The evaluation of leg swelling begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with leg swelling may include:

• Leg swelling (unilateral)
• Leg swelling (bilateral)
• Skin redness
• Leg tenderness:
• Common locations of leg tenderness

Tests that may be used to evaluate leg swelling include:

• D-dimer assay:
• A blood protein that is elevated in people with deep venous thrombosis
• Complete blood count
• Kidney profile
• Liver profile
• Thyroid profile
• Arthroscopy
• Arthrocentesis:
• A needle is used to remove fluid from a joint

Imaging tests that may be used to evaluate leg swelling include:

• Chest x-ray:
• Normal
• Congestive heart failure
• MRI scan
• Venogram:
• X-ray images of dye flowing through the veins
• Angiodynography
• Duplex ultrasound is now the diagnostic method of choice due to its high accuracy and low risk of complications