Swollen legs and varicose veins: causes, red flags and 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 do my legs swell by the evening?
Most often after standing or sitting for a long time, in hot weather, with extra weight or a salty diet; such swelling in both legs that goes down by morning is usually harmless. If it is still there in the morning or keeps growing, start with a general practitioner, who will check your heart, kidneys and veins. Swelling with shortness of breath at rest or lying down is a reason to call 103.
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.
What are varicose veins, and what are the symptoms?
Varicose veins are widened veins under the skin: blue or dark purple, twisted veins that bulge on the legs. Your legs may feel heavy and achy by the evening, ankles may swell, and there can be cramps and itchy skin. They are treated by a vascular surgeon (phlebologist), who may refer you for a duplex ultrasound of the leg veins.
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.
Swollen legs in pregnancy: who should I see?
Mild leg swelling in the second half of pregnancy, especially in the evening and in hot weather, is common: tell the doctor who looks after your pregnancy (your obstetrician-gynecologist). If the swelling comes on suddenly, spreads to your face and hands, or comes with a severe headache, vision problems or pain below the ribs, call 103: this can be a sign of pre-eclampsia.
More in “General”
- Swollen lymph nodes
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- Constant fatigue
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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.