When Swelling Signals Something Serious: How The Emergency Center Can Help

Understanding The Different Types Of Swelling & Their Causes

Swelling is your body’s way of saying something isn’t right. Whether it’s a swollen leg, puffy eye, enlarged lymph node, or tender ear, swelling can result from many causes—some minor, others potentially serious. At The Emergency Center, we know how to evaluate swelling quickly and effectively to find the root cause and get you feeling better, fast.

Our 24/7 full-service emergency rooms are equipped to treat all types of swelling, offering immediate care without the long wait times of traditional hospital ERs. Understanding what your swelling might mean—and when to seek medical care—can make all the difference.

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that are part of your immune system. When you’re fighting an infection, they can swell—most commonly in the neck, armpits, or groin. While this is often a normal immune response, swollen lymph nodes can sometimes indicate:

• Viral or bacterial infections like strep throat, mono, or an ear infection
• Autoimmune conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Cancers, including lymphoma or leukemia, especially if the nodes are painless, hard, or persistently enlarged

If lymph node swelling is accompanied by fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or lasts more than a couple of weeks, it’s time to get checked.

Leg swelling (edema) can range from mild puffiness to severe fluid retention. Common causes include:

• Injury or trauma: A sprained ankle or broken bone can lead to swelling
• Infections like cellulitis, a potentially serious bacterial skin infection
• Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) that can cause one-sided leg swelling and pain
• Heart, liver, or kidney problems, which affect fluid balance in the body

Sudden leg swelling, especially if it’s painful or only affects one leg, should never be ignored—it could signal a blood clot that requires immediate treatment.

Swollen eyes may appear puffy, red, or tender, and can affect one or both eyes. This may result from:

• Allergic reactions to pollen, dust, or insect stings
• Infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye) or a stye
• Sinus infections that spread to tissues around the eyes
• Orbital cellulitis, a serious infection requiring urgent treatment

Because the eyes are so delicate, any eye swelling accompanied by pain, fever, vision changes, or inability to open the eye should be evaluated right away.

Ear swelling can affect the outer ear, earlobe, or the area around the ear. Causes may include:

• Infections such as otitis externa (swimmer’s ear) or middle ear infections
• Trauma or blunt injury
• Allergic reactions or insect bites
• Piercing complications

If the swelling is severe, spreading, or comes with fever or drainage, prompt treatment is essential to prevent complications.

At The Emergency Center, we specialize in urgent care for swelling—no appointment necessary. Here’s what sets us apart:

We offer immediate access to imaging (like CT scans and ultrasounds), blood work, and cultures to determine the cause of swelling fast.

Our board-certified physicians have extensive experience identifying whether swelling is due to infection, injury, allergic reaction, or something more serious.

We provide immediate relief through IV fluids, antibiotics, antihistamines, steroids, or pain medications. If necessary, we’ll drain abscesses or refer you to a specialist for follow-up.

Unlike traditional ERs, you’ll be seen quickly and treated efficiently in our calm, private environment.

Swelling doesn’t follow business hours—neither do we. Whether it’s 3 PM or 3 AM, we’re here when you need us.

Swelling might seem like a minor symptom, but it can be a sign of a serious problem. If you or a loved one experiences sudden, painful, or unexplained swelling, come to The Emergency Center right away. With convenient locations, top-tier care, and no long waits, we’re ready to help you feel better—any time, day or night.

The Emergency Center. Real Emergency Care. Real Fast.

The Emergency Center

San Antonio
11320 Alamo Ranch Pkwy
San Antonio, TX 78253
Phone: 210-485-3644

Conroe
4019 Interstate 45 N,
Conroe, TX 77304
Phone: 936-247-9457