Swelling in the legs and ankles, also known as peripheral edema, is due to a number of causes ranging from non-serious to severe. Swollen legs and ankles can be an indication that you might have an underlying disease such as venous insufficiency, lymphatic problem or a kidney condition. In fact, almost 90% of swollen legs are associated with vein disease. You should see a doctor immediately for sudden, unexplained leg swelling.
Book a free screening with our vein specialists or call 888-782-8346 to learn more about your symptoms and risk factors.
Ankle swelling is an early common symptom of venous insufficiency. The condition develops when blood inadequately moves back from your legs and feet to your heart. In normal conditions, the blood flows upward with one-way valves; however, as these valves get weaken, the blood leaks back down the vessels, leading to fluid retention in soft tissues in ankles and feet. Chronic venous insufficiency can also cause other symptoms to develop including skin ulcers, discoloration, and infection. If you experience any symptoms of venous insufficiency, you should see a vein specialist near you.
Sometimes leg swelling is due to an inflammatory disorder. These disorders can cause other symptoms like discomfort or warmth in the area, and you should see a doctor to determine the cause.
Chronic venous insufficiency is one type of inflammatory disorder that can cause ankle and leg swelling. Other types of inflammatory conditions include cellulitis, rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune conditions like lupus, among others.
Leg swelling can also be a side effect of medication. However, you should consult your doctor before you stop taking a medication. Your doctor at Physicians Vein Clinics will review all of your medications with you during your appointment to determine whether swelling is a side effect and if any adjustments are needed.
If you find your legs seem swollen and heavy at the end of a day, you may be dealing with fluid retention issues.
Pregnant women often deal with swollen feet, ankles and calves. This is caused by the body retaining more fluid than usual, which can collect in the lower extremities. The growing uterus also places more pressure on the veins in the pelvis and lower legs, which can cause more fluid to build up. During this time, compression stockings can support healthy circulation and reduce the amount of fluid that collects in the lower legs. Patients can also consider lifestyle changes such as elevating the legs and restricting salt intake. Stay as active as possible and drink enough water every day.
Blood clots are another cause of swelling in the ankles and feet. A blood clot stops the return of blood flow back to the heart and can pose a life-threatening health concern if it develops into deep vein thrombosis. If you have swelling in one leg, along with other vein symptoms, call your doctor immediately.
Conditions that affect the heart, lungs and liver interfere with how fluid is able to circulate and drain in the body. When the heart does not pump effectively, blood may move more slowly through the body. This can cause fluid to collect in the legs and ankles. In some cases, lung conditions can put more strain on the heart and increase pressure in the blood vessels. Liver disease can also cause swelling by reducing the protein (albumin) that normally keeps fluid in the bloodstream instead of the surrounding tissues.
When the lymphatic system does not properly drain fluid from the tissues, the ankles and legs become swollen. This is a condition called lymphedema, which can be caused after cancer treatment, lymph node removal, injury or infection. Lymph vessel malfunction can also be congenital. In addition to swelling, the skin may also thicken and the limb can feel heavy and restricted. Lymphedema is usually unilateral, meaning it affects one limb.
This chronic condition involves abnormal fat distribution in the hips, thighs or lower legs. It primarily affects women and is usually symmetrical, meaning both legs are involved. The feet are not typically affected by this condition. Lipedema does not resolve with leg elevation or weight loss and requires a special type of treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes, compression stockings, medications, non-invasive treatments and surgery.
Physicians Vein Clinics
If you have been involved in a fall or accident, if the swelling is occurring in just one leg or if the leg is accompanied by pale, cool skin you should call your physician right away. Leg swelling accompanied by the following symptoms is also an indicator of serious problems. If you have any of these symptoms besides swollen legs, call an ambulance or head to the emergency room immediately.
Ignoring swollen legs or ankles worsens the underlying problems over time. If you have tired, painful, or swollen legs or ankles, we recommend you seek a vein doctor to have your symptoms diagnosed and start your customized treatment plan. Untreated swollen legs can lead to serious health problems including leg ulcers, blood clots, and infection.
Getting an expert evaluation of your veins by a vascular doctor is a critical step in helping you gain control of your legs. At our vein centers, we offer a free screening for every patient.
If venous insufficiency is identified as the cause of your swollen ankles or legs, a vein specialist will first evaluate the severity of your condition and symptoms. At Physicians Vein Clinics, treatment plans are personalized and may begin with conservative measures before determining whether additional intervention is appropriate.
Conservative therapy often includes the use of prescription-grade compression stockings, such as 20-30mmHg graduated compression or higher, to help improve circulation and reduce swelling. In many cases, this initial approach is recommended to manage symptoms and support vein health, and it may also be required by insurance providers before other treatment options are considered. We may recommend additional lifestyle adjustments, such as elevating the legs to encourage swelling to go down.
If vein conditions are causing ankle and leg swelling, we can close off diseased veins using radiofrequency energy. During endovenous radiofrequency ablation, we use a thin catheter to deliver the heat to the vein and seal it from the inside. As the blood flows through healthier veins, circulation improves and there is less pooling and pressure in the veins, which decreases ongoing ankle and leg swelling.
When a non-thermal treatment is preferred to treat diseased veins, one option we can offer is VenaSeal. This is a medical adhesive that is delivered into the vein using a catheter. Once the adhesive is inserted into the vein, light pressure from the outside causes it to seal shut. As blood is rerouted, it reduces venous pressure in the lower legs and reduces fluid buildup.
Some veins can be treated with a method known as sclerotherapy. During this treatment, an FDA-approved foam or liquid solution is injected into the affected vein. Once there, the chemical agent irritates the vein and causes it to collapse. We also perform sclerotherapy under ultrasound guidance for precision during treatment.
When swelling is caused by faulty veins near the surface of the skin, ambulatory phlebectomy may be the right option. Veins are directly removed during this procedure under local anesthesia. Because we use a small punch instead of incisions, you will not need stitches after the treatment. You will be able to drive yourself home right after your ambulatory phlebectomy, but make sure to bring your prescription compression garments to your appointment to wear right away.
Contact the trusted team of vein specialists at Physicians Vein Clinics to ensure your swollen legs and ankles taken care of. Using the latest technology and vein treatments available, we can help you get your legs back to feeling like new.
