Differential Diagnosis for Leg Swelling
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency: This condition is characterized by the veins having problems returning blood from the legs back to the heart due to valve issues or blockage, leading to swelling, especially after standing for long periods.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Heart Failure: Reduced heart function can lead to fluid buildup in the body, often causing swelling in the legs.
- Kidney Disease: Kidney problems can lead to fluid retention, resulting in leg swelling.
- Liver Disease (Cirrhosis): Liver dysfunction can cause fluid buildup in the body, leading to swelling in the legs.
- Lymphedema: A condition where the lymphatic system is blocked or damaged, leading to fluid accumulation and swelling in the legs.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the deep veins of the legs, which can be life-threatening if it breaks loose and travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
- Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can cause swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected leg.
- Compartment Syndrome: A condition where pressure within the muscles builds to dangerous levels, cutting off blood flow and potentially leading to permanent damage.
Rare Diagnoses
- Lipedema: A chronic condition characterized by the abnormal growth of fat cells in the legs, leading to swelling and pain.
- Fabry Disease: A genetic disorder that can lead to the accumulation of a particular type of fat in the body's cells, affecting many parts of the body and potentially causing leg swelling.
- Sarcoidosis: An inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs in the body, including the lymph nodes, and potentially cause leg swelling due to lymphatic involvement.