Swelling that occurs around the ankles and near the calves can be an early indicator that serious problems are occurring. However, leg swelling could just be a temporary condition that is caused by a minor injury or from sitting too long. So, how are you to know when you should consult a specialist to see if you may need vein treatment?
We will take a look at some of the signs and symptoms that indicate you should schedule an appointment to speak with a specialist about your vein health.
Signs and Symptoms You Should Call a Doctor for Leg Swelling
If you have any of the following symptoms, it is a good idea to seek help from a healthcare provider or vein specialist. The signs and symptoms that indicate potential problems with your veins or other health problems include:
- Sudden and extreme swelling of the lower leg
- Swelling with sudden pain
- Bleeding of any skin over a varicose vein
- Development of small, tender lumps
- Open sores appear on the leg
- Home treatment doesn’t seem to make the pain and swelling subside
What Causes Painful, Sudden Swelling of the Legs?
Swelling of the legs can be caused by anything from being overweight and a lack of exercise to serious health problems, such as deep vein thrombosis or thyroid problems.
Some of the causes of sudden, painful swelling of the legs include:
- Heart failure
- Poor circulation
- Sitting too long without taking breaks to walk around
- Lack of exercise
- Being overweight
- Varicose veins
- Malnourishment
- Blood clots
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Thyroid problems
- Issues with pregnancy
- Certain medications
- Injuries
- Allergic reaction to contact with some allergen
Vein Treatment and Other Medical Treatment Options for Swollen Legs
Before a doctor can properly treat your swollen legs, he or she must determine why your legs are swelling. To help determine the cause of your swollen legs, your doctor or vein specialist will ask you various questions regarding your health history, any current health problems you may be experiencing, and any medications you may be taking. After asking these questions, the vein doctor or healthcare provider will conduct a visual examination of the swollen legs and may order ultrasound.
If it is determined that the swelling is caused by an underlying health problem, such as underactive thyroid or liver problems, the vein specialist may recommend you seek treatment for those medical problems. Seeking treatment for those problems can help reduce the swelling.
Some of the other vein treatment and medical treatment options that may be provided to you include:
- EVLT
- Sclerotherapy
- Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy
- Making lifestyle changes such as eating better and losing weight
- Making changes to medication or adding new medications to prevent blood clots
Consult with a Vein Specialist Regarding Any Leg Swelling
Ideally, any prolonged, painful, or problematic leg swelling should be checked out by a vein specialist. After all, you never know what may be causing that swelling. A specialist can assess your vein health, determine the possible cause of swelling, and create a treatment plan that will reduce any pain or problems you experience.
If you live in the Tampa and St. Petersburg area and are experiencing any leg swelling, Vein 911 can help. Call us today to schedule an appointment for your free vein evaluation.
