Leg Swelling in a Single Leg

Home care

Follow these guidelines when caring for yourself at home:

• Don’t wear tight clothing.

• Keep your legs up while lying down or sitting.

• Take any medicines as directed.

• If infection, injury, or recent surgery is the cause of your swelling, stay off your legs as much as possible until your symptoms get better.

• If you have venous insufficiency or varicose veins, don’t sit or stand in one place for a long time. Take breaks and walk around every few hours. Talk with your health care provider about wearing support stockings to help reduce swelling during the day.

• Wear compression stockings with your provider's approval.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your health care provider as advised.

Call 911

Call 911 if any of these occur:

• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing

• Chest pain or discomfort

• Coughing up blood

• Fainting or loss of consciousness 

• Fast heartbeat, lightheadedness, or dizziness

When to get medical advice

Contact your health care provider right away if any of these occur:

• Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness of the leg, ankle, or foot

• Fever of 100.4°F (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your provider

• Weakness

• Shaking chills

• Drenching sweats