What Are the Symptoms of Leg Edema?
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a disorder in which the valves in the leg veins are not functioning as they should, causes blood to pool in the veins. The pooling causes high pressure, which can lead to the leaking and buildup of fluid in the legs – a condition known as leg edema.
In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms of leg edema as well as how a vein doctor can help you address the problem.
Leg Edema Symptoms
Left untreated, edema can result in increasingly painful swelling, scarring, skin ulcers, decreased blood circulation, and other complications. It stands to reason that if you experience leg edema, you should get yourself checked.
The following are some of the signs and symptoms to watch out for:
- Aching, cramping, or discomfort in the legs
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs
- Heaviness or a feeling of fullness in the legs
- Skin that feels tight
- Stretched or shiny skin
- Dimpled skin after pressing the area for at least 5 seconds
- Slow healing of wounds
How Leg Edema Is Treated
Compression therapy, which is often used in conjunction with lymphatic drainage massage, is one of the ways to improve the blood flow in your legs and address CVI-related leg edema. Compression sleeves of 20-30mmHg can be worn on the legs.
Keeping the legs elevated also helps with reducing swelling. Additionally, medications, such as diuretics, may be prescribed to assist with the drainage of excess fluid. Lifestyle changes such, as reducing salt and alcohol intake and exercising, may also help prevent the worsening of leg edema.
Your vein doctor may also resort to a minimally invasive intervention, such as sclerotherapy, ablation, or phlebectomy, to address CVI and, consequently, leg edema.
Top Vein Doctor in Kansas City & Liberty, MO
For first-rate vein care in the Liberty or Marshall area in Missouri, visit Dr. Scott Darling here at Missouri Vein Specialists. Dr. Darling is certified by the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine, which makes him highly equipped and qualified to treat the full range of vein and lymphatic issues – including chronic venous insufficiency. You couldn’t be in more capable hands!
Make an appointment with Dr. Darling today. Contact us at 816-792-3400 or use our convenient appointment request form. Our friendly staff looks forward to providing you with the best in venous treatments!
