Leg swelling

Leg swelling

Introduction

Leg swelling can occur in any part of the legs, including the feet, ankles, calves, and thighs. Leg swelling can result either from fluid buildup (fluid retention) or from inflammation in injured or diseased tissues or joints.

Causes

Leg swelling can be caused by:

• Venous and lymphatic pathology
• Volume overload
• Increased capillary permeability
• Lowered oncotic pressure

Diseases associated with leg swelling

• Deep vein thrombosis
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Primary or secondary lymphedema
• Cardiac failure
• Hypoproteinemia due to liver or renal failure
• Idiopathic cyclic edema
• Drug-induced edema

Investigations

• Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is the initial and often the only imaging test in patients with swollen lower limbs without a clear cause based on history, physical examination, and laboratory tests, or when further details are required to make therapeutic decisions.
• Venography with intravascular ultrasound