Swollen Legs and Ankles
Symptoms of Vein Disease
Swelling in the legs, 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 to learn more about your symptoms and risk factors.
What Causes Ankles to Swell?
Inflammatory disorder: Sometimes leg swelling is due to an inflammatory disorder. These disorders are often accompanied by pain and you should see a doctor to determine the cause.
Medication side effects: Leg swelling can also be a side effect of a medication. However, you should consult your doctor before stop taking a medication.
Fluid Retention Issues: If you find your legs seem swollen and heavy at the end of a day, you may be dealing with fluid retention issues.
Pregnancy complication: Pregnant women often deal with swollen feet, ankles and calves, as do overweight people. You may consider elevating your legs, restricting your salt intake and moving around more frequently.
Venous Insufficiency: 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.
Blood clots: 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. Learn more about deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
When to See a Vein Doctor Near Me?
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.
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Shortness of breath with exertion or lying flat in bed
Fainting or dizziness
Coughing blood
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.
Why Physicians Vein Clinics
We have 12 convenient vein locations across South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota.
Board-certified vein doctors with high skills and years of experience.
Minimally invasive vein care and vein treatments.
Treatments for Swollen Ankles and Legs
If venous insufficiency is determined by the doctor as the cause of your swollen legs, there are several minimally invasive options for you at Physicians Vein Clinics. Depending on the condition and nature of your disease, our doctor will create a customized treatment plan that works best for you.
Conservative Therapy: Often, a vein doctor will prescribe medical-grade compression stockings for you to relieve the symptoms first. Many insurance companies require the use of a compression hose before considering other procedures.
Endovenous Laser Ablation: This is a minimally invasive treatment option that helps reduce/eliminate the swelling symptom by sealing off the diseased or problematic veins. Our doctor puts a thin catheter into the faulty vein and closes off the leaking vein. Once the vein is sealed, blood circulation improves and swollen legs and ankles improve over time.
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.
