what causes a person's legs to swell
Leg swelling can also be caused by inflammation in leg tissues. Inflammation may be a normal response to injury or disease, or it may be due to rheumatoid arthritis or another inflammatory disorder. You will usually feel some pain with inflammation. Factors that can contribute to inflammation in the leg include:
Leg swelling related to fluid buildup. Leg swelling caused by the retention of fluid in leg tissues is known as peripheral edema. It can be caused by a problem with the circulatory system, the lymphatic system or the kidneys. Leg swelling isn't always a sign of a heart or circulation problem.
Foot, leg, and ankle swelling is common when the person also: 1  Is overweight. 2  Has a blood clot in the leg. 3  Is older.  Has a leg 1  infection. Has veins in the legs that cannot properly pump blood back to the heart.
Injury or surgery involving the leg, ankle, or foot can also cause swelling. Swelling may also occur after pelvic surgery, especially for cancer. Long airplane flights or car rides, as well as standing for long periods of time, often lead to some swelling in the feet and ankles.