Published on: 3/17/2025
Hot and swollen legs may be caused by an internal problem like a blood clot or an inflammatory process, which should be checked by a healthcare provider.
When your leg feels both hot and swollen, it might be due to a condition that causes increased blood flow and fluid buildup in the tissues. The heat in your leg usually comes from increased blood flow, while swelling may indicate that fluid is accumulating because of blockage or irritation. One reason can be a blood clot in the deep veins of the leg, also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In DVT, the blocked clot can cause the leg to swell and feel warm to the touch. DVTs generally occur in one leg, although rarely it can present in both legs. In other cases, inflammation or infection of the tissues can lead to similar symptoms. Other causes of leg swelling may be infection of the legs, congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, and kidney disease. Less common conditions such as certain lymphomas have been reported to present with unilateral leg swelling, though these are rare. It is important to monitor any other signs you may have, like severe pain, redness, or changes in color, as these could mean the problem is serious. If the symptoms worsen or you become concerned, it is a good idea to speak with a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and undergo any necessary tests for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
(References)
Posner C, Owen M, Melhem N, Vidyarthi M, Low D, Renfrew I, MacCallum P, Chowdhury TA. An acutely swollen leg. Clin Med (Lond). 2010 Oct;10(5):484-6. doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.10-5-484. PMID: 21117384; PMCID: PMC4952413.
Elgendy IY, Lo MC. Unilateral lower extremity swelling as a rare presentation of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. BMJ Case Rep. 2014 Jan 15;2014:bcr2013202424. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-202424. PMID: 24431414; PMCID: PMC3902765.
Goodliffe JM, Ormerod JO, Beale A, Ramcharitar S. An under-diagnosed cause of leg swelling. BMJ Case Rep. 2013 May 24;2013:bcr2013009538. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-009538. PMID: 23709549; PMCID: PMC3669842.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes, and the provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical practice. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.