Leg Swelling Treatment
La Bella Vita Laser and Vein Center
Cardiovascular Surgeons & Phlebologists located in New Orleans, Covington, LA & Metairie, LA
Leg swelling treatment is a common but little-known symptom of venous insufficiency, a condition that occurs when your veins don’t move blood through your body efficiently. La Bella Vita Laser offers Leg Swelling Treatment at our Vein Center in Covington and Metairie, Louisiana. Dr. Randall Juleff helps you to relieve your leg swelling and discomfort with customized treatments for venous insufficiency. Call or make an appointment online today to learn more.
Leg Swelling Q & A
How does venous insufficiency cause leg swelling?
The veins in your legs are responsible for sending blood back up to your torso. When you have venous insufficiency, your blood doesn’t flow efficiently back to your heart, which causes a backup of blood and other fluid in your legs. This can lead to edema, the medical term for swelling. When venous insufficiency causes leg swelling, it may affect one or both legs.
What causes venous insufficiency?
Venous insufficiency usually results from a blockage or valve malfunction, and in some cases, blood even flows backward through damaged or malfunctioning veins. Varicose veins, blood clots, and other blockages can all lead to venous insufficiency.
What are the symptoms of venous insufficiency?
Venous insufficiency commonly affects the legs, as your veins work against gravity to send blood back to your heart. Other symptoms include:
- Muscle cramps, aches, and fatigue in the legs
- Brown or red skin discoloration, usually around the ankles
- Itchy or burning skin
- Restless leg syndrome
- Skin ulcers
How is leg swelling treated?
Unlike edema caused by other issues, diuretic medications aren’t effective at relieving venous insufficiency-related leg swelling. Dr. Juleff uses endovenous ablation to treat this type of edema.
Endovenous ablation heats the malfunctioning veins, causing them to scar and close, which forces your blood to follow healthier and more efficient routes back to your heart.
Dr. Juleff may recommend compression stockings to promote healthy and efficient circulation. You may also need to elevate your legs during the day to help blood and other fluids move out of your legs and into your torso.
Can I prevent venous insufficiency and leg swelling?
You can reduce your risk of developing venous insufficiency by making lifestyle choices that support a healthy cardiovascular system. For example, you should follow a healthy and balanced diet and exercise regularly. Not only does this keep you fit and healthy overall, but it also helps you avoid obesity, a common cause of venous insufficiency. It’s also important that you avoid smoking and spending too much time sitting or standing in place.
If you’re concerned about swelling in your legs, call or make an appointment online today.
*Individual results may vary.