What should you know about lower leg swelling?

Swelling, also called oedema, may leave socks or shoes feeling tight and can improve after resting with the legs raised. Varicose veins can slow blood return and cause heaviness or aching. An injury may produce local swelling, tenderness or bruising. Swelling in both legs can be related to fluid balance, reduced movement or obesity, while swelling that is sudden and mainly affects one leg needs more careful assessment. Heart failure and chronic kidney disease can also cause swelling, often with other changes such as breathlessness, fatigue or altered urination. The appearance alone cannot determine the cause.

Notice whether swelling affects one or both legs, when it began, and whether it changes overnight or after standing. Gentle walking and ankle movements can support circulation; avoid sitting still for long stretches. Raise your legs when resting if this is comfortable, and protect swollen skin from dryness or small injuries. Do not start compression garments or water tablets without professional advice, particularly if swelling is new or one-sided. Further reading: [Swollen Ankles](/symptoms/swollen-ankles/) and [Varicose Veins](/conditions/varicose-veins/).

Arrange a review for persistent, worsening or unexplained swelling, or if it comes with skin changes, pain, reduced movement, breathlessness or changes in urination. Seek urgent help for sudden one-sided swelling with warmth or significant pain, or for swelling accompanied by chest pain, severe breathlessness, faintness or coughing blood.

Ask whether your medicines, veins, heart or kidneys could be involved, whether compression is suitable, and which changes should prompt same-day care.