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Leg swelling Treatments

Leg swelling: Treatments Inroduction


Some common causes of leg swelling, such as sitting or standing for a long period, can often be effectively treated with relatively simple measures, such changing position and elevating the legs. Leg swelling due to eating salty foods decreases when there is less salt in the diet.

Leg swelling caused by trauma to the leg, such as bone fractures, tendon injuries and contusions, are treated with rest, elevation of the leg, cold therapy and pain medications. Pain medications often include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).

Treatment may also include a compression bandage, splint and/or application of a cast and use of crutches, depending on the underlying diagnosis. If leg swelling is caused by a cast that is too tight, it is treated by cutting and opening the cast. Treatment may also include physical therapy, occupational therapy and possibly surgery.


Infectious causes of leg swelling, such as cellulitis are treated with oral or intravenous antibiotics.

Treatments for Causes of Leg swelling

Review the treatment information pages for various causes of Leg swelling:

More causes: not all possible causes for Leg swelling are listed above; for a full list refer to causes of Leg swelling.

Treatment Notes


Conditions listing medical symptoms: Leg swelling:




Conditions listing medical complications: Leg swelling:



