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How Do I Treat Left Leg Swelling?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

The first and most important step in treating left leg swelling is to determine the cause of the swelling. Such swelling often occurs in both legs at the same time, so if it is occurring only in the left leg, it may be wise to visit a doctor immediately to find out the cause so that one can receive the suitable treatment.

Swelling, also called edema, may have many different reasons. It may result from injury, infection, allergy or due to chronic conditions related to the heart, liver or kidneys. While some conditions that cause it are relatively minor and temporary, others can be quite serious and indicative of a much more serious problem.

Left leg swelling may be the result of a leg injury.
Left leg swelling may be the result of a leg injury.

A blood clot is a potentially serious condition that can cause left leg swelling. This occurs when blood is pumped into an artery, but the blood cannot be pumped out of a vein due to a blockage. A blood clot can occur for a variety of reasons, and this clotting can cause serious health issues. It will need to be addressed immediately by a doctor, who may recommend medication or surgery. The left leg will become puffy, and this swelling will sometimes be accompanied by pain, weakness, tenderness, or numbness. If any of these conditions occur, seek medical treatment immediately.

Edema can cause left leg swelling.
Edema can cause left leg swelling.

A certain type of edema only occurs in the left leg because of the position of the artery in relation to the veins that service the left leg. Such edema is usually benign and not life-threatening, though it is still wise to see a doctor immediately to eliminate the possibility of a more serious condition.

Left leg swelling can also occur as a result of a direct impact or trauma to the leg. Injuries such as fractures will cause swelling at the site of the injury, and swelling will slow the healing process and likely increase pain. The injuries that cause swelling are not always serious conditions, though swelling is often painful and can limit mobility of the leg. The RICE treatment is often used for such injuries; RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation.

Discussion Comments

anon998910

I found this page bc I'm concerned. Both legs/feet usually swell due to edema due to COPD and high blood pressure. But tonight as I was getting ready for bed I noticed my left leg is much more swollen than the right. Praying its nothing but the veins like in article, but will be calling doc tomorrow!

anon998758

For the last few days, I have had bad swelling in my left foot, left ankle and left lower leg. It is so bad that I also feel pain and pressure. This isn't normal for me. Help me find the problem.

anon343286

I go to bed at night and by morning my left leg swelling goes away.

StarJo

I had a swollen left leg after a car accident. I was in the backseat without a seat belt on when we hit another vehicle hard, and my left knee and shin rammed into the driver's seat.

The ambulance arrived in no time, since we were close to a hospital. I don't remember much about it, because I was in so much pain, but I do know that my leg was starting to swell, especially at the knee.

After x-rays revealed that I had no broken bones, they sent me home with pain medicine and told me to put ice on the area several times a day. I guess this kept the swelling to a minimum, but I had to keep taking pain pills for many days after the accident.

Oceana

@shell4life – It is strange, isn't it? I've had swollen ankles and calves before, but I've never had the swelling confined to the left leg.

Mine was caused by high blood pressure. I started taking medication for it and stopped eating so much salt, and the swelling went away.

It's always best to find out the cause of your swelling, no matter where it is located. If I hadn't gone to the doctor for mine, I would never have known that I had high blood pressure, and this could have led to more serious things.

shell4life

Interesting! I had no idea that some things could cause the left leg to swell and not the right. I would definitely see my doctor if only my left leg swelled and I had no obvious injuries.

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    • Left leg swelling may be the result of a leg injury.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Left leg swelling may be the result of a leg injury.
    • Edema can cause left leg swelling.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Edema can cause left leg swelling.
    • A blood clot is a potentially serious condition that can cause leg swelling.
      By: Dirima
      A blood clot is a potentially serious condition that can cause leg swelling.
    • Applying an ice pack can help treat swelling.
      By: michelaubryphoto
      Applying an ice pack can help treat swelling.
    • Leg swelling that occurs following an amputation should be reported to a doctor immediately.
      By: memorisz
      Leg swelling that occurs following an amputation should be reported to a doctor immediately.