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Should I Go to Urgent Care for Swelling in My Legs?

You’ve spent the day sightseeing, walking a bit more than usual. The heat was challenging, but you were having a blast, which made it bearable. By evening, your shoes feel tight and uncomfortable. As you kick back at the hotel, elevating your legs – you realize they have swollen considerably. It’s a common scenario. But should you go to urgent care for swelling in your legs? Knowing when to seek medical help is crucial for effective treatment and peace of mind.

Understanding Swelling in Legs

Leg swelling, medically known as edema, can be caused by a variety of factors including prolonged standing or sitting, medication side effects, or more serious conditions like heart failure or deep vein thrombosis. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Fluid retention due to being overweight, pregnancy, or the consumption of high-salt foods.
  • Venous insufficiency, where the leg veins fail to pump blood back to the heart effectively.
  • Injury to the leg such as sprains or fractures.
  • Infections of the leg, especially in people with diabetic neuropathy.
  • Heart failure, which can cause fluid to accumulate in the legs due to the heart’s reduced ability to pump blood efficiently.
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in a deep vein – typically in the legs – which can cause swelling and pain, and can be life-threatening if the clot travels to the lungs.

Heat exposure, too, can sometimes lead to the dilation of blood vessels and increased fluid accumulation, especially when combined with high humidity.

When to Visit Urgent Care

Visiting urgent care for leg swelling is appropriate under certain conditions:

  • Persistent swelling that doesn’t improve with elevation, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like pain or redness.
  • Swelling in one leg only, which could indicate a blood clot or infection.
  • Swelling following an injury, such as a fall or blunt trauma, where a fracture or sprain may be involved.

How FirstCall Medical Center Can Help

At FirstCall Medical Center, we provide evaluation and treatment for various causes of leg swelling. Our services include:

  • Diagnostic assessments such as ultrasound or blood tests to rule out blood clots or infections.
  • Medication management to address underlying causes such as venous insufficiency or hypertension.
  • Recommendations for lifestyle changes and compression therapy if chronic venous insufficiency is identified as a cause.

Should I Go to Urgent Care for Swelling in My Legs?

While mild swelling often resolves with home treatment like rest, elevation, and hydration, persistent or unilateral swelling should be evaluated promptly. FirstCall Medical Center is equipped to assess and treat leg swelling to prevent complications and provide relief.