From infections to medication side effects, there are many reasons why you might see edema (or swelling) in your legs. Here at Vascular Specialists, our experienced team of vascular surgeons often see leg swelling as a sign of venous disease.
If you notice any signs of venous disease, such as swelling and discomfort in your legs, our team encourages you to request a consultation at our Vein Care Institute to determine the cause of your problem and your best options for treating it.
Here, we explain what venous disease is and how leg swelling can be a sign of a vascular condition.
Venous diseases are conditions or disorders that damage your veins — the blood vessels responsible for returning blood to your heart. The following conditions are examples of venous diseases:
Depending on which condition you have, you experience different symptoms. For example, varicose veins may make your legs feel achy or heavy, while venous ulcers might cause a red, shiny sore.
Venous diseases can cause swelling in your leg. Swelling in your ankles and feet, for example, may be an early sign of venous insufficiency — a condition caused by malfunctioning or faulty valves in your veins that make it harder to pump blood up your legs and back to your heart.
Swelling can indicate other issues, too. Venous insufficiency can lead to deep vein thrombosis. DVT occurs when a thrombus — a blood clot — forms in one or more of the deep veins in your legs. This can cause swelling as well as cramping, redness, and a feeling of warmth in the area of the clot.
If your legs are swollen, keep these tips in mind:
Even though leg swelling can sometimes be managed with these tips, it may be a sign of something more serious. When you notice swelling that persists, make an appointment with a vascular specialist.
Swelling doesn’t always indicate a medical emergency; however, if swelling is accompanied by other symptoms — pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath — seek emergency medical attention. This can be a sign of a pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a clot breaks off and travels to the lungs.
When you notice the first signs of venous insufficiency, you don’t have to wait until problems progress before you seek vascular care. At our Vein Care Institute, we’re equipped to treat a variety of venous diseases.
We can help you get the right treatment for your venous disease to help avoid unwanted complications like swelling, blood clots, and ulcers. Treatments we offer include sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation, and VenaSeal™.
To learn more about venous disease and leg swelling, schedule a consultation at our office in either Tinley Park or Evergreen Park, Illinois. Call us at 815-824-4406, or you can simply request an appointment online.
