Leg swelling is a common issue, particularly among aging adults. While your leg swelling might occur if you spend many hours on your feet, it might also be a symptom of venous insufficiency. It is essential to visit a medical specialist to establish the exact cause of your leg swelling. Dr. Vinod Kumar, a board-certified cardiologist and the team of experts at Heart Vascular and Leg Center, provides innovative technology and testing to treat your leg swelling and answer any related questions. For more consultation or evaluation, call or book an appointment today.
What Exactly Is Leg Swelling?
Leg swelling is a condition resulting from the accumulation of fluid, commonly known as edema, in the legs or lower extremities. The swelling often develops in your ankles, feet, thighs, or calves. Your leg swelling might result from inflammation after injury or an illness that affects the leg joints or joints, such as arthritis.
What Are the Common Causes of Leg Swelling?
Many conditions and factors can cause leg swelling. Some of the most common include;
- Overweight or obesity
- Sitting or standing for long periods
- Taking a high-salt diet
- Particular medications such as hypertension drugs, hormones, or antidepressants
- Respiratory or cardiovascular diseases
In some cases, leg swelling might be a symptom of an underlying endovascular disease such as varicose veins, venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis, or peripheral arterial disease. Regardless of the cause, the vascular specialists at Heart Vascular and Leg Center will provide you with the best and right treatment.
What Occurs During the Evaluation of Leg Swelling?
When you go for a swelling leg evaluation, the vascular specialist takes you through a patient-focused exam. This usually involves reviewing your symptoms, family, and medical history and a physical examination focused on your legs. To diagnose the primary cause of your leg swelling, the doctor might suggest diagnostic tests such as blood tests, angiography, vascular ultrasound, and CO2 angiography. Your specialist will determine the right test for you based on your symptoms.
What Are the Available Leg Swelling Treatments?
Various treatment plans for leg swelling are customized for every patient based on the underlying cause. The common treatment plans include;
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Lifestyle Changes
One way of relieving your leg swelling is making various lifestyle changes. Your provider might recommend you eat a healthy diet, exercise, and avoid standing or sitting for prolonged periods. It’s also recommendable to lose weight if you are obese or overweight and avoid smoking if you are a smoker.
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Endovascular Treatment
In severe cases of leg swelling, your vascular specialist might utilize endovascular treatments to address the underlying vascular conditions. The endovascular treatment plans range from noninvasive treatments such as compression stockings to minimally invasive therapies to eliminate or close off the affected veins that might be causing your leg swelling.
Leg swelling can be a mere sign of old age but can also be a sign of a severe underlying problem. Call Heart Vascular and Leg Center or book an appointment online today to find the answers and treatment required to alleviate leg swelling and other vascular conditions.
