That Swelling in Your Lower Legs May Not Be Due to the Heat

Many people experience some swelling (edema) in their legs and feet occasionally, and it can be due to the heat and what’s known as heat edema. Persistent or frequent swelling, however, can indicate potentially serious problems with the health of your veins and circulatory system. 

The skilled physicians at Pearl Cardio-Vascular of Inland Empire located in Chino and Pomona, California, specialize in the treatment of varicose veins, peripheral artery disease (PAD), and other issues that can cause swelling in your legs and feet.

Learn more about what might be causing those puffy legs and how our expert team can help.

When your legs swell

Swelling (edema) in your legs is caused by a buildup of fluid that may be related to heat, excessive salt intake, pregnancy, or periods of prolonged standing or sitting. This type of leg swelling is temporary and easily relieved with simple actions like propping your feet up on a pillow, taking a quick walk around the block, or even engaging in a few ankle rolls or other movements that get your blood flowing again.

If the swelling is persistent, begins to occur frequently, or worsens over time, however, leg swelling may indicate:

• Venous insufficiency
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clot
• Heart, kidney, and/or liver disease

These conditions all threaten the circulatory health of your legs. Venous insufficiency, for example, is a leading cause of varicose veins and indicates problems with the return of blood to your heart.

What is PAD?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries leading to the legs. This narrows these vessels and reduces vital blood flow to the legs, which can cause:

• Swelling
• Skin discoloration
• Painful cramping, which often worsens with activity and decreases with rest
• Sensation of heaviness or fatigue in the legs

At Pearl Cardio-Vascular of Inland Empire, our physicians provide the comprehensive care needed to manage PAD.

Treatments for leg swelling

Effective treatment for leg swelling starts with identifying the cause of the swelling. Once they've determined the underlying issue, our physicians may recommend:

• Managing your risk factors, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure
• Exercising regularly
• Elevating your feet at the end of the day
• Using compression stockings
• Taking medication to dissolve blood clots
• Surveillance ultrasounds to monitor arteries and veins 

Pearl Cardio-Vascular of Inland Empire also performs procedures onsite when appropriate to treat the root cause of your leg swelling, such as repairing damaged veins and removing blood clots or blockages in arteries. Your physician explains your treatment plan before scheduling your procedure and is happy to discuss the expected outcomes, etc., in detail.

For outstanding medical care for leg swelling from a top-rated vascular expert, schedule a visit with the team at Pearl Cardio-Vascular of Inland Empire today by calling our office or booking an appointment online.