There are many possible causes of swollen legs and ankles that are not necessarily concerning, such as standing too long, eating a salty dinner or an unfortunate side effect of medications. Other times, however, people may suffer from swelling in the legs and ankles due to more concerning health issues, such as vein disease or congestive heart failure. Either way, people assume swelling is swelling and not much else will come of it. The focus of this article is on vein disease, in which swelling in the lower extremities is one of the most common symptoms. Read on to learn about the role vein disease plays in swelling, what can happen if you experience swelling and how seeking Long Island vein treatment can be a life saver.
What do residents of Plainview, NY need to know about swollen legs and ankles caused by vein disease?
Swollen legs and ankles are the result of fluid buildup. Vein disease makes the upward pumping action of normal veins inefficient or impossible, so blood flow slows and stagnates. Trapped fluid inside unhealthy veins succumbs to gravity and results in puffy, stretched out skin. Blood stuck inside veins can be seen near the skin surface as spider or varicose veins, but these swollen, ropey veins can also develop deep inside the leg tissue as well. Hardened or damaged veins are often to blame for the production of varicose veins, but blood clots can also cause this problem.
Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, occurs when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood in the deep-lying leg veins. The blockage can hinder the blood supply in and out of the major leg veins, depriving your lower body of the oxygen and nutrients it needs from a nourishing blood supply. Furthermore, if the blood clot breaks away and flows with the bloodstream into the heart, lungs or brain, the results can be dire. Disability, organ damage and death can result from DVT without prompt medical attention.
According to varicose vein treatment specialists in Long Island, swelling alone can cause complications without timely treatment. If swelling is left untreated too long, patients can suffer from skin discoloration, changes in skin texture, pain, and itchy dermatitis. Over time, the tightly stretched skin can become thin and fragile, making injury and infection a real concern. Long Island vein specialists often recommend elevating the affected legs to drain fluids away from the lower body and keeping the skin near the affected area clean and well moisturized.
If I have swelling in my lower body, should I see a vein doctor?
Vein disease is just one of the many possible causes of swollen legs and feet. If you have exhausted other causes and still do not know why you are experiencing swelling, vein disease may be to blame. People at a higher risk for developing vein disease, such as those who are overweight, smoke, or have a family history of vein disease, may benefit from seeking help from a vein doctor.
If you think vein disease may be to blame for your discomfort, you should see a doctor for a comprehensive venous evaluation and assessment. Our medical director, Dr. Andrew Rochman, is a top Long Island vascular doctor who is also up-to-date with minimally invasive and convenient vein treatment techniques such as sclerotherapy and ablation. To learn more about vein disease, or to schedule a consultation, give us a call at 516-821-0242.