Leg Swelling Q & A

What is leg swelling?
Leg swelling occurs when fluid builds up in the legs, ankles, or feet. This can happen for various reasons, with common causes including heart and vascular issues that require prompt treatment. At the first sign of leg swelling, visit the Commonwealth Vein Center team.

What are common causes of leg swelling?
Conditions that commonly lead to leg swelling include:

  • Lymphedema

  • Varicose veins

  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

  • Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)

  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

  • Blood vessel problems

  • Infections

  • Leg wounds

Some causes of leg swelling are serious, so it’s important to schedule an evaluation with a vein specialist promptly.

What are the risk factors for leg swelling?
While anyone can experience leg swelling, several factors may increase your risk, such as:

  • High blood pressure

  • High cholesterol

  • Heart disease

  • Older age

  • Family history of vein issues

  • Smoking

  • Diabetes

  • Sedentary lifestyle

  • Poor dietary habits

  • Obesity

To reduce your risk of leg swelling, you can elevate your legs, avoid smoking, eat a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight. Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar is also essential.

How do specialists diagnose the cause of leg swelling?
The team at Commonwealth Vein Center identifies the cause of leg swelling by discussing your medical history, reviewing symptoms, monitoring your blood pressure and vital signs, and performing a physical exam. They may recommend urine tests, blood tests, cardiac screening, vascular ultrasounds, or other imaging procedures to confirm a diagnosis and create a tailored treatment plan.

What are common treatments for leg swelling?
Treatments that may be recommended for leg swelling or its underlying causes include:

  • Watchful waiting

  • Medications

  • Dietary adjustments

  • Lifestyle changes

  • Weight management

  • Compression stockings

  • Sclerotherapy

  • ClariVein®

  • VenaSeal™

  • Radiofrequency ablation

  • Laser vein treatment

  • Surgery

Your Commonwealth Vein Center specialist customizes each treatment plan to minimize leg swelling and reduce your risk of complications, with adjustments as needed.

For treatment of leg swelling or its underlying causes, call Commonwealth Vein Center or book an appointment online today.

Leg Swelling FAQ’s

Leg swelling can be more than a minor inconvenience; it may indicate a serious heart or vascular condition. At Commonwealth Vein Center in Colonial Heights, Richmond, and McLean, Virginia, the team of vein and vascular specialists can identify the cause of your leg swelling and provide treatment to help reduce the risk of potentially life-threatening complications. Call the nearest office or schedule an appointment online today.