Leg Pain or Leg Swelling

Nearly all adults will experience leg pain or leg swelling at some point in their life. These symptoms may herald more serious conditions.

LEG SWELLING

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

Many of the causes of leg swelling, such as prolonged standing or sitting or an injury, are relatively harmless in the long term, and your doctor often can easily identify the reason for the problem. Sometimes, however, leg swelling may be a sign of a more serious disorder, such as heart disease or a blood clot. It’s important to seek prompt diagnosis and treatment when leg swelling occurs for no obvious reason or is accompanied by apparently unrelated symptoms, such as breathing difficulties or chest pain.

LEG PAIN

Most leg pain results from wear and tear, overuse, or injuries in joints or bones or in muscles, ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues. Some types of leg pain can be traced to problems in your lower spine. Leg pain can also be caused by blood clots, varicose veins, claudication, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or poor circulation, which can be diagnosed and managed within the Vascular Medicine department.