Leg Swelling

What does leg swelling look like?

Leg swelling is a buildup of fluids in the legs and feet, making your legs look larger than normal. The swelling may affect one or both legs. Depending on the cause, you may have skin discoloration or wounds that don’t heal. The swelling may also make your legs feel tired and achy. 

I have swelling in one leg. What causes this type of leg swelling?

Swelling in one leg means the problem is localized and likely related to a problem with circulation. Vascular conditions that cause leg swelling include:

Venous disease

Venous disease affects the function of your veins. If you have damaged veins in your legs, they may not efficiently return blood to your heart and lungs, causing your legs to swell. This condition is called venous insufficiency.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

PAD reduces blood flow in the peripheral arteries due to a buildup of plaque (fat, cholesterol, and other substances) along the wall of the blood vessel. Over time, the buildup limits or blocks the flow of blood, affecting circulation. 

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

A DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein in the leg. Leg swelling with pain is a symptom of this type of vascular disease. 

What happens during a leg swelling evaluation?

Your provider at Pearl Cardio-Vascular of Inland Empire conducts a thorough evaluation when you come in with concerns about leg swelling. They review your symptoms and medical history and examine your legs. The practice performs various tests, such as ankle-brachial Index (ABI), vascular ultrasound, and bloodwork, to confirm or rule out a diagnosis. 

What are the treatments for leg swelling?

Treatment for leg swelling depends on the cause. Your provider at Pearl Cardio-Vascular of Inland Empire educates you about their findings and treatment options, which may include:

• 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.

Leg swelling can mean you have a problem with circulation. Call Pearl Cardio-Vascular of Inland Empire today or book an appointment online to get the answers you need.