous insufficiency can cause fluid to collect in the lower legs.
- Medications: Some blood-pressure medicines, including certain calcium-channel blockers, can cause ankle swelling.
- Blood clot: Sudden swelling, particularly in one leg, especially with pain, warmth, or redness, can be a sign of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT).
🚨 When swelling needs urgent attention
Seek urgent medical evaluation for sudden or severe swelling, particularly if only one leg is affected or it is painful, red, or hot.
