What are the first signs and symptoms of leg lymphedema?

Swelling: Leg swelling is the first sign of lymphedema.

Swelling: Generally swelling but heaviness or fullness or achy type pain can also occur.

Swelling: In the legs, the swelling is in the ankles, feet and toes. The difference between lymphedema and fluid retention is the location of the swelling. With fluid retention, the feet and toes are generally not involved. Toe swelling (called stemmer's sign) is felt by many to be diagnostic of lymphedema. Fortunately, pain is uncommon.

Lymphedema: Swelling would be the first sign seen with lymphedema