Many adults struggle with leg swelling as they age. This health concern can cause a smorgasbord of symptoms, including unsightly and uncomfortable varicose veins. However, the physical and visual symptoms don’t have to be a new constant in your life with modern medical technology.
Premier Med Group provides comprehensive options for vein treatment in New Jersey. Our team goes in-depth about swollen legs and their relationship with varicose veins below. Explore why these conditions occur and how you can approach them.
What causes symptoms like Leg Swelling?
Swollen legs, medically known as peripheral or leg edema, occur when too much fluid gathers in your legs. Leg edema is a fairly common occurrence, you can treat it with a doctor’s help. But first, you need to know the causes of leg swelling to find an effective remedy. Leg swelling may develop as a result of:
- High blood pressure
- Heart conditions
- Kidney diseases
- Obesity
- Cirrhosis
- Medication side effects
- Inflammatory conditions
- Blood clots
- Chronic lymphedema
- Previous injuries
- Varicose veins
How do Varicose Veins contribute to swollen legs?
Varicose veins manifest as raised blue or purple veins just beneath the skin. Up to 73% of the worldwide population can suffer from varicose veins, according to a medical analysis available on Sage Open Medicine regarding the topic.
This condition develops when your blood cannot flow properly through the leg veins to the heart, resulting in the blood remaining in the leg and pooling in weak veins. This causes swelling in your legs and development of varicose veins..
You will typically see them below the knee. Some accompanying symptoms you might notice include:
- Achy or heavy feeling in your legs
- The urge to move your legs
- Sudden leg cramps
- Skin color shifts near the veins
How can you reduce swelling in your legs?
Since leg swelling and varicose veins develop from leg fluid retention, your primary efforts should involve encouraging blood circulation and movement. The following lifestyle habits can ease the swelling and lessen inflammation:
- Lowering your sodium intake
- Raising your legs when you rest
- Light daily exercise
- Using compression socks
While these simple shifts can do a world of good, you may enjoy more substantial improvements with medical treatments too.
What vein treatments may help with leg swelling?
Clinics like Premier Med Group offer numerous treatments for varicose veins.
Some effective options include:
- Sclerotherapy: Your practitioner injects a solution into the affected veins. The solution seals the veins shut, and they eventually fade away.
- Radiofrequency ablation: This treatment collapses varicose veins with radiofrequency energy. A practitioner slides a tiny catheter into each vein. The catheter heats the vein with energy until it collapses.
- Laser therapy: A tiny laser is inserted into the varicose veins to create scar tissue that closes them.
- Vein removal: A surgeon removes the affected veins via minimally invasive surgery. Many patients only need two weeks to recover from the procedure.
Each listed treatment essentially closes off the varicose veins. Eventually, they disappear following these permanent closures.
How do these varicose vein treatments benefit you?
The thought of closing veins might thwart people who are new to the idea. But you might enjoy a higher quality of life because of these treatments’ benefits:
- Less pain: Your legs may return to a normal size and cause less pain. That means more mobility, better sleep, and a higher sense of well-being.
- Fewer future complications: Varicose veins can increase your risk of blood clots. Closing or removing them reduces those risks.
- Better circulation: Your blood flow may improve following your procedure.
- Less invasive: Vein treatments are typically minor procedures with few risks.
- Easy candidacy: Many people can qualify for these treatments because of their low-risk nature.
Trust Premier Med Group to treat swollen legs and varicose veins
Let’s find the optimal treatment for your leg swelling woes. Premier Med Group specializes in alleviating varicose vein discomfort. Book your consultation at one of our New Jersey clinics today.
Doctors listed in our directory accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to learn more about mitigating swollen legs and treating varicose veins? We’re happy to provide some additional information below. Contact Premier Med Group to find effective treatment options for your specific condition.
Can I have my varicose veins massaged?
No, you cannot have your varicose veins massaged. Massages can rupture the veins or loosen blood clots.
Should I exercise to help with swollen legs?
Yes, you should exercise to help with swollen legs, but do so under the direction of your doctor. They can tell you what exercises to try and avoid to prevent additional complications.
Can creams reduce the appearance of varicose veins?
Yes, creams can reduce the appearance of varicose veins. A pilot study published on PLoS One found that a cream slightly reduced the prominence of varicose veins. However, the improvements were small and may not compare to medical treatment.
Is leg swelling always serious?
No, leg swelling is not always serious. Some cases are temporary or cause few noteworthy symptoms, while others can decrease your mobility and cause considerable discomfort.
