Leg swelling – diagnosis and treatment Warsaw

Leg swelling is a condition that many patients present to a doctor with. It most commonly appears around the ankles or lower legs and may worsen towards the end of the day. In many cases it is related to prolonged standing, a sedentary lifestyle or problems with venous circulation. However, it can sometimes be caused by impaired kidney function.

The kidneys are responsible for maintaining fluid balance in the body. When their function is impaired, the body may retain water and salt, leading to the development of swelling. If you notice persistent leg swelling and are looking for diagnostics in Warsaw, we invite you to OpenMed. Our doctors help determine the cause of the problem and select appropriate treatment.

Swelling diagnostics at OpenMed

Diagnostics begin with a detailed medical history and physical examination. The doctor assesses the nature of the swelling, its location and duration.

Depending on the situation, laboratory tests and imaging studies are performed, such as:

general urinalysis,
blood tests assessing kidney function,
creatinine and eGFR measurement,
kidney ultrasound and urinary tract imaging.

The aim of diagnostics is to determine whether the swelling is related to kidney disease, cardiovascular conditions or other metabolic disorders.

Leg swelling treatment in Warsaw

Treatment depends on the cause of the problem. If the swelling is related to kidney disease, therapy focuses on treating the underlying condition.

In some cases medications regulating the body's water and electrolyte balance are used. Blood pressure control and an appropriate diet are also important.

Early diagnostics help prevent disease progression and reduce the risk of complications.

When to see a doctor for leg swelling?

It is worth consulting a doctor when:

swelling persists for a prolonged period
it also appears in the morning around the eyelids
it is accompanied by changes in urination
arterial hypertension or a feeling of weakness appears

How does swelling develop in kidney disease?

In properly functioning kidneys, blood is filtered in the glomeruli, which regulate the amount of fluids and electrolytes in the body. When filtration is impaired, excess water begins to accumulate in the body.

Additionally, in some kidney diseases, protein is lost in the urine. A decrease in blood protein levels alters the fluid balance in the body and promotes the development of swelling.

For this reason, swelling may be one of the first symptoms of kidney disease, especially if it appears without an obvious cause.

Symptoms that may indicate a kidney problem

Swelling associated with kidney disease often appears gradually. Initially it may be mild and mainly affect the ankle area.

As the disease progresses, other symptoms may also appear, such as:

eyelid swelling, especially in the morning,
foamy urine,
reduced urine output,
fatigue and weakness,
elevated blood pressure.

If swelling appears suddenly or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is worth consulting a doctor.

Frequently asked questions about leg swelling

1. Does leg swelling always mean kidney disease? No. It often results from venous circulation disorders or heart problems.

2. What tests are performed for leg swelling? Most commonly blood tests, urinalysis and kidney ultrasound. Available at OpenMed.

3. Can swelling appear suddenly? Yes, especially in cases of water and electrolyte balance disorders.

4. Which doctor should I see for swelling in Warsaw? It is best to start with an internal medicine consultation or nephrology consultation at OpenMed.