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Last updated: August 11, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for a Swollen Leg

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Cellulitis: This is a common bacterial skin infection that can cause swelling, redness, and warmth of the affected leg. It's often accompanied by fever and pain.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins of the leg can cause swelling, pain, and discoloration. Risk factors include recent surgery, immobility, and cancer.
  • Lymphedema: This condition is characterized by the abnormal collection of protein-rich fluid in the interstitial tissue, leading to swelling of the leg. It can be primary (inherited) or secondary (due to surgery, infection, or trauma).
  • Chronic Venous Insufficiency: This condition occurs when the veins have problems returning blood from the legs to the heart, leading to swelling, varicose veins, and skin changes.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Compartment Syndrome: A medical emergency where increased pressure within a muscle compartment leads to inadequate blood supply, causing severe pain, swelling, and potentially permanent damage if not promptly treated.
  • Necrotizing Fasciitis: A life-threatening infection that destroys the tissue under the skin, including fat and the tissue covering the muscles (fascia). It requires immediate medical attention.
  • Pulmonary Embolism (if DVT is suspected): A blood clot that breaks loose and travels to the lungs can be fatal. Symptoms may include sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Lipedema: A chronic condition characterized by the abnormal growth of fat cells in the legs, leading to swelling and pain. It's often mistaken for lymphedema.
  • Fabry Disease: A rare genetic disorder that can cause swelling in the legs due to the accumulation of a particular type of fat in the body's cells.
  • Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome: A rare congenital condition characterized by abnormal blood vessel formation, leading to swelling, varicose veins, and skin discoloration in the affected leg.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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