US Medical Term · symptoms
Leg Swelling
Hinchazón de piernas
Also: Edema en las piernas (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Leg Swelling |
| Spanish (Español) | Hinchazón de piernas |
| Chinese (中文) | 腿部浮腫 |
| Korean (한국어) | 다리 부종 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Phù chân |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pamamaga ng binti |
| Portuguese (Português) | Inchaço nas pernas |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ขาบวม |
| Japanese (日本語) | 下肢浮腫 |
What it means
Leg swelling (edema) is a buildup of fluid in the tissues of the lower legs. It may affect one or both legs and range from mild puffiness to severe swelling. Common causes include prolonged sitting or standing, a sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy, high salt intake, and medications such as calcium channel blockers. More serious causes include heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), and venous insufficiency. Sudden swelling in one leg — especially with pain, warmth, or redness — may indicate a blood clot; go to the ER promptly. Bilateral swelling with shortness of breath may signal heart failure. Elevating legs and reducing salt may ease mild cases.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
Both of my legs have been very swollen from the ankle to the knee for the past two weeks.
Ambas piernas han estado muy hinchadas desde el tobillo hasta la rodilla durante las últimas dos semanas.
My left leg swelled up suddenly today and it is also painful and red.
Mi pierna izquierda se hinchó de repente hoy y también está dolorosa y roja.
I notice my legs get puffy by the end of the day and the swelling goes down overnight.
Noto que mis piernas se hinchan al final del día y la hinchazón baja durante la noche.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
R60 Edema, not elsewhere classifiedRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026