Swollen legs: which doctor to see
Evening leg swelling after a long day on your feet is familiar to many and usually harmless. But constant, one-sided or growing swelling is a signal to check the heart, vessels and kidneys: start with a general practitioner.
Common causes
- Long standing or sitting, hot weather
- Venous insufficiency and varicose veins
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease
- A side effect of some blood pressure medicines
- Pregnancy
When to seek urgent help
Do not wait for a scheduled visit if you have any of these signs:
- Swelling of one leg with calf pain — call 103: there is a risk of thrombosis
- Swelling with shortness of breath at rest or lying down — call 103
- Swelling with redness, fever and pain
- Rapidly growing swelling of the face and legs
- Swelling with a sharp drop in urination
Ambulance: 103 (103 from a mobile) · Unified rescue service: 911
Your specialist
General practitioner
What to bring to the visit
- Evening photos of the swelling — if your visit is in the morning
- A list of medicines you take
- Previous urine and blood test results and ECGs, if any
- Weight records: fast gain can point to fluid retention
Frequently asked questions
Why is only one leg swollen?
One-sided swelling calls for an urgent check: it happens with vein thrombosis and other vascular problems. With calf pain do not delay — call 103.
Which doctor treats varicose veins?
Veins are treated by phlebologists — vascular surgeons. Start with a general practitioner or a surgeon: after an examination you will be referred to the right specialist.
More in “General”
- Swollen lymph nodes
General practitioner
- Constant fatigue
General practitioner
The information on this page is for reference only and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis in person. If your condition worsens, call 103.