Vein Symptoms
Leg Swelling as a Symptom of Vein Health
Swollen legs are uncomfortable and easy to dismiss as a minor issue. They are often a sign of an underlying vein problem, and occasionally of something that needs attention the same day.
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The Cause
What Causes Leg Swelling?
The most common cause is venous insufficiency. The valves in your veins stop closing properly, so blood pools in your legs instead of returning to the heart, and fluid builds up in the tissue around them.
Long hours standing or sitting, extra weight and pregnancy all add to the pressure. Kidney, heart and liver conditions, and some medications, can cause swelling too, which is why it is worth getting a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
How to Treat Leg Swelling
Treatment depends on the cause and how severe the swelling is. It usually starts with the simplest thing that works and steps up from there.
- Leg Elevation
- Regular Exercise
- Healthy Weight
- Compression Therapy
- Sclerotherapy
- Endovenous Laser
When to Act
When to Seek Medical Attention for Swollen Legs
Most swelling settles with elevation and movement. See a doctor promptly if any of these apply.
- Swelling that is severe or comes on suddenly
- Swelling with pain, redness or warmth in the leg
- Swelling that does not improve with home treatment
- Swelling with shortness of breath or chest pain
Don't Wait
The Reason You Don't Want to Wait
Swelling in one leg, with pain, warmth or a reddish-blue tint, can be deep vein thrombosis. Left untreated, vein disease also progresses:
- Skin discoloration around the ankle
- Skin thickening and hardening
- Venous ulcers: open sores that are slow to heal
- Deep vein thrombosis: a clot in a deep leg vein
- Pulmonary embolism if a clot travels to the lungs
- Chronic pain and heaviness day to day
Swelling in one leg with pain, redness or warmth needs medical attention right away. Everything else is far easier to treat early than late.
Learn More About Vein DiseaseRelated
See other symptoms
Spider VeinsTiny, web-like veins visible on the skin's surface, usually in the legs or face.Read More
Venous InsufficiencyA condition where blood flow through the veins is inadequate, leading to swelling and discomfort.Read More
Varicose VeinsEnlarged, twisted veins that are often visible just under the skin, commonly in the legs.Read More
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