Leg swelling, also known as edema, is a common complaint among individuals with vein disorders of the legs. This condition can arise from various causes, but one of the most frequent is chronic venous insufficiency, where the vein valves in the legs become "leaky." When these valves don't function properly, blood and fluids pool in the lower extremities, leading to fluid seeping into the surrounding tissues. This typically results in swelling around the ankles and lower legs, which can worsen if left untreated. Fortunately, comprehensive evaluations and effective treatment options for leg swelling are available at Inovia Vein Specialty Centers.
What Causes Leg Swelling?
There are a variety of causes of leg swelling. One hint of the cause can be considered when considering if the swelling is one sided (unilateral) or both (bilateral).
Also, it can help to understand if the swelling is new (acute) or has been around for a while (chronic). Finally, it helps to understand if it gets better at night, or is always the same. A vein specialist can take a history and do physical exam and learn a lot about the possible causes of swelling.
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Is Leg Swelling a Serious Problem?
Leg swelling can be serious. Because some causes of leg swelling are related to other serious health problems, it is important to know which signs to look out for. We recommend that you seek an immediate medical evaluation if there is:
- A rapid onset of swelling in one or both legs (less than 72 hours), which can indicate deep vein thrombosis. Rapid swelling in both legs can also suggest an issue with the kidneys, heart, liver, or thyroid.
- A large amount of swelling in one or both legs, which can indicate a blood clot or tumor.
- Redness, warmth, leg pain, or skin ulceration, when the swollen leg should be checked for blood clots and infection..
- Extreme pain in a swollen leg that looks pale or feels numb, as the swelling may be cutting off circulation to the leg.
- Swelling combined with other concerning symptoms, like dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, and/or chest pain, as these may be a sign of pulmonary embolism or a serious heart, kidney, liver, or thyroid condition.
Diagnosis & Treatment for Leg Swelling
Our area of expertise is the medical evaluation, often with diagnostic ultrasound of the veins, and then discussions with our vein experts to discuss options to treat the poorly functioning veins when indicated.
Generally, a commonly prescribed approach for edema treatment is movement, compression, and elevation. Other approaches include manual lymphatic drainage and decongestion therapy from certified lymphatic massage specialist and pneumatic compression pumps for some patients on a long-term basis.
Minimally invasive office-based vein treatments can help reduce swelling over the long term in some patients.
Why Choose Inovia Vein Specialty Centers
Inovia Vein Specialty Centers was founded with a mission to bring expert, minimally invasive vein care directly to the communities that need it most. Unlike many vein specialists who operate in hospitals with higher fees and added complexity, our treatments are performed entirely in-office using the latest outpatient techniques. This office-based model enables us to provide care that is affordable, convenient, and centered on the patient's experience from start to finish.
Since opening our first clinic in Bend, OR, in 2006, we've grown to become the largest vein-focused healthcare provider in the Pacific Northwest, with locations throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. Our board-certified vein specialists offer decades of trusted experience and are committed to using the most advanced, evidence-based treatments, including innovations like VenaSeal, which we were the first to introduce in Oregon. With a strong track record of leadership, clinical research, and international education, the Inovia team partners with each patient to deliver safe, effective results with compassion and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Leg Pain & Swelling
Say Goodbye to Leg Swelling with Expert Vein Care in Portland, OR
If leg swelling or vein discomfort is affecting your daily life, the trusted team at Inovia Vein Specialty Centers is ready to help. Call us today at 1-800-834-6362 to schedule your consultation.