Leg or ankle swelling after a long day on your feet can happen occasionally. But when swelling keeps returning, lasts a long time, or affects your comfort and mobility, it may be time to look for an underlying cause. Chronic leg swelling can sometimes relate to problems with your veins and circulation, so a vascular evaluation is an important step toward understanding your symptoms.
At Valley Interventional Associates, Dr. John Lee and Dr. Navin Budhwani specialize in diagnosing vascular conditions that can contribute to persistent leg swelling. Using advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques, they can evaluate your circulation, identify potential vascular causes, and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
What Causes Chronic Leg Swelling?
Swelling develops when excess fluid accumulates in the tissues of your legs. Many possible causes include prolonged sitting or standing, certain medications, injuries, and medical conditions affecting the heart, kidneys, or lymphatic system.
Vascular causes may include:
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Blood clots
- Narrowed or blocked veins
- Previous damage to the veins
- Other conditions that interfere with normal blood return from the legs
Because several conditions can cause similar symptoms, doctors must determine why your legs are swollen before starting treatment.
What Are the Signs of a Vascular Problem?
Chronic swelling may affect one or both legs. When a vein or circulation problem is involved, you may also notice:
- Aching, heaviness, or tiredness in your legs
- Swelling that becomes worse throughout the day
- Skin discoloration around your ankles or lower legs
- Tightness or discomfort
- Visible or enlarged veins
- Slow-healing sores or wounds
Sudden swelling, particularly when it affects only one leg or occurs with pain, redness, warmth, chest pain, or shortness of breath, requires prompt medical attention.
How Is Chronic Leg Swelling Diagnosed?
A vascular evaluation can determine whether problems with your veins are contributing to your symptoms. At Valley Interventional Associates, your evaluation begins with a review of your symptoms, health history, and circulation.
A vascular ultrasound may be used to examine blood flow and look for abnormalities. When more detail is needed, a peripheral venogram can image the veins and help identify narrowing, blockages, or other circulation problems.
How Is Vascular Leg Swelling Treated?
Treatment depends on what’s causing your swelling and how much it affects your health. Conservative measures may be appropriate for some conditions, while others may benefit from minimally invasive vascular treatment.
When a blockage or narrowing is identified, treatment may focus on improving blood flow through the affected vessel. Your doctor will recommend an approach based on your imaging results, symptoms, and overall health.
Why Choose Valley Interventional Associates for Chronic Leg Swelling?
- Board-certified interventional cardiologists with vascular expertise
- Advanced ultrasound and venogram imaging
- Personalized evaluation to identify the source of your symptoms
- Minimally invasive treatment options when appropriate
- Convenient office-based vascular care
- Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment in one location
Find Out What’s Causing Your Leg Swelling
You don’t have to simply accept persistent swelling as part of getting older. If your legs or ankles remain swollen or your symptoms persist, finding the cause can help you understand your treatment options. Valley Interventional Associates provides comprehensive vascular evaluations for patients in Oakland and Wayne, NJ. Contact our team at (973) 692-0033 to schedule an evaluation.