Leg swelling is a common condition that can result from various sources. Sometimes it is simply due to fluid retention, while in other cases, it may be associated with chronic venous insufficiency or blood clots. When the swelling persists despite regular exercise and diet changes, it may be time to visit a vascular doctor for an evaluation.
Often, patients are unaware of when a blood clot has developed; if there is a history of clotting, the chances of another development increase. If one has a history of blood clots and is experiencing leg swelling in one or both legs, scheduling an appointment as soon as possible is crucial.
Once a blood clot forms, it can block the flow of blood through the vein, causing blood to pool, resulting in swelling. Blood clots can also break off from their original location, travel to a major artery, and cause severe consequences, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, strokes, or death. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually the legs, causing pain, swelling, and discomfort.
Edema, or fluid accumulation in the body’s tissue, is one of the most common reasons for leg swelling. Chronic leg edema is characterized by persistent leg swelling that does not lessen after resting for some time or happens frequently. Edema can result from various factors, including venous insufficiency, lymphedema, heart or kidney failure, or certain medications.
If leg swelling occurs in one or both legs and has a red, dark blue, black, green, or shiny color, it is time to schedule an appointment with the vascular doctor. This is often a clear indication of developing vascular ulcers or chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Vascular ulcers are open sores that develop on the skin of the legs or feet due to poor circulation, resulting in the legs being cool to the touch.
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the valves in the veins of the legs become damaged or weakened, causing blood to pool in the veins and increasing pressure in the lower legs. This leads to leg swelling, pain or discomfort, discoloration, blood thickening, and ulcers.
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that appear blue or purple in color. They are most commonly found in the legs and feet but can also occur in the veins that prevent blood from flowing backward to become weak or damaged. This causes blood to pool inside the veins, leading to their characteristic appearance.
Spider veins are similar to varicose veins but smaller and closer to the skin’s surface. The often appear as red or blue lines that resemble spider webs, hence their name. They can appear anywhere on the body but most commonly occur in the legs and face. However, leg swelling and pain are uncommon symptoms of this condition, so if either occurs, it is time to schedule an appointment.
We hope this article was helpful. If you are experiencing leg swelling in association with any of the above symptoms, contact us to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://visoc.org or call Vascular & Interventional Specialists of Orange County at (714) 598-1194 for an appointment in our Orange office.
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