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Understanding the Connection Between Vein Damage and Leg Swelling
Do you often notice swelling in one or both of your legs? Is the swelling worsened by standing up for prolonged periods of time?
While standing too long can be a contributor — and so can aging or heat — in most cases, swelling that comes and goes is a sign of vein damage.
Our experts at the Goldman Vein Institute, Alexander Goldman, MD, RVT, RPVI, and Saluja Varghese-Goldman, MD, RVT, RPVI, explain what’s the connection between vein damage and leg swelling and what treatments are available to eliminate the symptoms.
Why do your legs get swollen?
Legs get swollen due to the accumulation of fluid in your veins. Veins have valves that allow blood to flow upward (against gravity and toward the heart), but when these valves are damaged, they also allow blood to flow back, accumulating fluid. When blood pools in the lower legs due to these damaged valves, it leads to increased pressure in the vein walls and is one of the main causes of leg swelling. Because blood is more likely to flow back in the lower limbs, the legs are often the most affected by weakened valves.
Common risk factors for damaged valves include smoking, a history of vascular disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), excess weight, and pregnancy.
What types of vein damage cause swelling?
The most common forms of vein damage that lead to swelling include varicose veins, spider veins, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Spider veins are caused by malfunctioning valves found in capillaries, the small veins located at the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are caused by malfunctioning valves in the superficial veins, while DVT is caused by blood clots that block blood flow in the deep veins.
Left untreated, vein conditions can gradually worsen your symptoms as blood flow to the legs and blood pooling increase, leading to chronic swelling and venous ulcers caused by poor blood flow and damaged skin tissue.
What to do when swelling occurs
Caught early, venous disease is far easier to treat. With the help of ultrasound testing, our experts are able to assess your blood flow to your feet and determine the health of your valves.
Depending on the cause and severity, treatment options may include compression therapy, lifestyle changes, and minimally invasive procedures to close and remove the damaged veins.
If you notice swelling, heaviness, or aching in your legs, don’t wait for it to worsen. Schedule an appointment online or by phone today at our offices in Jupiter or Wellington, Florida, to learn what’s causing your symptoms and receive prompt care.
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