Leg Swelling (Edema), New Onset

Contact your doctor now.

Although lower extremity swelling is a common symptom and is often nothing too serious, you can't be sure.

Concerns that your doctor might have include:

- A blood clot in the leg (called a deep vein thrombosis or DVT)

- An infection in the leg; usually there will also be some redness and warmth over the part of the leg

- Bleeding into the leg secondary to an injury

These more serious causes usually cause pain as well as swelling.

To read about a less serious cause of leg swelling, continue.

Continue with the guide.