An Omaha Varicose Vein Doctor On The Impact Of Swollen Legs & Ankles On Your Overall Health

Swelling in the legs and ankles can be caused by any number of reasons, many of which are not a medical concern. Poor circulation in abnormal leg veins caused by vein disease is another story. The frustration, pain and discomfort associated with swollen legs can be further complicated by the progressive nature of vein disease. Dr. Thomas B. Whittle, a top Omaha varicose vein doctor, shares what untreated swelling in the legs and feet can do to your overall health and wellbeing.

How might Omaha residents be affected by swollen legs and ankles associated with abnormal leg veins?

Venous insufficiency is the condition that underlies many cases of swollen legs and ankles. In this condition, the tiny valves that keep blood flow moving in a one-way motion malfunction, allowing for slowed movement of blood up and out of the veins. The trapped blood creates pressure inside the affected veins, and along with the collection of other body fluids,the legs swell up. To compensate for the fluid retention, the surrounding leg tissues soak up some of the excess fluids, increasing the swelling. And if the condition becomes severe enough, venous stasis ulcerations can form along the lower legs and ankles.

Swelling is uncomfortable and can become debilitating

When you have swollen legs and ankles, you may not feel up to being active. Getting regular exercise helps promote healthy circulation through the leg veins and decreases the risk for developing heart disease, diabetes, and other major health concerns. Conversely, a lack of exercise from suffering from painful legs and ankles can increase these risks. According to varicose vein treatment doctors in Omaha, longer-term lack of movement such as bed rest from severe venous complications or overseas air travel while suffering from vein disease can also increase the risk for developing life-threatening blood clots.

Complications from swollen legs and ankles can increase your risk for infection

The extra fluid in the legs makes the surrounding skin tight and overstretched. Sometimes the skin reacts by thickening up and becoming discolored. In some people, the stretched skin becomes thin, brittle, and easy to cut or tear. Skin in bad condition, in addition to poor circulation, can be painful and slow to heal. Open wounds also leave the legs open and accessible by harmful bacteria that can cause dangerous infection. Until you seek professional care from a vein care specialist in Omaha, keep the affected area clean and supple with damp compresses and moisturizing lotion.

You may have to wear funny looking socks every day for the rest of your life

Wearing compression stockings can treat minor cases of venous insufficiency and ulcers. These specialty stockings are made of a strong elastic fiber that applies a gentle pressure to the leg veins to help keep the blood from flowing backwards. Some patients only need to wear compression stockings for a few days or weeks. But other patients, particularly those who do not undergo varicose vein treatment in Omaha, have to wear these socks long-term, which can be a huge drain on self-esteem.

You can avoid and heal these complications with prompt treatment from Dr. Whittle and the team at Heartland Vein and Vascular Institute. If you want to learn more about the conditions that cause swollen legs and ankles and the effective treatments we offer, please visit www.heartlandvein.com. To begin on a care plan to reduce swelling and have you looking and feeling better soon, call us at 402-298-5740.

Author Bio: An Omaha varicose vein doctor describes the ways swollen legs and ankles can affect your life without treatment from Heartland Vein & Vascular Institute.