Leg Swelling

Leg Swelling can be temporary and harmless due to long periods of standing or sitting. It can also be a sign of deep vein thrombosis and other serious conditions that cause fluid retention throughout the body.

Visit the Emergency Department if you have any of the following:

• Significant swelling in one leg, especially if it is accompanied by pain, redness, or warmth.
• Leg swelling with shortness of breath or chest pain.
• Severe swelling in both legs.
• A pre-existing medical condition like heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease.

Visit the GP or Polyclinic if you have any of the following:

• Mild leg swelling that is present in both legs, especially if it's related to prolonged sitting or standing.
• Mild leg swelling with fever.
• Swelling that is linked to a known condition like a sprain or minor injury.

What you can do:

• Elevate Your Legs: This is the most effective and simplest remedy. Elevate your legs above the level of your heart for about 15-20 minutes, several times a day. You can do this by lying down and propping your legs up on pillows or a cushion. This uses gravity to help drain the excess fluid back toward your heart.
• Move Around: Staying in one position for a long time—whether standing or sitting—can cause fluid to pool in your lower limbs. Regular movement helps your calf muscles act as a pump, pushing blood and fluid back up your legs.
• Wear Compression Socks: Compression socks or stockings apply gentle, consistent pressure to your legs, which helps prevent fluid from accumulating. Put them on in the morning before swelling has a chance to develop. Ensure they fit properly — snug but not uncomfortably tight.
• Massage Your Legs: Gentle massage can help move the fluid out of the swollen area.
• Reduce Salt (Sodium) Intake: Excess salt in your diet can cause your body to retain water, leading to swelling. Limit processed foods, fast food, and canned goods, which are often very high in sodium. Season your food with herbs and spices instead of salt. Check nutrition labels for sodium content.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight can put extra pressure on your veins and lymphatic system, making it harder for fluids to return to your heart. Losing even a small amount of weight can make a significant difference.
• Avoid Restrictive Clothing: Tight clothing, especially around the thighs, can act like a tourniquet and restrict blood flow, contributing to swelling. Wear loose-fitting clothes and comfortable shoes.

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