Persistent leg swelling: looking beyond kidney disease
Doctor explanation
Dr. Fowad discusses possible causes of leg swelling beyond kidney or liver disease, including vein, heart, thyroid and lymphatic problems.
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Understanding leg swelling
Reassuring kidney or liver tests do not by themselves diagnose lymphoedema. Assessment begins with symptoms, medical history and examination; specialist scans are sometimes helpful but are not required for everyone. Lymphoedema care can include tailored compression, movement, skin care and specialist therapy to manage symptoms.
Seek urgent assessment for unexplained swelling in one leg, or swelling that is sudden, painful, red or hot. Swelling with breathlessness or chest pain needs emergency care. Do not stop prescribed water tablets or begin compression treatment based only on this recording.
This video provides general information and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
Further reading: NHS: lymphoedema assessment · NHS: lymphoedema treatment · NHS: leg swelling and urgent symptoms.