Leg Swelling

What is leg swelling?

Leg swelling occurs when you have fluid buildup in your legs, ankles, or feet. The swelling can occur for a variety of reasons, but common causes include heart and blood vessel disorders that require immediate treatment. See the Commonwealth Vein Center team at the first sign of leg swelling.

What are the common causes of leg swelling?

Common conditions that can cause leg swelling include:

• Lymphedema
• Varicose veins
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• Blood vessel problems
• Infections
• Leg wounds

Some conditions associated with leg swelling are serious, which is why it’s important to schedule an evaluation with a vein specialist right away.

What are the risk factors for leg swelling?

While anyone can develop leg swelling, certain factors can increase your risk of experiencing it. Examples include:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Older age
• Family history of vein problems
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Lack of exercise
• Poor dietary habits
• Obesity

Ways to reduce your risk of developing leg swelling include elevating your legs, not smoking, eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy body weight. You should also properly control your blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar.

How does my doctor find the root cause of leg swelling?

Specialists at Commonwealth Vein Center look for the cause of leg swelling by discussing your medical history, reviewing your symptoms, checking your blood pressure and other vital signs, and completing a physical exam. 

They may recommend you complete urine tests, blood tests, cardiac screening, vascular ultrasounds, or other imaging procedures to make a final diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.

What are common treatments for leg swelling?

Treatments your provider could recommend for leg swelling or its underlying cause include:

• Watchful waiting
• Medications
• Dietary changes
• Healthy lifestyle changes
• Healthy weight management
• Compression stockings
• Sclerotherapy
• ClariVein®
• VenaSeal™
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Laser vein treatment
• Surgery

Your Commonwealth Vein Center specialist personalizes each treatment plan to reduce your risk of complications, in addition to minimizing leg swelling. They can make changes to your treatment regimen if needed.

To get treated for leg swelling or its cause, call the Commonwealth Vein Center office or book an appointment online today.