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What is Lower Limb Swelling?

It should never be assumed that leg swelling is because of peripheral edema. A definitive diagnosis of the underlying cause must be made, and a careful history and examination, along with appropriate confirmatory tests, are essential. Leg swelling can be unilateral or bilateral:

Bilateral inflammation is usually due to systemic diseases (eg, heart failure) and unilateral inflammation is usually due to local trauma, venous disease, or lymphatic disease.

Unilateral leg swelling is most often due to local causes (eg, deep vein thrombosis or cellulitis). However, bilateral swelling from systemic causes can be much more obvious on one side than the other and may therefore appear to be unilateral swelling.