Why One Leg Swells More Than the Other
Swelling in both legs can happen after a long day, hot weather, or standing too long. But when one leg swells more than the other, it can be a sign that something more serious is going on.
Your veins carry blood from your legs back up to your heart. When blood flow is blocked or slowed, fluid can build up in one leg. This may cause swelling in the foot, ankle, calf, or the whole leg.
One-sided swelling can happen with vein problems like venous insufficiency, where blood pools in the leg. It can also happen with a blood clot, called Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT. A DVT can be dangerous because the clot may travel to the lungs.
Signs to watch for include one leg looking larger than the other, calf pain, warmth, redness, skin color changes, or sudden swelling that does not improve.
Not all swelling is an emergency, but swelling in only one leg should not be ignored. It is important to find the cause, especially if the swelling appears quickly or is painful.
At Pinnacle Vein and Vascular Center, our expert vein providers use non-invasive ultrasound testing to check blood flow and look for vein problems or clots. Early testing can help protect your health and guide the right treatment plan.
If one leg looks or feels more swollen than the other, it may be time to have your circulation checked.
Disclaimer-The contents of the Pinnacle Vein and Vascular Center site, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the PVVC site (“content”) are for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the Pinnacle Vein and Vascular Center site.
