What causes leg swelling?
Leg swelling, or peripheral edema, can happen for many reasons. Some common causes include excess weight, liver disease, kidney disease, infections, extended periods of sitting, and prolonged standing. But, if you have chronic leg swelling, you may have an underlying circulatory system problem.
Common circulatory problems that lead to leg swelling include deep-vein thrombosis (blood clots), chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), varicose veins, and lymphedema.
It’s more likely to be a circulatory problem if you have localized leg swelling with no noticeable swelling elsewhere. With circulatory conditions that cause leg swelling, you can also experience leg pain, heaviness, itching, or other leg-area symptoms.
When should I see a vascular specialist for leg swelling?
If you have leg swelling along with chest pain, breathing difficulties, fainting, dizzy spells, or coughing up blood, call Vascular Surgical Associates, LLC, right away.
Book an appointment at your earliest convenience if you have problems such as:
- Leg swelling that doesn't dissipate after elevating your legs
- Leg swelling that's spreading to other areas
- Leg pain along with swelling
- Change in leg skin appearance along with swelling
- Slowed leg hair growth along with swelling
- Slowed toenail growth along with swelling
In general, any persistent or chronic leg swelling requires medical attention, especially if you have other symptoms as well.
How do you diagnose the cause of leg swelling?
The Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, team starts with a complete medical history, review of your current medications, lifestyle review, and risk assessment.
During your physical exam, the team may also perform a venous Doppler ultrasound test. This painless test shows your blood as it flows through your legs to reveal how your veins function.
How do you treat leg swelling?
Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, offers various non-invasive, minimally invasive, and surgical solutions for leg swelling. Your specific treatment depends on the root cause of your leg swelling.
In many cases, leg swelling happens because of diseased or malfunctioning veins or arteries. Treatments like VenaSeal™ can close a problem vein to give you freedom from problems like leg swelling. After treating the problem at its root, leg swelling and its accompanying symptoms fade away rapidly.
Leg swelling is your body’s message that you have a problem and may require medical attention from experts. Get answers and customized leg swelling treatment by calling Vascular Surgery Associates, LLC, or scheduling an appointment online today.
