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is swelling of the legs dangerous?
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General Health
Question #19976
57 days ago
159

is swelling of the legs dangerous? - #19976

Khushi

I am dealing with this annoying issue for a few weeks now where I have this swelling of the legs, and honestly, I'm kinda freaked out about it! At first, I thought it was just from being on my feet too much, ya know? But it's just gotten worse. Like, my left leg is way more swollen than the right, and it feels kinda heavy. My doctor did some tests but said it could be just fluid retention, but is swelling of the legs dangerous? I keep hearing different things from friends and family, some say it's probably nothing but others have mentioned it could be serious. I’m supposed to go for an ultrasound next week because they thought it might be a clot or something, but what if it’s worse? Like, am I panicking too much? Because honestly, I can’t stop thinking about it, and now even my toes feel a bit tingly. I'm just wondering, is swelling of the legs dangerous enough that I should be more worried about this whole thing? Could it lead to something worse if I wait too long? I guess I’m looking for some reassurances or maybe personal stories about it, like how bad it can really get? Thanks in advance for any insights!

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Doctors' responses

Swelling of the legs can indeed be concerning and could indicate various underlying conditions, some of which might be serious. It’s important to consider both your current symptoms and any changes you’ve noticed. When one leg is more swollen than the other and there’s heaviness or tingling, it can be a sign of something more significant, like a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot in a deep vein. A DVT can be dangerous if pieces of the clot break off and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. So, it’s good you’re getting an ultrasound to rule this out. Fluid retention can also be caused by conditions like heart failure, kidney issues, or liver problems, where the body holds onto more fluid than normal. In such cases, swelling might be accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue or shortness of breath. Since you’ve mentioned your doctor has already started with some tests, make sure to follow through with those, including the ultrasound, to ensure any serious issues are identified early. In terms of what you can do in the meantime, try to rest with your legs elevated above heart level multiple times a day, avoid prolonged periods of standing or sitting, and ensure you’re wearing comfortable shoes. If you notice any sudden or severe increases in swelling, pain, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, immediate medical attention should be sought. Don’t allow self-care or waiting for appointments to delay more urgent evaluation if symptoms worsen quickly. While it’s possible that the swelling could be attributed to something less alarming, like water retention from diet or standing too long, stay proactive about the medical checks. Understanding and responding to changes in your body helps in managing health risks efficiently. Keep monitoring your symptoms, attend all scheduled medical appointments, and communicate any new symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.

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