Leg Swelling

What is leg swelling?

Leg swelling usually develops from an accumulation of fluid, also called edema, in your lower extremities. The swelling may occur in your feet, ankles, calves, or thighs.

You may develop leg swelling from inflammation after an injury or a disease that affects the tissue or joints in your legs, such as arthritis. 

What causes leg swelling?

Many factors and conditions can cause swelling in the legs. Some of the most common include:

• Prolonged periods of standing or sitting
• Overweight or obesity
• Certain medications such as hormones, hypertension drugs, or antidepressants
• High-salt diet
• Cardiovascular or respiratory disease

Your leg swelling may also be a symptom of an underlying endovascular condition such as venous insufficiency, varicose veins, or peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may also cause leg swelling.

No matter the cause, the experts at Heart Vascular and Leg Center can provide the answers and treatment you need.  

What can I expect during an evaluation of leg swelling?

When you see the cardiologists and vascular care specialists at Heart Vascular and Leg Center for a leg swelling evaluation, you can expect a patient-focused exam. 

Your specialist reviews your symptoms, medical history, family history, and medications you take during your evaluation. Then, they perform a physical exam, placing close attention to your legs.

To diagnose the cause of your leg swelling, your specialist may request diagnostic tests, such as:

• Vascular ultrasound
• Angiography to assess blood flow using a special dye
• CO2 angiography to determine blood flow using CO2 (carbon dioxide)
• Blood tests

The team reviews the types of tests you need and the information they provide.

How is leg swelling treated?

The team at Heart Vascular and Leg Center develops individualized treatment plans for leg swelling based on the underlying cause. 

Your treatment plan may include:

Lifestyle changes

You may be able to relieve your leg swelling by making a few lifestyle changes. Your specialist at Heart Vascular and Leg Center may suggest not sitting or standing for prolonged periods, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in daily exercise.

The team may also suggest weight loss if you’re overweight or obese, or smoking cessation if you’re a smoker. 

Endovascular treatment

Heart Vascular and Leg Center also offers endovascular treatments to address vascular conditions.

Your endovascular treatment plan may range from noninvasive procedures such as compression stockings to minimally invasive therapies to close off or remove the affected veins that may contribute to your leg swelling. 

To get the answers and treatment that you need to alleviate leg swelling, contact Heart Vascular and Leg Center by phone or schedule an appointment online today.