5 Things That Could Happen if You Have Swollen Legs & Ankles, According to a Vein Care Specialist in Long Island

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Swollen legs and ankles can be caused by just about anything from a turned ankle to a high sodium diet. To a vein care specialist in Long Island, however, swelling in the lower body is typically a warning sign of advanced vein disease. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that swelling is related to vein disease, often brushing it off as something minor that will resolve over time. If vein disease is the cause of your discomfort, the reality is that the swelling won’t improve and may, in fact, become worse.

Keep reading to learn more about what could happen if you don’t seek advanced vein treatment from a vein care specialist in Long Island for your swollen legs and ankles.

What are 5 things that might happen to Long Island residents who have swollen legs and ankles?

There are two main types of vein disease that can cause swollen legs and ankles—venous insufficiency and thrombosis. Venous insufficiency is poor circulation that occurs when the veins are unable to move blood out of the vein. This is often associated with tired, heavy legs and varicose veins. Thrombosis is a condition in which one or more blood clots form within a vein. When this happens in the major leg veins that return blood to the lungs, the consequences can be dire.

1. Bothersome side effects. The pressure and swelling caused by the buildup of fluids that become trapped due to the underlying vein disease can cause all sorts of unpleasant symptoms. Throbbing, aching, and feverish skin are only a few of these. You may also be bothered by the unsightly appearance of puffy legs and feet, as well as any visible bulging veins that might have developed.
2. Skin changes. The skin surrounding the swollen area can become dry and fragile, making it easily injured and hard to heal. Many times, dryness can make the skin feel itchy, and could become so dry that it can crack and bleed. The irritated skin can become red and thick, which might stay even after the underlying disease and swelling have been treated.
3. Disability. Swollen legs and ankles are certainly uncomfortable. They are heavy, puffy, and the underlying poor circulation makes you feel lethargic and unmotivated to be active. Sometimes the pain associated with the swelling can be so terrible as to keep you off your feet entirely.
4. Blood clots. Also called thrombi, clots can be worrisome at best. In surface veins, blood clots can cause irritation and pain in addition to the swelling. If blood clots form in the deep lying leg veins, the condition becomes a medical emergency.
5. Death. In extreme cases, the side effects of swollen legs and ankles can be deadly. The poor healing skin can leave you prone to infection that, if left untreated, can spread to your cells and travel through your bloodstream and invade major organs. Additionally, mobilized blood clots can be deadly if they block off blood supply to your heart or lungs.

The only way to know if vein disease is what’s actually behind your puffy legs and feet is by getting a venous assessment from a vein care specialist in Long Island. Dr. Andrew Rochman and his team are highly experienced in caring for patients suffering from all stages of vein disease, both from venous insufficiency and thrombosis, and can recommend a variety of treatment options. So, call the best Long Island vein treatment center today at 516-821-0242 or go online to begin tackling your swollen leg and ankle concerns.