Most people have experienced leg swelling due to injury, prolonged standing or sitting, or vein problems. In some cases, the fluid build-up may go down after a short walk, but if it persists, seek medical care. You may benefit from Warner Robins leg swelling treatment at Middle Georgia Vascular Surgery Center & Vein Solutions if you have painful leg swelling with skin discoloration.
What factors contribute to leg swelling?
Leg swelling is often due to fluid retention in your leg tissues, a condition medically known as edema or inflamed tissues. The swelling can occur in our thighs, feet, calves, and ankles. The build-up of fluid in your legs may cause painful symptoms that limit your mobility. Leg swelling may indicate an underlying disorder in your kidneys, circulatory system, or lymphatic system. You may also get swollen legs after sitting or standing for an extended period. Other factors contributing to leg swelling include hormone therapy, chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis, cardiomyopathy, lymphedema, and heart failure.
Vascular disorders that can contribute to leg swelling
Excruciating leg swelling with skin discoloration can signify deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in your veins). If you notice skin discoloration with swollen legs, inform your doctor immediately to prevent pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening complication in which the blood clot moves to your lungs. Disorders such as chronic venous insufficiency and peripheral artery disease also lead to leg swelling in advanced stages. If left untreated, these conditions can deteriorate and cause leg ulcers that rarely heal on their own and take time to heal with medical intervention.
When should you consider going for emergency care?
In some cases, leg swelling may resolve independently, but if it persists and is accompanied by debilitating pain, you may need medical intervention. Symptoms that signify a severe heart condition or blood clot include coughing blood, chest pain, dizziness or fainting, and shortness of breath. Also, seek emergency medical care if leg swelling occurs for no known reason, is accompanied by pain and pale skin, and is a result of a car accident or sports injury.
Leg swelling due to a specific drug may appear just like that associated with kidney disease. Contact your doctor immediately for a medical exam to rule out life-threatening disorders and treat the cause.
What are the available treatment approaches for leg swelling?
If peripheral edema is the cause of your leg swelling, moving around often minimizes the fluid build-up because exercise promotes the transportation of the fluid back to your heart. Other nonsurgical remedies that may reduce leg swelling include wearing compression socks, elevating your legs, and massage to promote circulation. Dr. Burkett may recommend minimally invasive surgery for vein problems like chronic venous insufficiency. He may recommend the ClosureFast procedure, which involves radiofrequency energy to seal the affected vein, which your body naturally absorbs and redirects blood to flow in healthy blood vessels. Your provider may also recommend sclerotherapy which involves injecting Varithena foam or sclerosant liquid into the affected vein to seal it. Dr. Burkett may also recommend lifestyle adjustments and encourage managing your underlying disorders such as diabetes that may lead to leg swelling.
Call the Middle Georgia Vascular Center & Vein Solutions to get relief from leg swelling to book an appointment online.