Leg Swelling

Leg swelling is typically associated with fluid buildup (fluid retention) or inflammation in injured or diseased tissues or joints. Leg swelling can happen in any part of your legs, including the feet, ankles, calves, and thighs.

In some cases, leg swelling could indicate a more serious disorder, such as heart disease or a blood clot.

Leg swelling for no apparent reason or leg swelling that arises with chest pain and breathing difficulties might be a sign of a serious heart or lung condition.

Leg swelling related to an accumulation of fluid in the leg tissues is called peripheral edema and is typically the result of a problem with the lymphatic or circulatory system.

When your valves and veins don’t function properly, you can have insufficient blood flow back to your heart, and blood can back up and pool in your leg veins (venous insufficiency). This can also cause leg swelling. In many cases, not enough blood is getting to your ankle and accumulates in your leg.

At Vein Institute of Westchester, Dr. Gioscia also performs doppler ultrasounds to determine what’s causing your leg swelling. Dr. Gioscia uses only the best and most advanced tools, technology, and techniques. 

What are the risk factors for leg swelling?

Some of the risk factors for leg swelling are:

• Deep vein thrombosis
• Heart failure
• Pregnancy
• Excess body weight and obesity
• Chronic kidney disease
• Inactivity
• Sitting or standing for a long time
• Cardiomyopathy (a problem with the heart muscle)
• Certain medications

People with widespread inflammatory health conditions and autoimmune diseases are more likely to experience leg swelling due to inflammation. Leg swelling due to inflammation or an autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis can be particularly painful.

How is leg swelling treated?

To treat your leg swelling, Dr. Gioscia might suggest wearing compression stockings, elevating your affected leg, taking certain medications such as anti-inflammatories to decrease inflammation, and other methods to address any specific problem veins. He might also suggest healthy lifestyle modifications to enhance your overall wellness and circulatory health, such as nutrition, stress and sleep management, and regular appropriate exercise.

In many cases, leg swelling is linked to venous insufficiency and problem veins. Dr. Gioscia can treat problem veins with effective methods like laser vein removal and sclerotherapy, where veins are targeted and sealed.

To learn more about venous insufficiency and leg swelling, be proactive with your circulatory health and schedule an appointment online or call Vein Institute of Westchester today.