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Leg swelling includes the accumulation of fluid in tissues in the feet and legs. If the swelling is edema, pressing lightly on the swollen area for 15-20 seconds usually leaves a dimple.
What to Do
- Call your healthcare provider if you have persistent swelling. The only way to treat edema is by treating the underlying condition that is causing it.
Leg Swelling in Depth
Learn more about leg swelling from Intermountain's Patient Education Library:
Common Causes
Edema has many possible causes, but it can be a sign of heart failure or other heart problems. Edema can show that your heart is not working hard enough to pump the blood out of the swollen tissues.