How to Manage Leg Swelling and Discomfort

How to Manage Leg Swelling and Discomfort

If you’re experiencing frequent leg and foot swelling, aching, or a heavy sensation, it could be a sign of an underlying vascular issue. At California Vein & Vascular Centers in the Bay Area, CA, we specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that cause leg swelling and discomfort. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, identifying the root cause is essential for long-term relief and improved quality of life. With personalized care and minimally invasive treatment options, our team can help you regain comfort and mobility with expert solutions on how to reduce leg swelling.

What Causes Leg Swelling & Discomfort?

Leg swelling, also known as edema, occurs when fluid builds up in the tissues of the lower extremities. While occasional swelling after standing or traveling is common, chronic or worsening swelling can signal more complex medical issues. Some common leg swelling causes include:

• Venous Insufficiency – When leg veins struggle to return blood to the heart, blood can pool in the legs, leading to swelling and discomfort.
• Lymphedema – A buildup of lymphatic fluid caused by blocked or damaged lymph vessels.
• Inactivity or Prolonged Standing – Lack of movement can slow circulation and contribute to fluid retention.
• Injury or Inflammation – Sprains, strains, or infections may lead to swelling in one leg.
• Medications – Certain medications for blood pressure, diabetes, or hormones can contribute to swelling.
• Obesity or Pregnancy – Both can increase pressure on the veins in your legs, limiting circulation.

When Is Leg Swelling a Sign of a Serious Condition?

If leg swelling comes on suddenly, is only on one side, or is paired with pain, tenderness, or breathing difficulty, seek medical attention immediately. At California Vein & Vascular Centers, we’re equipped to evaluate and rule out these more serious conditions quickly and accurately. Leg swelling can occasionally be a symptom of a life-threatening issue, such as:

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – A blood clot in a deep vein that causes swelling, pain, and redness, typically in one leg. If untreated, it can lead to pulmonary embolism.
• Heart, Liver, or Kidney Disease – These conditions can alter fluid balance and cause swelling in both legs.
• Infections or Cellulitis – Especially if swelling is accompanied by warmth, redness, or fever.

Medical Treatments for Chronic Leg Swelling & Pain

When conservative measures like elevating your legs or wearing compression socks aren’t enough, medical treatment may be necessary. At California Vein & Vascular Centers, our leg swelling treatment plans are tailored to your condition, ensuring you receive the right solution for long-term relief. We offer a wide range of non-surgical and minimally invasive solutions, including:

• Sclerotherapy – Used for treating vein-related swelling, this procedure closes malfunctioning veins that cause blood pooling.
• Radiofrequency Ablation – A minimally invasive procedure using heat or laser to seal damaged veins and reroute blood flow to healthier vessels.
• Medication – Diuretics or anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed in specific cases.

When to See a Vein or Vascular Specialist for Leg Swelling

If you’ve been living with leg swelling or discomfort for more than a few weeks, especially if symptoms are worsening, it’s time to see a specialist. Signs that warrant evaluation include swelling that doesn’t improve with elevation, skin changes like redness, thickening, or ulceration, a heavy, tight, or aching sensation in your legs, recurrent leg cramping, especially at night, or bulging or visible varicose veins. These symptoms often point to chronic venous insufficiency or another vascular issue that requires professional care. Delaying treatment can lead to complications such as blood clots, skin breakdown, or long-term mobility issues.

How Our Specialists Diagnose the Cause of Your Leg Swelling

At California Vein & Vascular Centers, we use a combination of medical history, physical examination, and advanced diagnostics to identify the underlying cause of your leg swelling. We pride ourselves on using state-of-the-art equipment and having highly trained staff who provide excellent care to provide you with relief from your symptoms quickly. Once we have made a diagnosis, we can design a treatment plan that gets to the root of your discomfort and provides lasting results.

Get Relief—Contact California Vein & Vascular Centers

You don’t have to endure daily leg swelling or discomfort. Our board-certified vein specialists are here to help you feel better, move better, and live better. At California Vein & Vascular Centers, we combine medical expertise with compassionate care to offer the most effective solutions for chronic leg swelling and vascular conditions. Contact us today to speak with us about how to get rid of leg swelling.