A Polk County Vein Doctor Presents the Expert Guide to Swollen Legs and Ankles

How do your legs and ankles feel at the end of the day? If you’re like millions of Americans suffering from vein disease, they feel achy, tired, and uncomfortably swollen. Swelling in the legs and ankles can happen for a number of reasons and can signify many different problems. Some of these causes, such as standing for an extended period of time, are relatively benign. Other issues, such as blood clots, are far more serious. That’s why Dr. Obinna Nwobi has created this expert guide to swollen legs and ankles. Read on to learn more about what this symptom might mean for you.

When might someone experience swollen legs and ankles?

Your legs and ankles can swell for a number of reasons. You may be experiencing inflammation in tissues or joints inside your legs, or you may be suffering from a buildup of fluid. In most cases swelling will go away on its own, but in rare instances it may be a sign of kidney failure, heart failure, or issues in the liver. If your leg and ankle swelling is accompanied by chest pain or difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately. If your swelling develops more gradually and is not accompanied by these symptoms, Tampa vein experts suggest scheduling a consultation with your general practitioner to find out what may be causing the problem.

Home treatments for swollen legs and ankles

There is no need to simply put up with swollen legs and ankles while you wait to meet with your doctor. Instead, some simple home care techniques may help you find relief. Lakeland vein experts suggest exercise as an effective method to reduce swelling. The muscle movements that occur while you walk, run, swim, or bike help to move blood and other fluids out of your ankles and calves, thus relieving some of the swelling. You may also wish to invest in a pair of compression stockings. These specialized socks apply gentle, graduated pressure to your legs and ankles. The socks squeeze more tightly on the lower parts of the leg, helping to move fluids upwards.

Leg and ankle swelling and your veins

While meeting with your general practitioner you may learn that your swelling is caused by venous insufficiency. This condition is not uncommon in men and women, particularly in those over the age of 50. Venous insufficiency occurs when a person’s veins are no longer able to effectively transport blood out of the lower extremities. Instead of moving up towards the heart, fluids give into gravity and settle into the legs and ankles. If this occurs, swelling is often soon to follow.

Home treatments may give you some relief from vein disease related swelling, but to treat the problem for good you should schedule a time to meet with a Polk County vein doctor. Your doctor will likely run a few non-invasive tests to help him learn more about veins’ condition. He will then advise you on the treatment options available to help get your veins functioning at their best. Minimally invasive vein treatments are available to address problematic veins, improve your aesthetics, protect you from dangerous complications, and relieve that uncomfortable swelling.

Our St. Petersburg vein center, Premier Vein Institute, works with patients of all ages and health backgrounds to help restore healthy vein function and reduce swelling. We can help you too. Give us a call at 1-888-VEIN-CARE to say goodbye to leg and ankle swelling for good.

Author Bio: What causes swollen legs and ankles and how can this uncomfortable problem be solved? A Polk County vein doctor & Tampa Vein Specialists offers an expert guide to this common issue.